The first Mat-Su Basin Salmon Science and Restoration Symposium was held on October 15th and 16th at the Central Public Safety Building in Wasilla. The symposium goals were to provide a forum to share information on restoration and research projects related to Mat-Su watersheds and salmon habitat conservation and to promote an exchange of ideas about salmon science and restoration in the Mat-Su Basin. Approximately 90 people shared their projects and experience in studying salmon, streams, lakes, and wetlands in the Mat-Su Basin.

Presentations spanned a wide range of topics.  Several presenters highlighted fish passage restoration projects on Mat-Su streams and assessment of their benefits to salmon. Federal agencies and a local consultant reported on multiple studies about geology, erosion, and salmon distribution on the Matanuska River and its tributaries.  Other topics included wetlands mapping, invasive aquatic plants, Green Infrastructure planning, upcoming development projects, salmon distribution throughout the Mat-su Basin, conservation of public lands, and integrating restoration with education.

The Alaska District of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Mat-Su Basin Salmon Habitat Partnership, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Mat-Su Borough, and The Nature Conservancy co-sponsored the symposium.