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Last Update Thursday, November 19, 2009
Alaska Trails Initiative Project Selections – 2009/10
The following projects have been tentatively selected by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation to be funded with FFY 2009 Alaska Trails Initiative (ATI) dollars. In total, the State of Alaska will receive 1.9 million dollars from the 2009 Omnibus Appropriation. Upon transfer of ATI funding from Congress and successful completion of NEPA evaluation, project dollars will be allocated to the listed organizations. Overall project review and approval will be conducted by the Western Federal Lands Office, which provides general compliance and program oversight. All projects have been previously funded in subsequent cycles of ATI funding. The intent of this round of funding is to complete projects or carry them to the next phase.
**These projects are in accordance with congressional intent language for the Public Lands and Highway Discretionary (PLHD) program, which states that projects must be: “within, adjacent to, or provide access to Indian reservations and/or Federal public lands, including national parks, refuges, forests, recreation areas, and grasslands”.
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| PROJECTS: |
ESTIMATED COST: |
| Juneau Nordic Trails, Juneau Nordic Ski Club |
$133,180 |
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Funds will be used to complete the trail linking the EaglecrestLodge to the beginning of the Treadwell Ditch. |
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Provides access and is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest. |
| Sitka Cross Trail, Sitka Trail Works, Inc. |
$333,000 |
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Funds will be used to complete a one-mile segment of trail and an 80’ bridge, linking a new neighborhood subdivision with the existing multi-use pathway (the Sitka Cross Trail). |
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Provides access and is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest. |
| World War II Causeway Trail, Sitka Trail Works, Inc. |
$80,000 |
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Funds will be used toward the clean-up expense of the World War II Causeway trail, which includes the removal of coastal debris and hazardous structures. |
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Provides access and is adjacent to Bureau of Land Management
causeway lands, which connect the islands of the historical site. |
| Iditarod Easement Adjudication, Iditarod Trail Committee |
$359,674 |
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Funds will be used to support two positions to complete trail easement adjudication for two years. |
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Project crosses Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Chugach National Forest lands.
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| Perseverance Trail Enhancements, Trail Mix |
$100,000 |
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Funds will be used to continue the widening and upgrade of the existing historic trail and pay for the construction of a 50’ bridge over Gold Creek. |
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Provides access and is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest. Under Thunder Trail, Trail Mix, Inc. |
| Under Thunder Trail, Trail Mix Inc. |
$200,000 |
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Funds will be used to complete the construction of trail between Jennifer Drive and the existing “Powerline Trail” leading to the U.S. Forest Service’s Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. |
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Provides access and is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest. |
| ADF&G Wildlife Trail Development, ADF&G |
$112,675 |
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Funds will be used for signage, educational materials, and brochures for the Kenai Wildlife Viewing Trail and Alaska Coastal Wildlife Viewing Trail. |
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Materials and signage will be used within the Kenai Wildlife Refuge. |
| Iditarod Trail, United States Forest Service |
$75,000 |
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Funds will be used to construct 1.1 miles of trail that will connect the Winner Creek Gorge trailhead to the Girdwood Elementary School. |
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Provides access to the Chugach National Forest. |
| Spencer Lake Trail, United States Forest Service |
$100,000 |
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Funds will be used to complete an additional trail to a cabin site which includes the construction of 30’ bridge. |
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Project is located within the Chugach National Forest |
| Nugget Falls Accessible Trail, United States Forest Service |
$63,200 |
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Funds will be used to complete the final section of the Nugget Falls trail which leads hikers to a waterfall and the Mendanhall Glacier view point. |
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Project is located within the Tongass National Forest. |
| Auke Lake Trail, University of Alaska, Southeast (UAS) |
$123,982 |
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Funds will be used to create an interconnecting trail from the Auke Lake trailhead parking area to the UAS campus. |
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Project crosses NOAA Land and provides access to the Tongass National Forest. |
| White Mountain Ski Trails, City of White Mountain |
$31,289 |
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Funds will be used to improve existing ski, cross-country running, and subsistence trails that lead out of the village of White Mountain. |
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Project is partially within and adjacent to the White Mountain Native Corporation lands. |
| Tsalteshi Trail Improvement, Tsalteshi Trail Association |
$74,000 |
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Funds will be used to install 2.5 kilometers of trail lighting and
signage; and will contribute to the purchase of maintenance
equipment. |
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Project is adjacent to the Kenai Wildlife Refuge. |
| Administrative Overhead (6%), Div. of Parks and Outdoor Rec. |
$114,000 |
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Total = $1,900,000
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Pass-through funds for the WWII Causeway Tr., Sitka Trail Works |
$187,200 |
| This funding is a final payment that comes from the Safety-Lu
Transportation Bill for the WWII Causeway Project (original
funding from this Bill was a line item of $850,000 for the WWII
Causeway and Multi-Use Trails). |
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Grand Total = $2,087,200 |
For more information regarding this round of Alaska Trails Initiative funding, please contact:
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Bill Luck
State Trails Coordinator
Alaska State Trails Program
Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
(907) 269-8699
bill.luck@alaska.gov |
Albert Loop Trail Re-Opened
(Anchorage, AK)– The Albert Loop Trail, which is in the vicinity of the Eagle River Nature Center, has been re-opened following its annual seasonal closure. To reduce the potential for human bear encounters, the Albert Loop trail is annually closed during the late summer/fall season until winter freeze up.
