Preliminary Trail Condition Assessment:
The Rex Trail
In 2007, the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land & Water (Division) received
many complaints from the public regarding trail conditions, the Division's management of the eastern
Rex Trail and the implementation of current regulations. The increased level of use, trail
conditions that negatively effect safety of travelers, and restricted traditional access has compelled
the Division to reevaluate its management options for the eastern Rex Trail.
The Rex Trail is an important access route which has been in use since the 1920's, and serves
as a vital transportation route for mining, hunting, private property access, recreation, and trapping.
Several placer mines currently operate in the vicinity of the Rex Trail and private landowners
have properties in settlement areas of Gold King, Southwind, and Wood River. Both miners
and residents rely heavily on the Rex Trail in the winter for hauling supplies. More recently,
the Rex Trail has become popular with moose hunters from around the state as a land-based access
route into Game Management Unit 20A.
General state lands are managed by the Division for multiple-use consistent with Alaska Statutes
and Regulations. The management responsibility - to manage land for the maximum benefit of all
Alaskans - is delegated to the Division through the legislature by virtue of the Alaska State Constitution.
The size and scope of this responsibility is vast, and the means for implementation (staffing and
operational funds) are limited. Implementation of the Generally Allowed Use regulations
(11 AAC 96.020) and associated policies encourage a wide scope of public use of state lands without
direct agency oversight through permitting. The Division's primary management responsibility
with respect to easements has been to identify, reserve, and defend the public's right to use access
easements consistent with the purposes for which they were established. On occasion, there is
a potential need for trail restrictions or closures, and the authority to accomplish this is found
in state statute - AS 38.04.058; regulations 11 AAC 51.100(a) guide the process.
Recent Management Action
The Division has issued a pending management decision on the Rex Trail under the authority
of AS 38.04.058 to restrict travel on the Rex Trail from April 15 to October 31 annually to
off-road vehicles under 1,500 pounds based upon manufacture specifications (not loaded).
This weight limit still allows four wheel ATVs, many 6 wheelers, and the lower weight Argos.
The AS 38.04.058 Decision will be signed on May 12 and followed by two public information meetings.
The restrictions implemented on June 13, 2008.
The public has the right to appeal the AS 38.04.058 Decision to the Commissioner of the Department of Natural
Resources. To do so, a written appeal must be submitted to the Commissioner as outlined in the Appeal
section of the Decision. An appeal may be submitted via mail, fax or email. Any appeal must be
received no earlier than May 13, 2008 and no later than June 2, 2008.
Public Participation Requested
In addition to the decision, and in consideration of comments received from trail users, residents
of the area, the Department of Fish and Game, and user groups, the Division has formulated short-term
and long-term management goals. We recognize the importance of this issue to the public and need
your input to guide the future short-term and long-term management goals of the Rex Trail. The public
is encouraged to attend the scheduled public meetings and/or comment on the management options for the
Rex Trail through this website or by mail to the Division of Mining, Land & Water-Rex Trail, 3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
Questions or information on this project or how you can get involved can be directed to Jeanne Proulx
at 451-2722, or email at jeanne.proulx@alaska.gov.
This site will be updated with news, information and opportunities for public involvement regarding
the Rex Trail.
