 |
Last Update Monday, February 8, 2010
Public Meeting to be held to share findings from the 2009 Kenai River Recreation Use Study
(Soldotna, AK) – Alaska State Parks is hosting a public meeting about the Kenai River Recreation Use Study on Wednesday February 17, 2010 at the Soldotna Sports Center from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.
The study included surveys of Kenai River users, guides, and landowners on river use, crowding, impacts, and the management actions that could be used to address problems. The meeting is opportunity to hear about the study, ask questions, and provide comments about findings or additional topics of concern. Doug Whittaker from Confluence Research will summarize methods and highlight findings, as well as facilitate feedback from participants about the study. Study topics include relationships between use levels and crowding, tolerances for impacts, issue priorities, user responses to crowding, and opinions toward a range of potential management actions such as new or improved recreation facilities, education programs, boating safety regulations, drift only issues, guide/unguided use issues, and use limits. The final study report with more detailed results will be completed later in the spring.
The study was funded by the Alaska Legislature in 2008. Fieldwork and surveys were conducted in 2009. This meeting focuses on study results and their meaning; it will not focus on specific management recommendations or proposals. Study findings are expected to be considered by State Parks, the KRSMA Advisory Board, other agencies, stakeholders, and the public before additional recreation management initiatives are taken on the river.
For more information on the meeting and the study, please contact Jack Sinclair, Kenai Area Superintendent at 262-5581.
Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Cycle
Applications are now being accepted for grant funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant program. LWCF can be used to provide partial funding for the acquisition of outdoor recreation lands and/or development of outdoor recreation facilities. State, regional or local governments with the authority to provide park and outdoor recreation services on public land may apply.
Application forms and other program information can be accessed through the Alaska State Parks website. Go to www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/grants, select Land and Water Conservation Fund. Completed applications are due by 5:00 PM, Friday, April 30, 2010 in the Alaska State Parks office at 550 West 7th Avenue, Suite 1380, Anchorage, AK 99501.
Open Houses Scheduled for Chugach Access Plan
(Anchorage, AK) – The Draft Chugach Access Plan was released in late January for public review and comment. The plan is the result of an effort led by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation in consultation with the Municipality of Anchorage. Once adopted, the plan will guide both agencies in the placement and development of access points along the boundary of Chugach State Park. As part of the review process, a series of open house sessions have been scheduled to provide the public an opportunity to ask questions and get more information. The dates, times and locations are listed below.
Indian |
February 23rd |
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
Indian Valley Bible Chalet's
Fellowship Hall |
Anchorage |
March 5th |
11:30 am - 1:30pm |
Atwood State Office Building Room 240,
555 W. 7th Ave. |
Eagle River |
March 9th |
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
Eagle River Town Center Community Room,
12001 Business Blvd. #170 |
Anchorage |
March 10th |
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm |
Campbell Creek Science Center
Multipurpose Room,
5600 Science Center Dr. |
To view the plan or get more information about the planning process, visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/planning.htm. Written comments can be mailed, emailed or faxed to:
Monica Alvarez
Chugach State Park Planning
550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1050
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907)269-8145 Fax: (907)269-8915
Email: monica.alvarez@alaska.gov
To receive full consideration, comments must be received no later than 5:00 PM AST, Monday, May 3, 2010. Comments submitted become public information under AS 40.25.110 – 40.25.125.
Planning for the Future of Eagle River Nature Center – Open House
(Eagle River, AK) The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation (Parks) in partnership with the Friends of Eagle River Nature Center (ERNC) announce a Community Open House will be held from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm on February 25, 2010 at the Eagle River Nature Center.
The purpose of this Open House is to present to the community alternative Site Concept Plans for Site Location B and give the community the opportunity to ask questions and summit written comments. To learn more about this process, visit the ERNC website at: http://www.ernc.org/press-releases.html
Your written comments and public participation is essential to the planning process. The agencies are seeking constructive suggestions from the public concerning the proposed alternative Concepts for Site Location B.
