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History.
Lazy Mountain is a local geographic name reported in 1951 by the U.S.G.S. The area was first farmed around 1912.
"Palmer's Upper House," a boat-accessible trading post, was located on the east side of the Matanuska River, upriver from today's Matanuska River Bridge on the Old Glenn Highway. George Palmer's store catered to Dena'ina Athabascans who traded with the Ahtna from Copper River. The area was homesteaded as early as 1915, when the railroad brought employment. Lazy Mountain Children's Home operated from 1947 until it was destroyed by fire on December 8, 1960. At one time, Mat-Su Borough established a ski lift & warm-up hut at the Lazy Mountain Recreation area. It has since been dismantled.
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Location and Climate.
The community lies at the base of 3,720-foot Lazy Mountain, 3 miles east of Palmer in the Mat-Su Borough. It lies east of the Matanuska River, off the Old Glenn Highway. It is approximately 45 miles from Anchorage. (Sec. 7, T018N, R003E, Seward Meridian.) Lazy Mountain is located in the Palmer Recording District. The temperatures in January range from -35 to 33; in July, 42 to 85. Annual precipitation is 16.5 inches, including 43 inches of snowfall. For current conditions:
Lazy Mountain Weather
Lazy Mountain aviation information: FAA: PAIZ-ICAO (3-Letter IZY)
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Culture and Demographics.
Only 4.7% of the population are Alaska Native or part Native. Lazy Mountain is a large developed area outside of Palmer. Most residents are non-Native. Students are bused to schools in Butte or Palmer.
Locals are employed in a variety of positions in Anchorage or the Palmer/Wasilla area. Vegetables, grain, hay and potatoes are grown; a number of "U-Pick" farms exist in the area. There are no retail stores, but several home-based business.
Unlike most areas in the Mat-Su Valley, Lazy Mountain population is not increasing significantly.
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