The lifting of this closure does not signal the end to a possible encounter with a bear. Whenever on an Alaskan trail, individuals must always be prepared to chance upon a bear, and be knowledgeable in recognizing their behavior and know how to respond to an encounter.
SnowTRAC Board Meeting December 10th & 11th
(Anchorage, AK) – On December 10th and December 11th from 8:30am to 4:30pm, SnowTRAC will have an advisory meeting at the Atwood Building (Suite 240) to discuss various SnowTRAC issues. Please contact Andre Kaeppele at (907) 269-8692 if you have questions or would like to participate in this meeting.
If you are a person requiring special accommodations, auxiliary aid, or other special services to participate, please contact Andre at least one week prior to the event in order to make the necessary arrangements.
SnowTRAC consists of nine members that are regionally selected from areas across Alaska. The primary purpose of the group is to advise the DPOR Director on funding for eligible grant projects under the Snowmobile Trail Grant Program. The Snowmobile Trail Grant Program is funded through legislative authorization to receive funds from snowmobile point-of-sale registration fees. These funds are used to support snowmobile trail development and maintenance, as well as snowmobile safety and education programs.
Herman Leirer Road Corridor Public Meeting Announcement and Comment Blog
Public meeting to discuss potential trail development
When: Thursday, November 19th
6:00 to 8:00pm
Where: Legends (412 Washington St.) Seward, Alaska
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The purpose of this meeting is to find out how you, your family, and/or your business use the
Herman Leirer Road (Exit Glacier Road) corridor, and how you might like to see developed to see this recreation corridor changed. This is the beginning of research into the feasibility of developing better access within the corridor, with the intent to create a non-road link between the Seward Highway and the Exit Glacier visitor center.
Visit our project blog: www.herman-leirer.blogspot.com for more information and to take our survey of how you use the trail!
Chugach State Park Advisory Board Extension of Application Period
(Anchorage, AK) - The Chugach State Park Citizens Advisory Board announces an extension for accepting applications for four (4) board positions. The purposes of the Advisory Board, which are described in more detail in the bylaws, are to promote conservation and protect Chugach State Park, as well as facilitate communication between the public and Park managers. A list of current Advisory Board members may be found at: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/misc/chugachadviseboard.htm.
The Board is comprised of 15 members, selected to represent a broad spectrum of public interests involved with or affected by the Park. The nomination process is designed to ensure that no single viewpoint dominates the Board. In addition, our bylaws call upon each board member to represent the broad public interest rather than advocate on behalf of one specific group.
If selected as a member of the board, you would be expected to actively serve on two committees in addition to attending monthly board meetings. You should anticipate a commitment of 8 hours per month. Board meetings are generally held the second Monday of the month beginning at 6 p.m. in Anchorage. Committee meetings are scheduled by the committee chairs and vary in frequency depending on project needs and deadlines. Current committees include: Access, Budget, Nominations, Trails, Seward Highway Design, Wildlife and Planning.
Board members serve for three years and terms are staggered so that five of 15 seats open each year. Your application will be considered for the term beginning in January 2009. If you are not selected, your application will be kept on file for one calendar year in case a vacancy occurs.
The Application Form may be downloaded from: http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/misc/brdappgeneric.pdf
Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. the 30th of November and can be mailed to:
Advisory Board Application
Chugach State Park
HC 52 Box 8999
Indian, AK 99540
VALDEZ AREA STATE PARKS ADVISORY BOARD RECRUITMENT
Members of the public interested in advising Alaska State Park managers on issues relating to state parks and outdoor recreation management in Valdez, Thompson Pass, and Northern Prince William Sound are invited to apply for membership on the Valdez Area State Parks Citizens Advisory Board.