Comments must be received no later than April 12, 2010 by mail, email or fax to:
Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1340
Anchorage, AK 99501
Fax: (907)269-8917
Email: Lucille.Baranko@alaska.gov
For more information contact Lucille Baranko.
2010 Recreational Trails Program Grant Awards
(Anchorage, AK) – The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2010 Recreational Trail Grants. The Recreational Grant Program is a federally funded reimbursable trail grant program. Funding is available for development and maintenance of recreational trails and facilities, acquisition of trail right-of-way, and development of trail safety and education programs. This year’s awards go to the following projects:
SOUTHEAST ALASKA
Mount Juneau Trail Reroute: Project funds will be used to continue construction of a sustainable trail between the Perseverance Trail and the summit of Mt. Juneau. The existing trail ascends Mt. Juneau at a grade of up to 47.7 degrees; this project will replace the existing fall-line trail with a full-bench, singletrack trail between 8% and 15%. Additional work will include rockfall stabilization, drainage features, and general tread maintenance. Trail Mix Inc. was awarded $48,041 for this project.
Refuge Cove Trails & Trailhead Rehabilitation: This project will provide funding for the reconstruction of 2000’ of existing trail at the Refuge Cove State Recreation Site in Ketchikan. The trail will be hardened and widened to 36”. A 250’ stretch of the path will meet minimum ADA accessibility standards. Trailhead parking will be enlarged to 125’ x 14’. The parking embankment will also be reinforced with boulder riprap to protect the area from sloughing and erosion caused by the ocean. Alaska State Parks, Southeast was awarded $26,011 for this project.
Point Higgins Trail Construction Project – Phase II: Funds for this project will provide an extension to one of the most popular recreation and educational trails in Ketchikan, the Point Higgins Trail. The first phase of the Point Higgins Trail has been completed with a moderate grade, low maintenance, gravel design which traverses Ketchikan Gateway Borough property. The second phase of the trail, the Point Higgins Trail Extension, is located on Alaska Mental Health Trust property and is eroded, in great need of hardening, and targeted for completion in the next two years. The Ketchikan Gateway Borough was awarded $50,000 for this project.
KENAI PENINSULA
Cooper Landing Trail Grooming: Grant funds will be used by the community of Cooper Landing to create eight miles of groomed ski trails in unused road corridors within the Cooper Landing, Russian River, and Quartz Creek campgrounds. For less than $20,000 an estimated 8000 people, including persons with disabilities, will be able to enjoy high quality and safe skiing. This project will also fund the signage of the new trail system and interconnect over 100 miles of existing trail. The Cooper Landing Community Club was awarded $18,782 for this project.
Caribou Hills Trail and Trailhead Rehabilitation: Project funds will be used to make improvements to the Caribou Lake trailhead parking area; repair and trail mark the Caribou Lake Trail; restore and provide trail signage to the Deep Creek Dome Trail and the Center Plateau Trail. Snomads, Inc. was awarded $41,000 for this project.
Pratt Museum Forest Trails Project: This project will expand and improve the Pratt Museum’s forest trail system, which connects the Pratt Museum to central Homer, residential neighborhoods, schools, parks, and other popular destinations. The project will create .33 miles of new trail, including .2 miles of trail accessible for ADA users. .4 miles of trail will be reconstructed to support a variety of recreational uses, including exercise, exploration of the natural world, and interpretive hikes for the public. The Pratt Museum was awarded $50,000 for this project.
SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA
Big Lake Trail Survey: Project funds will be used to obtain the professional services of a land surveying firm to locate the extensive network of recreational trails in the Big Lake - Knik-Houston area. From the data acquired land ownership will be determined. The ultimate goal of collecting this information is to obtain recreational trail easements from affected property owners along the trail routes to preserve future public use and enjoyment of the trails. This data will provide a means for determining signage, maintenance, and management needs for the trails. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough was awarded $32,477 for this project.
Moose Range Trails: The project will consist of purchasing equipment and material for grooming, signing, and maintenance within the Palmer Moose Range trail system. This funding is dedicated for diversified recreational use. 20 miles of winter trails will be groomed, signed, and maintained. The Mat-Su Trails Council was awarded $23,050 for this project.
