Potential Milk Production in the Point MacKenzie Area of Southcentral Alaska

Abstract

Point MacKenzie is an area northwest of Anchorage directly across the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet (Figure 1 ). This area contains a substantial amount of latent agricultural land and discussion regarding its potential has been going on for some time. The catalyst which activated the recent planning process directed at Point MacKenzie was concern over potential loss of the southcentral Alaska dairy industry expressed on May 4, 1979, in a letter from Jack Flint, General Manager, Matanuska Maid, Inc., to Governor Jay Hammond: "It is my opinion that if we do not take immediate steps to stabilize this important phase of agriculture, [the dairy industry] will pass from the scene. I think that if it should occur, it would be a serious blow to the State of Alaska, economically and socially. I believe we should also realize that if the dairy industry should cease to exist within the state, it is going to be very difficult to re-establish it." Mr. Flint's letter and corresponding action by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough have directed planning processes of the State of Alaska toward Poinr Mac- Kenzie. The Alaska Agricultural Action Council, created by the 1979 state legislature to plan, recommend, and administer agricultural development projects on state lands in Alaska, held a meeting in the Matanuska Valley in September, 1979, and determined that an economic feasibility study, directed toward dairy production, should be undertaken for the Point MacKenzie area. This report is that feasibility study.