Specific state park units in the management area include Worthington Glacier, Mineral Creek, Blueberry Lake, Shoup Bay, Jack Bay, and Sawmill Bay. The board meets once a month between September and April and advises Alaska State Parks on issues relating to existing state parks and outdoor recreation issues affecting state lands.
For more information please contact District Ranger Jack Blackwell at (907) 262-5581. Applications are due by 4:00 pm, November 30, 2009 and may be faxed to the attention of Ranger Blackwell at (907) 262-3717.
Outdoor Recreational Trails Advisory Board (ORTAB) - Vacancy Announcement
(Anchorage, AK) – The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation invites interested parties to apply for two (2) vacant seats on the Outdoor Recreational Trails Advisory Board (ORTAB). Letters of interest and resumes are currently being accepted from applicants that would like to represent the Disabilities seat (statewide) and the Kodiak region of Alaska. The primary role of the ORTAB is to assist in the evaluation of grant proposals for the Recreational Trail Grant and Land and Water Conservation Fund programs. ORTAB members may also be asked for advice on other subjects, which may include the review of proposals for State Park land acquisitions. The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is seeking individuals with special knowledge, experience, and interest in outdoor recreation and grant-funded programs.
If you would like to be considered for appointment on the ORTAB, please submit a resume and a letter that describes your professional background and recreational interests. With your materials, please include the user group(s) you would like to represent, for example: backpackers, mountain bikers, ATV riders, horseback riders, dog mushers, snowmobilers, etc. We hope to select individuals that represent the regional character of the user groups and areas mentioned. Once appointed, these positions will last for a term of three years. The board meets approximately 1-2 times per year.
If interested, please respond to the State Trails Coordinator, bill.luck@alaska.gov , as soon as possible. Letters of interest and resumes should be submitted to Bill by email, or by fax at (907) 269-8907.
Additional information regarding ORTAB and the Recreational Trail Grant program can be found at www.alaskastatetrails.org. This recruitment will remain open until both seats
Dalton Highway Scenic Byway Corridor Partnership Plan Public Meeting Announcement and Review Period
Anchorage, AK) – The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (AKDOT&PF), in coordination with the project planner from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, will host a series of public meetings to discuss the second draft of the Dalton Highway Scenic Byway Corridor Partnership Plan.
The purpose of these public meetings is to provide background information on the planning process and to discuss the plan’s contents with the interested public, government agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. All interested parties are welcome to participate and are encouraged to review the plan prior to the scheduled meetings.
Public meetings were held in the communities of Fairbanks and Wiseman on September 30, 2009, and October 1, 2009 respectively. Transcripts from those meetings are available on the project website.
The plan is available for review at http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/scenic/daltoncpp.shtml.
Barrow Meetings Schedule:
- WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 5:00-7:00pm
- WHERE: Barrow, AK—Inupiat Heritage Center
Deadhorse Meetings Schedule
- WHEN: Friday, November 13, 2009, 1:00-3:00pm
- WHERE: Deadhorse, AK—DOT/FAA Combined Facility
Comments from North Slope Borough officials and those attending the meetings in Barrow and Deadhorse will be accepted for one week after the public meetings are held in those communities (until November 20, 2009). As previously publicized, the last day to submit comments for all others is October 31, 2009. The plan has been available for public review since August 31, 2009.
The Dalton Highway Scenic Byway Corridor Partnership Plan (CPP) is a comprehensive evaluation of the state scenic byway’s intrinsic qualities and serves as a guide for the management, protection, and enhancement of those qualities over time. The CPP is an expression of local desires, written in cooperation with local communities, organizations, businesses, and public agencies.
In addition to evaluating what makes the Dalton Highway unique and valued by stakeholders, the CPP expresses stakeholders’ concerns voiced during the public process and details how those concerns and challenges influence management and planning.
For more information contact Kathlene Rowell at kathlene.rowell@alaska.gov or 907.269.8742 or Marcheta Moulton at marcheta.moulton@alaska.gov or 907.465.8944.
2010 Annual Day Use & Boat Launch Decals Now Available
(Anchorage, AK) - Alaska State Parks 2010 Annual Day Use and Boat Launch Decals are now available for purchase in person at the Anchorage Public Information Center (PIC), 550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1260. Customers may also purchase the 2010 decals on line at www.alaskastateparks.org and then click on the sample decals to be taken to our secure site.