Reed Lakes Trail Construction: This project will fund the restoration and re-route of heavily degraded switchbacks throughout various sections of the Reed Lakes Trail, specifically between mileposts 1.5 and 2.75. .64 miles of the trail will be completely realigned and constructed, .61 miles will be reconstructed, and the remainder of the trail will be maintained. Alaska State Parks, Mat-Su Area was awarded $41,499 for this project.
Off-Highway Vehicle Obstacle Course: This project will be completed in two phases. The first phase, this grant, will use funds to pay for the survey and record of an easement for the creation of an OHV obstacle course in or adjacent to the Knik River Public Use Area. The second phase will be the complete design and construction of the Obstacle Course. One mile of new OHV trail will be planned and surveyed. The Mat-Su Trails Council was awarded $6,250 for this project.
Reflections Lake Interpretive Trail: Project funding will be used to pay for the installation of a raised wildlife viewing tower at the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge. Interpretive panels will also be placed at strategic rest and viewing sites around the trail. These trail upgrades will enhance trail user’s experience while contributing to a deeper awareness and appreciation for the value of this important wildlife habitat. Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Girdwood Nordic Ski Trails: Project funds will be used to plan, develop, and maintain a Nordic, multi-use trail system within the Glacier Ranger District, Winner Creek Valley. Funds from this grant will be used to construct, maintain, and sign the first 3.2 miles (Phase 1). In all, 7 miles of ski trail will be groomed. The Girdwood Nordic Ski Club was awarded $50,000 for this project.
Chicken Lake Cross Park / East Redshirt Lake Trail Upgrades: Project funds will be used for the continued support of the Chicken Lake Cross Park / East Red Shirt Lake Trail upgrades. Due to increased beaver activity in the area and public requests for grade reductions, additional funds are being requested for materials, equipment and supplies to complete the 9.5 miles of trail. Project dollars will also be used to construct and redesign the Beaver Creek Bridge, which is 1.2 miles from the Nancy Lake Parkway trailhead. An additional Alaska Conservation Corps (ACC) crew member will be hired for 5 months to assist in the completion of this project as well. Alaska State Parks, Mat-Su Area was awarded $22,368 for this project.
Chugach State Park Trail Crew Equipment: The purpose of this grant is to purchase equipment for Chugach State Park's newly funded trail crew. This equipment will allow the crew to accomplish trail construction and maintenance projects throughout the park more efficiently. Funding will be used to purchase two ATV’s, a Canycom wheelbarrow, a Tag-A-Long belly dump, and miscellaneous safety equipment. Chugach State Park was awarded $23,300 for these equipment purchases.
WESTERN ALASKA
Shelter Cabin at New Igloo: The Shelter Cabin at New Igloo will consist of constructing a 16'x20' emergency shelter for public use. The cabin will provide a warm and safe place for seasonal subsistence and recreational users to escape extreme weather conditions that are common in the Bering Strait Region. Once completed, permanent trail markers will be installed from Teller to the New Igloo cabin site. The Native Village of Mary’s Igloo was awarded $21,449 for this project
INTERIOR ALASKA
Happy Valley Trail Construction Phase II: This project is a continuation of the Happy Valley Trail (Phase I) that began in the summer of 2009. From that season 3.5 miles of trail were constructed and an additional 5 miles are planed for 2010. The trail will be designed for use by mountain bikers, hikers, snowshoers, etc. Clearing widths will not exceed 6 feet in width. The resulting trail will be naturally surfaced and avoid low boggy areas. Design parameters will adhere to modern sustainability requirements for alignment, grade, integrated water control, and durable tread. Alaska Trails, Inc. was awarded $50,000 for Phase II of this project.
Chena Hot Springs Road Trail Safety and Maintenance Upgrades: Grant funds will be used to rehabilitate degraded sections of the Chena Hot Springs Road Trail, located within the right-of-way for Chena Hot Springs Road from 4.5-mile to 25.5-mile. The Fairbanks North Star Borough will reconstruct trail approaches at driveway crossings, repair damaged sections of the trail, and install signage. The Fairbanks North Star Borough was awarded $50,000 for this project.
