The Anchorage Daily News reported last week that property owners on Big Lake are being notified about dock permits.  Evidently permits have always been required, but few property owners have them.  They were either not aware, or disregarded the permit process. 

Big Lake is one of two lakes in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough that the Army Corps of Engineers regulates under an 1899 federal law as a navigable water body, meaning the water is used or could be used to transport foreign or interstate commerce per the Daily News article.

The Corps has indicated they are not out on Big Lake looking for problems or to penalize anyone in as much as they are just trying to get people to obtain a permit and come into compliance.  I also think they are trying to maintain safety (docks coming loose etc.) on Big Lake.  As we all know, there have been several accidents on Big Lake in the past few years. 

For the private landowner, new dock permits cost $10 and require a public notice period. New commercial permits cost $100.   Work on existing, permitted docks is generally free, as long as it stays within a certain size.

Well just when you thought you were up to date on land use requirements, you find out there's always more to know.  Kristan