Park decals are valid for a calendar year, from January 1 through December 31. However, 2010 decals will be honored for the remainder of 2009, providing up to 14 months of recreational opportunities within the Alaska Sate Park system.
Over the past year, on-line annual pass purchasers requested a “temporary pass” that could be used while they were waiting for their pass to be sent by mail. In response to this request, the receipt provided with all on-line annual pass purchases may be used as a temporary pass for up to 10 days following the receipt date.
Alaska State Parks issues a camping pass to Alaskan Veterans with a service-connected disability. The 2009-2010 camping passes are also available at the PIC. In order to receive a pass, Veterans must provide proof of at least one year of Alaska residency and present a Veteran’s Universal Access card with “service connected disability” printed under their photograph, or a current year letter stating the veteran’s disability rating.
Day Use Decals are $40. Two Day Use Decals may be purchased for $60 when purchasing the decals for the same household with the same address. Boat Launch Decals are $75, but two decals may be purchased for $115 when purchased for the same household. Third and subsequent decals are $40 for Day Use and $75 for Boat Launch. A set of Day Use and Boat Launch decals may be purchased as a “combo set” for $100. All decals must be permanently affixed and are not transferable.
Decals will be available for purchase by mid-November at Alaska State Parks offices around the state and at the following Anchorage and Fairbanks locations:
- Chugach State Park Headquarters, Anchorage
- Alaska Public Lands Information Center (605 W 4th Ave., Anchorage)
- REI, Anchorage
- Alaska Mountaineering and Hiking, Anchorage
- Frontier Outfitters, 250 3rd St. #6, Fairbanks, Ph. 452-4774
- Prospector Outfitters, 1512 S. Cushman St., Fairbanks, Ph. 457-7372
- Beaver Sports, 3480 College Rd., Fairbanks, Ph. 479-2494
Day Use passes make great Christmas gifts – get your shopping done early and take advantage of the winter activities in your Alaska State Parks! For further information, contact the Public Information Center at 269-8400, Monday – Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00pm.
Denali State Park Trail Management Plan
(Anchorage, AK) – The Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (DPOR), has initiated a planning process to create Denali State Park’s first Trail Management Plan.
The Alaska State Legislature created Denali State Park in 1970. The park encompasses about 324,270 acres, the majority of which is undeveloped. The most recent management plan for the park was finalized in 2006 and provides overall guidance for management of park lands and development of recreational facilities, consistent with the park’s Mission Statement and applicable state laws and regulations.
The Denali State Park Trail Management Plan will set forth trail management guidelines and make recommendations for trail development in the park consistent with the park’s management plan and the Division of Parks’ Trail Management Policy.
The public is invited to become part of this planning effort by helping to identify the range of issues that should be addressed in the Denali State Park Trail Management Plan. Open houses will be held from 7-9 PM on the dates and at the following locations:
November 3 – Talkeetna/Trapper Creek Area – Su Valley Jr./Sr. High School
November 4 – Wasilla – Public Safety Building 61
(Corner of Lucille St. & Swanson Ave.)
November 5 – Anchorage – Campbell Creek Science Center
Written ideas and comments are encouraged during this initial scoping stage and should be submitted no later than December 15, 2009 by mail, email or fax.
For additional information on the Denali State Park Trail Management Plan, visit the DPOR planning web site at: www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/plans/denali/denalitrail.htm
Second Alaska Water Wise Class Offered
The Alaska Office of Boating Safety will be offering another Alaska Water Wise class on December 12, 2009 from 9am-6pm in the Atwood Bldg, 550 West 7th Ave, Anchorage. This course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard. The course satisfies most states' boating safety education requirements and may even qualify boaters for boat insurance discounts.
Segments include pre-departure preparation, boating operations, boating hazards and emergencies, cold water survival, and navigation/rules of the road. Students who attend all sessions, and pass the written exam and skills, will be issued a course completion card.
The course is free but pre-registration is encouraged. For more information contact Joe McCullough at (907) 269-8704 or joseph.mccullough@alaska.gov.
SnowTRAC Survey Posted
The Snowmobile Trails Advisory Council (SnowTRAC) needs your help to decide where your snowmobile registration dollars should go. Please take a moment to fill out the quick two page survey. Your responses will allow us to put grooming dollars where you, the riders, want them.
Snowmobile Trail Grants Awarded for 2010
The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2010 Snowmobile Trail Grant and Grooming Pool awards. The Snowmobile Trail Program is a competitive and reimbursable matching grant. Grants are available for developing and maintaining public snowmobile trails and related facilities and for safety and educational projects. The Snowmobile Trail Program’s Grooming Pool provides funding for trail grooming, marking and signage for snowmobile trails.