SAFETY AND EDUCATION
Chugach State Park: One of the biggest shortcomings of any trail proposal or trail construction project is the development of an appropriate funding formula to determine the cost of a project and to complete it within a pre-determined period of time. Participants for this class will learn trail cost-estimate techniques that are inventory based, which will include production and labor rates, material costs, administrative overhead, and logistical planning. This information will be valuable to the many agency trail managers throughout Alaska, bidding contractors, trail crew supervisors, non-profit trail organizations, and others. At the end of the training participants will take with them computer software and specific procedures on how to more accurately bid on trail-related projects. Tuition funds generated from this course will also be used to teach additional trail costing classes. At least one Alaska trail expert will be trained in the costing program to facilitate and instruct additional programs. Trail experts Don Beers and Karl Knapp, formerly of California State Parks will teach and facilitate this course. Alaska Trails, Inc. was awarded $29,997 for organizing this program.
To obtain more information regarding the Recreational Trail Grant Program, visit the program’s website at www.alaskastatetrails.org or contact Bill Luck, the State Trails Coordinator, at Bill.Luck@alaska.gov. Bill can also be reached by telephone at (907)269-8699.
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area Opens to Snowmachines
The Mat-Su Area Office, Alaska State Parks, announces that the recent snowfall has allowed the re-opening of the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area to the use of snowmachines. Park staff has determined that sufficient snow cover now exists to protect underlying vegetation in the park.
This does not include the area north of the Nancy Lake Parkway which is restricted to non-motorized use only.
Draft Chugach Access Plan Available
for Public Review and Comment
(Anchorage, AK) – The Public Review Draft of the Chugach Access Plan has been released. This plan is the result of an effort led by the Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation in consultation with the Municipality of Anchorage aimed at securing and improving public access to Chugach State Park. The Chugach Access Plan will guide both agencies in the development and placement of access points along the boundary of Chugach State Park.
The public is invited to review and comment on the Draft Chugach Access Plan. The plan is available online at: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/planning.htm. Printed reference versions of the plan will be made available for review at the Public Information Center in Anchorage and the Chugach State Park Headquarters Office in the Potter Section House during their normal hours of operation. A CD containing a copy of the plan can be requested through the contact information provided below and a limited number of hard copies of the plan will be printed and available by request.
A series of open house sessions will be scheduled to give the public an opportunity to get more information and ask questions. The locations, dates and times for the open houses will be announced at a later date. Written comments can be mailed, emailed or faxed to the addresses below. To receive full consideration, comments must be received no later than 5:00 PM AST, Monday, May 3, 2010. Comments submitted become public information under AS 40.25.110 – 40.25.125.
Contact information:
Monica Alvarez
Chugach State Park Planning
550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1050
Anchorage, AK 99501
Phone: (907)269-8145
Fax: (907)269-8915
Email: monica.alvarez@alaska.gov
Peters Hills Closes To Snowmachines
(Mat-Su, AK) - As of Wednesday, January 27, 2010, the Peters Hills in the west end of Denali State Park will close to the use of snowmachines. The area has had a lot of the snow scoured from the exposed ridges by the last wind storm. The closures in effect will be the Curry and Kesugi ridges (which were closed last week) and the Peters Hills above the 3000 foot elevation. Riders are asked to avoid the windblown areas above these elevations. These areas may open again this winter if adequate snow falls to protect the fragile alpine vegetation.
The rest of Denali State Park remains open to snowmachine use. Riders are cautioned that ice over flowing water is present and overflow is present on most lakes in the park.
Notice of intent to award
The Northern State Park office has issued a notice of the State's intent to award a Commercial Park Use Permit for private operation of the Chena River State Recreation Site in Fairbanks, Alaska to Gerald D. Timmons. For further information contact Brooks Ludwig at (907) 451-3095
2010 Historic Preservation Fund Grant Program
Funding Available for Certified Local Governments
(Anchorage, AK) - The Alaska Office of History and Archaeology is accepting applications for the 2010 Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grant program. This is the second grant round to allow for more participation from eligible Certified Local Governments.
