Rex Trail Update - August 25, 2009 

Recent Management Action
On May 12, 2008, the Division issued a management decision for the Eastern Rex Trail restricting both the use of highway vehicles between 1500 lbs and 10,000 lbs (previously authorized under Generally Allowed Uses, 11 AAC 96.020) and implementing a decision to not issue permits for off-road vehicles (including both tracked and wheeled vehicles) over 1500 lbs between the dates of April 15 and October 31 annually.  ORV's 1500 lbs and under were still allowed, provided the conditions in 11 AAC 96.020 were met.

On August 25, 2009, this decision was amended, allowing for issuance of permits to rubber tracked vehicles from 1500 lbs up to and including Nodwell RN110 or similar sized vehicles between the dates of August 29 and October 31, 2009 (August 25, 2009 Amendment).  Any permits issued during that period will be effective until April 15, 2010.  These permits will be made available over-the-counter at the Public Information Centers in both Fairbanks and Anchorage, as well as digitally and via fax.  Please see the top of this page for the permit application.  There is a $100 application fee that may be paid in person, via mail, or with a Credit/Debit card over the phone.  Please note that permits cannot be approved until this fee is received.  Permits may be issued subject to the following conditions (not a complete list):

• The applicant must describe and provide a picture of their vehicle, report the number of persons in their party, and a general location as to where the vehicle will be used (Parks Highway to Totatlanika River, Parks Hwy to Tatlanika River, Parks Hwy to Wood River, Parks Hwy to beyond the Wood River;
• Permit is valid for rubber tracked vehicles over 1500 lbs up to and including Nodwell RN110 sized vehicles.  This would include Nodwells, Weasels, SUSV's such as the Hagglund BV206, or similar, may be articulated, and must utilize rubber type tracks (steel grouser bars and/or cleats are permitted);
• Travel under this permit is limited to the Rex Trail.  No travel is authorized off the Rex Trail by vehicles over 1500 lbs, except as authorized below to vehicle parking areas;
• Vehicle operator must keep the signed and approved permit on site and available for inspection in the field at all times;
• No skid mounted or wheeled trailers are allowed;
• Vehicle parking sites may be established on state land within 100 yards of the Rex Trail and sited in naturally occurring or existing clearings;
• And, general vehicle operations shall be conducted in a manner which causes the least amount of impact to the vegetation and soil.

This amendment allowing for permit issuance to certain tracked vehicles is designed to allow the Department to monitor impacts of this additional use.  To further this goal, the Department will establish 10 monitoring sites and will evaluate each site for trail condition, rutting occurrence and depth, and braiding.  Measurements will be collected both before and after the fall moose season.  In addition to the amended decision, permitting, and new monitoring actions, the Department established a ground temperature monitoring station in the fall of 2008 to help establish dates of freeze-up and thawing at both 20 and 30 cm.

The public has the right to appeal the 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 later than September 14, 2009.

Update on the 5/12/08 Administrative Decision:
The Division's Decision on the Rex Trail was appealed to the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources.  On June 13, 2008, Commissioner Irwin lifted the stay on the decision thus implementing the decision until such time as the issues on appeal are addressed.  This means that the seasonal restriction on use of ORVs over 1500 pounds is currently in effect, as amended by the 08/25/09 decision.

What's Next?
The Division of Mining, Land and Water has posted updated signs at the beginning of the trail and at the intersection where the trail restriction takes place.

The Division will continue to monitor use of the trail and discuss changes to the Generally Allowed Use regulations (11 AAC 96. 020).  Any trail user groups interested in trail hardening projects or trail reroutes should contact the Northern Region to discuss any appropriate solutions.

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