Grant applications were reviewed and evaluated by SnowTRAC, a statewide citizen advisory committee appointed by the Director of the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation to promote safe snowmobiling and development of facilities statewide. These grants are made possible by snowmobile registration fees paid to the State by snowmobile owners. Continuation of this grant program is dependent upon an annual appropriation by the Legislature of snowmobile registration fees.
Iron Dog Snowmobile Safety EXPO, submitted by Iron Dog, Inc.
The grantee will host a free public Expo to promote snowmobile education and safety through presentations, seminars, industry vendors, public safety organizations, and the distribution of educational brochures. The festival will be held indoors at the Dena’ina Convention Center in Anchorage on February 13, 2010 from 11am to 4pm. Iron Dog Inc. was awarded $15,000.
Mat-Su Borough Trail Marking and Signing II, submitted by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
The proposed project will fund the purchase of trail markers and signs for multiple use winter trails, primarily used by snowmobiles. Mat-Su borough will distribute the markers and signs to those trail groups and organizations who have signed agreements with the borough under the trail care program. The trail groups will be responsible for the installation and maintenance of the trail markers and signs. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough was awarded $10,557.
Snowmobile Helmet Safety Incentive, submitted by the North American Outdoor Institute.
Provide snowmobile helmets as an incentive for attending safety education training programs that include online courses, live or multi-media presentations, and hands-on field exercises taught by professional, certified avalanche and snowmobile safety trainers. Each participant that successfully completes assigned tasks and a short quiz to demonstrate their knowledge of the material presented will be eligible to purchase a Snell/DOT approved snowmobile helmet for approximately $25-$50 ($150 value). Each workshop will be geared appropriately for the audience skill level. The North American Outdoor Institute was awarded $15,000.
| Grooming Pool Allocations 2010 |
| Mat-su Area was awarded |
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$126,268 |
| Chugach Area was awarded |
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$6,000 |
| Northern Alaska was awarded |
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$36,000 |
| Kenai Peninsula was awarded |
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$45,175 |
| Southeast was awarded |
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$6,000 |
| Wood Tik-Chik State Park was awarded |
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$2,000 |
| Total Grooming Pool |
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$221,443 |
*Note: These are approximate funding allocations. Actual funding amounts will be distributed based on weather conditions and snowfall. To view a more detailed list of grooming allocations per area, please see the spreadsheet attached to the meeting minutes at our website.
To obtain more information regarding the Snowmobile Trail Grant Program visit the program’s website at www.alaskastatetrails.org/ or contact Andre Kaeppele at (907) 269-8699 or andre.kaeppele@alaska.gov
Hatcher Pass Road Closure
(Wasilla, AK) The Mat-Su Area Office of Alaska State Parks announces that effective Thursday, September 24, 2009, the road over Hatcher Pass will be closed for public safety reasons.
The east side of Hatcher Pass (Palmer side) remains open for recreational purposes. This is the typical closure over the Hatcher Pass summit road that occurs during the winter months.
For more information contact the Mat-Su Area Office at 745-3975.
Archangel Road Closure
(Wasilla, AK) The Mat-Su Area Office of Alaska State Parks announces that effective Wednesday, September 23, 2009, the Archangel Road at Mile 14.5 on the Hatcher Pass Road will be closed while DOT works on upgrading the road surface before freeze up. The road will remain closed for the rest of the winter season.
For more information contact DOT at 745-3117.
2010 Volunteer Recruiting Begins
(Anchorage, AK) - Alaska State Parks is recruiting campground host and other volunteer positions for the coming summer. Campground hosts stay in a campground and assist the ranger with visitor contact and maintenance. Hosts live in their own RV or trailer and the campsite is provided for free. A small stipend is provided if the minimum time commitment is met.
Other volunteer positions include ranger assistant, trail crew, park caretaker and natural history interpreter. Housing and a small stipend are available if the minimum time commitment is met. For more information on these full-time volunteer positions, request a 2010 volunteer catalog from the volunteer coordinator at Alaska State Parks, 550 W. 7th Ave, Suite 1380, Anchorage, AK 99501, (907) 269-8708, fax (907) 269-8907, e-mail: dnr.pksvol@alaska.gov us or find it on the internet at http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/vip.
For residents unable to make a commitment to these full-time positions, there are volunteer opportunities on a flexible and part-time basis. Come in once a week, once a month or just for a special project – whatever the contribution, it will be greatly appreciated. Contact the state parks office closest to you for more information.