Survey, inventory, historic preservation planning, National Register nomination, public preservation education, predevelopment, development and acquisition projects are eligible for program funds.
Completed applications must be postmarked by February 26, 2010. More information and applications are available at www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/, by calling 907.269.8694, or by sending an e-mail to oha@alaska.net.
Alaska Water Wise
The Alaska Office of Boating Safety will be offering Alaska Water Wise, a boating course designed for Alaskans. 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 emergencies, cold-water survival, navigation/rules of the road, and legal requirements. Students who attend all sessions, and pass the written exam and skills will be issued a course completion certificate. This course has also been approved for eight hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) training by the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services.
The Alaska Water Wise course will be held on the following four Saturdays from 9am to 5pm:
January 30
February 20
March 6
April 3
These courses will be held at the Kenai River Center on the Kenai Peninsula.
The courses are free, but pre-registration is encouraged. For more information contact Park Rangers Ali Eskelin or Jack Ransom at (907) 262-5581.
Curry Ridge Closes To Snowmachines
The Mat-Su Area Office, Alaska State Parks, announces that Curry Ridge on the east side of the Parks Highway in Denali State Park, is now closed to the use of snowmachines. The ridge has suffered strong winds that have left the area either bare of snow, or with inadequate snow cover to protect the fragile vegetation. This area may open again this winter if adequate snow falls to protect underlying vegetation. Closure is effective immediately.
The rest of Denali State Park remains open to the use of snowmachines.
Friends of State Parks, Mat-Su Annual Meeting
Alaska State Parks announces that the Annual meeting for the Friends of State Parks, Mat-Su will be held February 9, 2010 at 5:30 pm in the large meeting room of the State Forestry Building, 101 Airport Road, Palmer, AK.
For more information, please call 745-8931.
Snowmobile Trail Advisory Council Recruitment
(Anchorage, AK) – The Division of Parks and Outdoors Recreation (DPOR) would like to invite interested parties to apply for a vacancy on the Snowmobile Trail Advisory Council (SnowTRAC). The current vacancy is for the Interior/Fairbanks Region.
Duties of board members include assisting the Division by providing a broad spectrum of citizen input on evaluating grant proposals and making funding recommendations for the Snowmobile Trails Program. Additionally, board members may advise the Division on establishing a statewide snowmobile safety and trail grooming program, on designating a statewide snowmobile trail system, on pursuing funding sources to enhance snowmobiling, and on improving public awareness of SnowTRAC and its goals.
DPOR is seeking commitment from individuals with special knowledge, experience, and interest in snowmobile recreation and grant-funded programs. Once appointed, each position shall last for a term of three years. If you would like to be considered for appointment on SnowTRAC, please submit a letter of interest that describes your professional background and recreational snowmobile interests. A current resume is required and replaces the need for completing an application.
All resumes and letters of interest should be submitted to Andre Kaeppele, the State Snowmobile Trails Coordinator, via email at andre.kaeppele@alaska.gov, or standard mail at 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1380, Anchorage, AK 99501. Faxed materials can be sent to 907-269-8907. For additional information regarding SnowTRAC or the Snowmobile Trails Program, Andre can be reached via email or by phone at 907-269-8699.
Recruitment will continue until the seat is filled by a qualified applicant approved by SnowTRAC and the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
Permitted Firewood Sales in State Parks on the Kenai Peninsula out for bid
(Soldotna, AK) – The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Kenai Area, is now soliciting bids from vendors to provide firewood sales in several of the busiest State Park campgrounds on the Kenai Peninsula.
Three clusters of park units on the Kenai Peninsula are currently looking for a single vendor to provide firewood throughout the summer months within each park:
- Sterling Area: Bings Landing, Izaak Walton and Morgans Landing Campgrounds.
- Kasilof Area: Crooked Creek State Recreation Site (SRS), Johnson Lake SRS and Clam Gulch SRS.
- The Ninilchik Area: Ninilchik State Recreation Area (SRA); Ninilchik View Campground and Deep Creek SRA.
