It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Friday January. 9, 2026.
Mat-Su Borough officials are advancing plans to build a shooting park, restrooms, and a campground in the Jonesville Public Use Area near Sutton according to the Mat-Su Sentinel.
The plan aims to curb years of unregulated gunfire, illegal dumping, and dangerous activity on the 16,000-acre site. Construction could begin in 2027, depending on state approvals and funding.
The former coal mining area of Jonesville has long been free-for-all. Many visitors use the land responsibly for target practice. However, borough planning documents describe persistent lawlessness. At least one fatality has been linked to unregulated shooting on the site.
The area lacks oversight. This creates safety risks and environmental damage according to Borough officials. A designated shooting park would bring structure and safety to the area.
The borough is partnering with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. DNR owns the land. Construction and management would be funded through borough resources, including possible grants or property taxes.
Some residents support the proposal. Sutton resident Chris Spitzer said the park would discourage dangerous behavior while preserving a legal place to shoot.
Others fear the project will attract more users and increase noise for nearby homes. Carl Wambach lives near the Jonesville area and said a designated range would draw additional gunfire. He suggests expanding an existing shooting range farther from residential areas instead.
Timothy Clark runs a vacation rental near Slipper Lake. He said the increased noise could hurt his business. He proposes placing the range farther into the public use area behind Wishbone Hill. He said this would reduce sound impacts.
Borough officials said alternative locations are not under consideration. Improving access is too costly.
Some residents question whether this will solve the problems with the current site. Chickaloon Traditional Council member Angie Wade said a regulated range could improve safety. But she worried that rule-breakers would move to other unregulated areas.
Design details remain open. Opinions are divided. For now, the plan remains unresolved.
Public comments are being accepted online, and a final open house is scheduled for January 21 from 5 to 7 p.m at Sutton Elementary School. More information is available at the Jonesville Shooting Range & Park website.
Join Mike Buck for a seminar on backcountry snow machining safety at the Health Foundation on Crusey St. in Wasilla on Monday at 7 p.m. The session is perfect for new riders or seasoned riders wanting to build confidence for off trail terrain.
Attendees will gain skills to navigate the backcountry safely and confidently. The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation have joined forces with Revel Treks and Tours to host this event.
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This Page Two article was adapted from the Mat-Su Sentinel by Emily Forstner and read by Lee Henrikson.
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That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on January 9, 2026.
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