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Volunteer Coordinator
Alaska State Parks
550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1380
Anchorage, AK 99501-3561
(907) 269-8708
fax: (907) 269-8907
email: dnr.pksvol@alaska.gov |
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Interior Alaska
Alaska State Parks - Northern Area
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709-4613
(907) 451-2695
Ranger Stations in Delta Jct. and Tok
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Mat-Su Valley and the Copper Basin
Alaska State Parks - Mat-Su/VCR Area
Mile 0.7 Bogard Road
HC 32 Box 6706, Wasilla, AK 99654
(907) 745-3975
Ranger Stations at Nancy Lake, Independence Mine and Denali |
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Anchorage Area
Chugach State Park
HC 52 Box 8999, Indian, AK 99540
(907) 345-5014
Ranger Stations in Eagle River and Eklutna |
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Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound
Alaska State Parks - Kenai/PWS Area
PO Box 1247, Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-5581
Ranger Stations in Homer and NinilchiK |
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Kodiak
Alaska State Parks - Kodiak Area
1400 Abercrombie Drive, Kodiak, AK 99615
(907) 486-6339 |
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Southeast
Alaska State Parks - Southeast Area
400 Willoughby Ave, P.O. Box 111071, Juneau, AK 99811-1071
(907) 465-4563
Ranger Stations in Haines, Sitka and Ketchikan |
2009 Recreational Trails Program Grant Awards
The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2009 Recreational Trail Grants. The Recreational Trail Program is a federally funded competitive and reimbursable matching trail grant program. Grants are available for development and maintenance of recreational trails and facilities, acquisition of trail right-of-way, and development of safety and environmental protection education programs. This year’s awards go to the following projects:
Interior Alaska:
Ester Dome Singletrack Trail – Happy Valley Phase: Funding will be used to construct a five mile, non-motorized, multi-use trail in Happy Valley (Fairbanks). The trail will be built to Forest Service, Class II, mountain bike trail standards. These standards incorporate sustainability requirements for alignment, grade, integrated water control, and durable tread. Alaska Trails was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Chena Flats Greenbelt Project – Dosch/Vanderpool Acquisition: Funding will allow the Interior Land Trust to acquire two parcels of land adjacent to other trust lands acquired with grant funds. Parcels will be included in the Chena Flats Greenbelt Project, and increase the size of the greenbelt to 241 acres, preserving 1.1 miles of trail in the process. The Interior Land Trust was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Denali Highway Trail Maintenance: Project funds will be used to help the Denali Highway Trail Club provide winter trail grooming on the Denali Highway. Currently their Piston Bully is in need of a new set of tracks and funds from this grant will be used to replace them. Funds will also be used to address safety concerns along the Denali Highway winter trail by purchasing and placing an emergency shelter in a high wind area that has periodically left trail users stranded. The Denali Highway Trail Club was awarded $30,000 for this project.
Compeau Connector Trail – Phase II: Funding will be used to hire a contractor to operate a tracked dozer. The operator will be employed to cut an 8’ bench, finishing the Compeau Trail. This is a continuation of work conducted in the summer of 2007 and 2008 in which grant funds were used to layout and construct 5.6 miles of trail. The Alaska State Parks, Northern Area Office was awarded $49,860 to complete this project.
Iron Dog Trail Restoration Project: Project funding will be used to clear, brush and place signage on a 1.1 mile trail re-route around private property. This new section of trail was created as a joint effort by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, the State of Alaska and volunteers to eliminate private property conflicts along the trail. An easement for the trail and reroute was recorded in 2003, and will be cleared and completed with grant funds. The Mat-su Trails Council was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Western Alaska:
Sockeye Run Bike Path and Fitness Trail: The Sockeye Run Fitness Trail/Bike Path is a proposed 1.5 mile non-motorized use trail starting at the intersection of the Alaska Peninsula Highway and School Road in downtown Naknek. The trail will follow School Road then form an exterior circle around the Bristol Bay Borough K-12 school, the Southwest Elders Home, Bristol Bay Borough pool facility, the ambulance barn, EMS housing and Camai Clinic. Thus, allowing easy access to the school children for daytime physical education classes, the elders, emergency services staff, and the public. The Bristol Bay Borough was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Northwest Arctic Borough Trail Staking: Funding will maintain and restore trail markers on approximately 1,034 miles of existing winter trails connecting villages and communities in the Northwest Arctic Borough. The Northwest Arctic Borough was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Kuskokwim 300 Trail System: Funding will be used to purchase and post reflective trail markers along the entire Kuskokwim 300 trail system. Use of wooden stakes with reflective markers along the trail will increase public safety and reduce the likelihood of deviating from the trail and becoming lost. The Kuskokwim 300 Race Committee was awarded $44,175 for this project.