Prospective vendors should be capable of providing sufficient bundles of wood for sale within each campground from May 15 to August 15. They should arrange to have wood bins and fee collection services in designated areas within each unit. For more information and to view the Request for Proposal, visit www.alaskastateparks.org. Or contact Jack Sinclair, Park Area Superintendent, 262-5581.
**CORRECTED**Miller Point Access Project
(Kodiak, AK) – The Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is reviewing the public comments received on the Miller Point Access Project and evaluating development concepts for the park. A comment summary will soon be available on the park’s website.
As part of this process a historic preservation plan is being developed that will help guide the Division with decisions related to the historic resources within the park. After the release of the preservation plan, an open house will be scheduled to present new site design concepts and to give the public an opportunity to get more information and ask questions.
For more information on the site design planning process contact Monica Alvarez at 269-8145 or by email: monica.alvarez@alaska.gov. You can also visit: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kodiak/ftaber.htm
For general park information contact the Kodiak State Parks office at: 486-6339.
Miller Point Access Project
After a two year public review process, Alaska State Parks has received funding through the cruise ship head tax fund to correct a long standing safety issue at Miller Point by creating additional parking, an area for large vehicles to maneuver safely and separate pedestrian access. The objectives are: to enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians, to provide pedestrian areas separated from vehicles parking and turning around to exit, to alleviate congestion, and to minimize impacts to historical sites. During periods of heavy use, congestion at Miller Point presents a safety hazard causing the park to close road access to the public.
Planning staff is currently reviewing the public comments received on the Miller Point Access Project. A summary of the comments will soon be available. As part of the site planning process, staff is also evaluating development concepts for the entire park in order to best use the funding received from the cruise ship head tax fund. A preservation plan is currently being developed for Ft. Abercrombie by the State Office of History and Archaeology. This plan will help the Division make decisions about the historic resources within the park. Any site development plans will be consistent with the recommendations in the preservation plan. Once that plan has been released, an open house will then be scheduled to present new conceptual plans for park development.
For more information on the Miller Point Project:
Site Plan (Under revision based on public input)
Fact Sheet
Ft. Abercrombie Management Plan
Notice of Proposed Changes in the Regulations of the Department of Natural Resources
The Department of Natural Resources proposes to adopt regulation changes to Title 11 of the Alaska Admininstrative Code, dealing with historic, prehistoric and archaeological resources, and including the following:
| |
|
New Regulations |
| |
• |
Provisions for accessing informaton containd in the Alaska Heritiage Resources Survey (11 AAC 16.4000) |
| |
• |
Historic preservaton permits required for conducting state funded, licensed or permitted project or projects on state lands, including when permits are not required, application processes, departmental review and assessment of historic, prehistoric and archaeological resource indentification needs and effects caused by project, and permit provisions (11 AAC 16.025; 11 AAC 16.500) |
| |
• |
Alaska Landmarks Register eligibility requirements and applicaton procedures (11 AAC 16.300; 11 AAC 16:310) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
Amended regulations |
| |
• |
Title to items collected from lands owned or controlled by the state (11 AAC 16.020) |
| |
• |
Permits required for investigation or collecton of historic, prehistoric and archaeological resources, including application processes, gerneral permit provisions, who is qualified to conduct historic, prehistoric and archaeological investigations, required reports, and permit restrictions or revocations (11 AAC 16.030; 11 AAC 16.040; 11 AAC 16.050; 11 AAC 16.070; 11 AAC 16.080) |
| |
• |
Grants to privately owned Alaska Landmarks, including eligibility, grant applications, allocaton of funds, and project agreements (11 AAC 16.100; 11 AAC 16.110; 11 AAC 16.120; 11 AAC 16.130; 11 AAC 16.140; 11 AAC 16.160) |
| |
• |
Alaska Historical Commission activites associated with listing properties in the National Register of Historic Places (11 AAC 16.220; 11 AAC 16.230) |
| |
• |
Applicable definitions for terms used in this chapter (11 AAC 16.900) |
| |
|
|
| |
|
Repealed regulations |
| |
• |
Provisons for director's examination of site under permit in 11 AAC 16.090 is repealed and incorporated into 11 AAC 16.030 |
The proposed regulations are necessary to update the Alaska Historical Commission's role in the
State Historic Preservation Program. They include provisions for a process for review of state
projects, access to information in the Alaska Heritage Resource Survey, and Alaska Landmark
Register requirements and process. They clarify and improve the State Historic Preservation
Program standards, update references, and make changes to the regulations to make them
internally consistent, including definitions.
