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 State of Alaska > Natural Resources > Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
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Deep Creek / Anchor River Off Road Vehicle Trails Plan
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Trails on the Lower Kenai Peninsula have developed using the path of
least resistance through riparian zones, along stream courses, and across
adjacent wetlands because upland vegetation prevents easy passage. In
1999, while working on another project in the Lower Kenai Peninsula,
ADF&G biologists noticed an increase in the number of ORV trails and
associated stream crossings. A pilot project that year identified the
growing impact of a user defined trail network on the wetland and riparian
habitats of upper Deep Creek and Anchor River. The ADF&G completed comprehensive aerial surveys of the lower Kenai Peninsula trail system during fall 2000 and developed a database of stream crossing locations. Both visual and statistical data describing the problem was presented to a variety of groups and agencies, including the Governor's Trails and Recreational Access for Alaska (TRAAK) Board. The TRAAK board took a keen interest in this problem and encouraged the DPOR, as the state's lead on recreational trail use, to take an active role in seeking a solution. The ADF&G secured a grant from the Alaska Coastal Management Program to initiate a scoping process to identify the issues surrounding ORV use on the Lower Kenai Peninsula. This scoping process included interviews with appropriate stakeholders. Preliminary analysis of the interview responses indicated that the most important issue concerning ORV use on the lower Kenai Peninsula is the effect ORVs have on fish and wildlife habitat. This includes stream crossings, water quality and an increase in stream sedimentation. Respondents were also concerned about public access issues, including losing access if a plan was adopted, increased use if trails were improved, trespass on private property and parking / trail heads improvements. Many other issues were voiced, among them: excessive noise, user conflicts while hunting, unsafe and disrespectful use of ORVs, the lack of designated trails, trespass cabins were contributing to the increase in ORV use, the difficulty in getting permits for trail improvement projects and the lack of agency coordination. Virtually everyone interviewed believed that some sort of plan for ORV use was necessary and many felt that it was long overdue. Everyone interviewed felt that some sort of a collaborative public process involving all stakeholders, including agencies and the borough was required. Return to main page |
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Last updated on Tuesday, March 2, 2010.
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