Unless the “West Susitna mining road” is fenced on both sides, many moose and fur-bearing animals will die each winter. In my career with Alaska Department of Fish and Game, I spent a lot of time dealing with moose road kills. In deep snow years, moose like to hang around on plowed areas, and they end up as another number on the dead “moose killed on Mat-Su roadways” signs.
If the West Susitna mining road is constructed, it will need to have 10-foot fences on both sides, and then wildlife underpasses. I hope the folks running the numbers on if the road should be built will remember to budget for fencing and underpasses in the projections!
— Nick Cassara
Alaska Department of Fish and Game, retired
Palmer
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.