This is a SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE adding to the NOTICE OF PROPOSED CHANGES that
was issued on December 10, 2009 concerning the proposed regulation revisions contained in the
Department of Law file number JU2009200632. This SUPPLEMENTAL NOTICE is being
issued because the Department of Natural Resources has decided to extend the comment periodby seventy-five (75) days. With the seventy-five (75) day extension, COMMENTS MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN 5 P.M. ON MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2010. Oral public
hearings will be held during the comment period. A separate Supplemental Notice will be issued
with the times and places of the oral public hearings.
You may comment on the proposed regulation changes, including the potential cost to private persons of complying with the proposed changes, by submitting written comments to:
Office of History and Archaeology
Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
550 W 7th Ave, Suite 1310
Anchorage, AK 99501-3561
or via email: dnr.oharegs@alaska.gov or by fax 907-269-8908.
The comments must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2010.
For a copy of the proposed regulation changes, contact the DNR Public Information Center (550
W. 7th Ave., Suite 1260, Anchora~e, AK), write the Office of History and Archaeology,
Attention Judith Bittner, 550 W 7' Ave, Suite 1310, Anchorage, Alaska 99501-3561, call the
Office of History and Archaeology at 907 269-8721, or visit www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks.
If you are a person with a disability who needs a special accommodation in order to participate in
this process, please contact Judith Bittner at 907 269-8721 no later than January 20,2010 to
ensure that any necessary accommodations can be provided.
After the public comment period ends, the Department of Natural Resouces will either adopt these or other provisions dealing with the same subject, without further notice, or decide to take no action on them. The language of the final regulatons may be different from that of the proposed regulations. YOU SHOULD COMMENT DURING THE TIME ALLOOWED IF YOUR INTERESTS CIOULD BE AFFECTED.
Statutory Authoroty: AS 41.35.010, AS 41.35.020, AS 41.35.030, AS 41.35.040, AS 41.35.050, AS 41.35.070, AS 41.35.080, AS 41.35.200, AS 41.35.300, AS 41.35.350, AS 44.37.040
Statues Being Implemented, Interpreted, or Made Speciafic: AS 41.35.010, AS 41.35.020, AS 41.35.030, AS 41.35.040, AS 41.35.050, AS 41.35.070, AS 41.35.080, AS 41.35.200, AS 44.37.040
Fiscal Information: The proposed regulation changes are not expected to require an increased appropriation.
Judith Bittner, Chief History and Archaeology
Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
December 30, 2009
2010 Historic Preservation Fund Development
and Predevelopment Grant Program
(Anchorage AK) – The Alaska Office of History and Archaeology is accepting applications for 2010 historic preservation development and predevelopment grants to help preserve Alaska’s endangered historic buildings and structures. The grants are to assist with preserving, stabilizing, restoring, or rehabilitating historic buildings and structures listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Individuals, businesses, corporations, nonprofit groups, local governments and state agencies can apply. Churches cannot apply for development grants. The grants are reimbursable and matching. They are for a minimum of $3,500 federal share for predevelopment requests and a minimum of $10,000 and a maximum of $50,000 federal share for development requests. The application deadline is February 12, 2010. More information and an application are available at www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks, by calling 907.269.8721, or by sending an e-mail to oha@alaska.net.