Kenai Peninsula:
Calvin and Coyle Woodland Park Nature Trail Re-Development: Funding will re-route sections of trail to a more sustainable alignment. It will also be used to improve the tread of the existing trail system and develop trail interpretive materials. The Homer Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded $21,098 for this project.
Southcentral:
Hillside Singletrack Project, Phase II: Funding will provide for the design and construction of approximately 4 miles of singletrack trail in Far North Bicentennial Park in Anchorage. Trails will be built to sustainable standards for bikers and hikers. Alaska Trails was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Deception Area Trails/Lloyd’s Historic Trapline Trail: The purpose of this project is to have the Deception Area Highland Trails / Lloyd’s Historic Trapline Trail, which are part of the Haessler-Norris Winter Trail System, referenced in the Willow Area Trail Plan, to be surveyed with the state’s minimum mapping standards. This survey will then be used in the near future to determine land status and to start the easement adjudication process for the trail system. The Willow Trail Committee was awarded $8,250 for this project.
Copper Center School Trail Project: Funding will be used for the maintenance and implementation of interpretive signage along 0.95 miles of trail. Funds may also be required to re-route a 500’ segment of this trail if land-use authorization is not provided by the adjacent landowner. The Copper Valley Development Association was awarded $25,000 for this project.
Trail Crew Leader – Nancy Lakes State Recreation Area: Funding will be used for a Trail Crew Leader at Nancy Lake State Recreation Area to supervise paid and volunteer trail crew members. Grant matching will be achieved through additional labor, supervision, transportation, and tools provides by Alaska State Parks. Funding will go towards a variety of trails within Nancy Lake and other Willow area parks. Funding request is for a two-year period. Alaska State Parks was awarded $44,730 for this project.
Seven-Mile Lake Trail Re-route: Funding will be used to develop a new trail to Seven-Mile Lake along a sustainable route that was previously mapped by the Rivers, Trails, & Conservation Assistance Program. The new trail will be constructed to discourage the use of the existing degraded trail. The Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Southeast:
Sitka Cross Trail Reconstruction - Sitka High School to Kishman and Gavan Hill
Funding will reconstruct over 5,000 ft of a popular trail in Sitka. The project will correct environmental degradation and resolve dangerous trail structures. Culvert installation will correct standing water and flooding of the trail bed, failing trail structures will be removes, and the trail will be widened and hardened to 8-10 feet. Sitka Trail Works was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Nagoonberry Loop Trail: The Nagoonberry Trail will be 2.5 miles of gravel path winding through iris meadows, sweet gale thickets, stands of spruce and pine, along an open sand beach with panoramic views of Icy Straight and the Fairweather Mountains. The trail will provide the only established hiking route on the Gustavus Forelands. Both summer visitors and year-round locals will benefit from the trail. The trail will be owned, managed, and maintained by the Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Hollis Harris River Trail: Funding will be used to reconstruct .75 miles of highly degraded trail by hardening and widening it to 60”. The trail will terminate at a scenic waterfall. Funding will also be used to provide a sheltered picnic area with restrooms for area residents. If additional funding becomes available, a parking area will also be constructed, which will accommodate 10 vehicles. The Hollis Community Council was awarded $23,902 to partially fund the project. Insufficient funds were available to fully fund the entire proposal.
Middle-Dangerous River Trail: Project funds will be used to divert water from an existing, motorized trail by elevating and hardening trail tread with turnpike, geo-fabric and Geo-Block. Intermittent sections of boardwalk will also be integrated into the trail where necessary. The USFS - Yakutat Ranger District was awarded $50,000 for this project.
To obtain more information regarding the Recreational Trail Program
visit the program's website at www.alaskatrails.org or contact Bill Luck at (907) 269-8699 or bill.luck@alaska.gov
Chena River State Recreation Area Wood Cutting
Controls and Permits
Because of increased energy costs throughout the interior, illegal wood
cutting has become a more frequent occurrence in the Chena River State
Recreation Area (CRSRA). CRSRA is the only State Recreation Area that
is legislatively directed to allow any form of wood collection and removal.
It is only allowed through Alaska Administrative Code, Title 11 (11 AAC
18.010 (a) (11) in the form of a Special Park Use Permit which is required for wood collection and removal within CRSRA.