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’.
| |
|
|
| PROJECTS: |
ESTIMATED COST: |
| Juneau Nordic Trails, Juneau Nordic Ski Club |
$133,180 |
 |
Funds will be used to complete the trail linking the EaglecrestLodge to the beginning of the Treadwell Ditch. |
|
Provides access and is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest. |
| Sitka Cross Trail, Sitka Trail Works, Inc. |
$333,000 |
|
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). |
|
Provides access and is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest. |
| World War II Causeway Trail, Sitka Trail Works, Inc. |
$80,000 |
|
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. |
|
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 |
|
Funds will be used to support two positions to complete trail easement adjudication for two years. |
|
Project crosses Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Chugach National Forest lands.
|
| Perseverance Trail Enhancements, Trail Mix |
$100,000 |
|
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. |
|
Provides access and is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest. Under Thunder Trail, Trail Mix, Inc. |
| Under Thunder Trail, Trail Mix Inc. |
$200,000 |
|
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. |
|
Provides access and is adjacent to the Tongass National Forest. |
| ADF&G Wildlife Trail Development, ADF&G |
$112,675 |
|
Funds will be used for signage, educational materials, and brochures for the Kenai Wildlife Viewing Trail and Alaska Coastal Wildlife Viewing Trail. |
|
Materials and signage will be used within the Kenai Wildlife Refuge. |
| Iditarod Trail, United States Forest Service |
$75,000 |
|
Funds will be used to construct 1.1 miles of trail that will connect the Winner Creek Gorge trailhead to the Girdwood Elementary School. |
|
Provides access to the Chugach National Forest. |
| Spencer Lake Trail, United States Forest Service |
$100,000 |
|
Funds will be used to complete an additional trail to a cabin site which includes the construction of 30’ bridge. |
|
Project is located within the Chugach National Forest |
| Nugget Falls Accessible Trail, United States Forest Service |
$63,200 |
|
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. |
|
Project is located within the Tongass National Forest. |
| Auke Lake Trail, University of Alaska, Southeast (UAS) |
$123,982 |
|
Funds will be used to create an interconnecting trail from the Auke Lake trailhead parking area to the UAS campus. |
|
Project crosses NOAA Land and provides access to the Tongass National Forest. |
| White Mountain Ski Trails, City of White Mountain |
$31,289 |
|
Funds will be used to improve existing ski, cross-country running, and subsistence trails that lead out of the village of White Mountain. |
|
Project is partially within and adjacent to the White Mountain Native Corporation lands. |
| Tsalteshi Trail Improvement, Tsalteshi Trail Association |
$74,000 |
|
Funds will be used to install 2.5 kilometers of trail lighting and
signage; and will contribute to the purchase of maintenance
equipment. |
|
Project is adjacent to the Kenai Wildlife Refuge. |
| Administrative Overhead (6%), Div. of Parks and Outdoor Rec. |
$114,000 |
| |
Total = $1,900,000
|
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). |
| |
Grand Total = $2,087,200 |
For more information regarding this round of Alaska Trails Initiative funding, please contact:
| |
Bill Luck
State Trails Coordinator
Alaska State Trails Program
Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
(907) 269-8699
bill.luck@alaska.gov |
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
For further information, contact the Public Information Center at 269-8400, Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 5:00pm.
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 |
|
$126,268 |
| Chugach Area was awarded |
|
$6,000 |
| Northern Alaska was awarded |
|
$36,000 |
| Kenai Peninsula was awarded |
|
$45,175 |
| Southeast was awarded |
|
$6,000 |
| Wood Tik-Chik State Park was awarded |
|
$2,000 |
| Total Grooming Pool |
|
$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
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.
| |
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 |
| |
|
| |
Interior Alaska
Alaska State Parks - Northern Area
3700 Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99709-4613
(907) 451-2695
Ranger Stations in Delta Jct. and Tok
|
| |
|
| |
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 |
| |
|
| |
Anchorage Area
Chugach State Park
HC 52 Box 8999, Indian, AK 99540
(907) 345-5014
Ranger Stations in Eagle River and Eklutna |
| |
|
| |
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 |
| |
|
| |
Kodiak
Alaska State Parks - Kodiak Area
1400 Abercrombie Drive, Kodiak, AK 99615
(907) 486-6339 |
| |
|
| |
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.
|
|
|
ASP Links
|
|