The Special Park Use Permits cost $50 and are issued through the Alaska
State Parks Northern Area office at the Department of Natural Resources
building located at 3700 Airport Way in Fairbanks and must be obtained prior to collecting and removing any
wood within the CRSRA.
The permit includes several special stipulations for firewood removal.
It is important for the permit holder to read and understand these stipulations
and how they apply to their operations before collecting and removing
wood from the area. Failure to comply with any provision or requirement
may result in a citation being issued to permit holder (or non-permit
holder), possible suspension or revocation of permit, and possible payments
due to the State for cleanup, repair, and/or legal costs associated with
illegal wood removal.
The special stipulations include:
AUTHORIZED TREES: Only down or burnt timber may be cut and removed from recreation area lands.
Only standing trees killed by fire may be felled, or removed. No
timber will be taken closer than 50 yards from any road.
CLOSURE NEAR DEVELOPED FACILITIES: No
wood, timber, or other vegetation may be cut or removed from within 1/4-mile
of a developed campground, trailhead,picnic area, cabin, or Twin Bears
Camp, unless trees have been specifically marked by Division employees
for removal.
COMMERCIAL USE PROHIBITED: This permit
allows only for the personal, non-commercial use of trees for firewood.
Wood gathered in the area may not be sold, bartered, or traded.
OBSTRUCTION OF ROAD: The permitted party
agrees to not engage in activities which may pose a hazard to other recreational
users, or obstruct vehicles on Chena Hot Springs Road or any other road
or trail in the area; and further agrees to park all vehicles with hazard
lights on in a safe manner and in compliance with State law.
PERMIT CORD LIMIT: The total household
limit which may be gathered under this permit is five (5) cords. Multiple permits may not be issued to increase this amount.
REMOVAL OF SLASH: The permitted party agrees to clean up and properly dispose
of all slash (branches, tops, and other tree debris) within 100 feet of
the road surface. Slash may be hauled into the woods and left beyond this
distance. Slash may not be deposited in water or left where it might enter
the water.
SPARK ARRESTERS AND ENGINE MUFFLERS: A muffler and spark arrester satisfactory to the grantor must be maintained
on the exhausts of all vehicles, saws and other internal combustion engines
used in connection with this permit.
Alaska State Parks will continue to enforce the requirement to possess
a permit for wood collection and removal, as well as the special stipulations
associated with the permit. Thank you for your cooperation and support
in allowing this program to continue and be successful.
Northern Area State Parks Seeks New Advisory
Board Members
Alaska State Parks is currently seeking new advisory board members to
fill three positions. Each member’s term is three years, with
an option to renew. Board members are recruited from the community at
large to represent the various recreational, historical, and cultural
resource interests in a balanced manner for the Division of Parks and
Outdoor Recreation.
The Citizen Advisory Board members fulfill an important role of communication
between Alaska State Parks and the community it serves.
Board meetings are held September through May, usually on the second
Wednesday of each month, at the Alaska Department of Natural Resources
office in Fairbanks. The board welcomes the public at the monthly
meetings.
The Citizen Advisory Board is seeking new members who would bring with
them their interest and experience in any number of recreation- related
activities, such as snowmobiling, off-road vehicle use, motor home camping,
horse riding, handicap use and commercial use.
Applications are available at the state parks office at 3700 Airport
Way or online.
For more information, contact the Park office at 451-2695.
Alaska State Parks Citizens Advisory Board
Applications Being Accepted
Members of the public interested in advising Alaska State Park managers
on issues relating to State Parks and outdoor recreation management
in the Matanuska and Susitna Valleys are invited to apply for membership
to the Mat-Su State Park Citizens Advisory Board. Specific state park
units in the management area are Denali State Park, Nancy Lake State
Recreation Area, Willow Creek State Recreation Area, Hatcher Pass/Independence
Mine State Historical Park and numerous state recreation sites in the
Mat-Su Valley. There are currently several openings on the thirteen
member volunteer board.
To apply, please call Teri Zell at 745-8931 for an application form
or you can print an application:
Submit your completed application, a resume and a short letter describing:
 reasons
for wanting to serve,
qualifications
and availability
park
user groups to which you belong.
| Send your application, letter and resume to: |
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Alaska State Parks
Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Mat-Su/Copper Basin Area Office Headquarters
HC 32 Box 6706
Wasilla, AK 99654
You may also fax us at 745-0938.
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For more information, please call Superintendent Wayne Biessel at 745-8935.
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ASP Links
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