Chugach State Park Master Plan Revisions

Chugach State Park Draft Trail Management Plan Comments

After reviewing the Draft Chugach State Park Trail Management Plan, Alaska Center for the Environment has come up with a list of recommendations for park planners to consider.  The plan is reasonable in scope and makes a good case for improving existing trails before building new ones.  Many of the trails are in desperate need of improvements so we applaud the planners for balancing projected needs with a realistic vision of available resources for expansion of the park’s infrastructure. To view the plan, go to: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/chugach/planning.htm

Comments on the plan are due by 5:00 on October 16^th, 2009.  Send your comments to Monica Alvarez at monica.alvarez@alaska.gov

Points to Consider:

1. The most controversial trail that is being proposed is that portion of the Eagle River canyon trail network (223a, 223b, 224b, and 224c) between the Glenn Highway and Briggs Bridge.  Fish and Game has evidence that bears frequently use this area as a corridor, and that because of the topography and surrounding developments, bears are in fact funneled to this area.  We have learned the hard way that putting trails in bear corridors puts people at risk.  It is ACE’s position that it makes no sense to build new trails that would likely increase bear-human encounters and conflicts.  We are opposed to these proposed trails.  If you agree, please let Governor Parnell (as well as park planners) know.  You can send him an e-mail at: http://gov.state.ak.us/govmail.php

2.       The second trail that is likely to garner a lot of comments is the proposed motorized trail on the south side of Eklutna Lake.  There is currently a multi-use trail on the north side, and the proposal would make a loop trail, which many will find appealing.  ACE’s concerns are that nowhere in the plan does it recognize that Eklutna is our source of drinking water, and we question the wisdom of increasing recreation, and in particular motorized uses, in close proximity to the lake.  This trail which would be built to trail class 4 (the most expensive with the greatest impacts), and would concentrate most of the available funding into one expensive trail.  ACE recommends that this be a low priority when staff begins to rank the projects, and that they consider making it a hiking -only trail if built, allowing the existing trail to accommodate other uses.

3.    Many of the new improvements would be built to accommodate bicycles.  The trail would be upgraded first and then a regulation change would be required to allow bicycles.  There are 36 trails identified in the plan that could be upgraded to allow for bicycles.  If you are a fan or foe of bikes in the park, you may want to review which trails are being considered for upgrade, and advocate for trails you think should be on the top of the list or not on the list at all.

4.       The plan calls for upgrading the Near Point, Wolverine, and Falls Creek trails from class 2 to class 3. ACE thinks a simple trail with only minor development is most appropriate for these trails, especially since they are intended for hikers. Additionally, Near Point, Williwaw Lakes, Middle Fork Loop, and Hidden Lake trails should be repaired and/or rerouted before any trail upgrades are done.

5. Horseback riding/packing are allowed throughout Chugach State Park, except where they are specifically prohibited. Thus horses are allowed on most trails in the Front Range, including some that are soft and muddy in spring and fall, including the Middle Fork Loop, the trail to Williwaw Lakes, and the Hidden Lake Trail (among others). ACE encourages people to list any trails they believe should be open or closed to horses.
6. Ask the park planners to notify the public and have public meetings when any substantial changes to trails or trail management are made.
7. Finally, please thank the planners for all of their hard work, and encourage them to keep working collaboratively with others to secure and maintain access to the park and ensure that trail developments are synchronized with future park infrastructure and management. 

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to submit comments on behalf of our favorite backyard wilderness: Chugach State Park.

Alaska State Parks is in the process of reviewing and updating the current management plan. Please join us in our efforts to ensure that Chugach State Park continues to provide wild places that support clean water, healthy wildlife populations and a place for visitors to find peace and presence of mind.

Some important points to consider:

1.  Wild- Chugach State Park is our backyard wilderness.  Alaskans appreciate and value the opportunity to enjoy clean air, clean water, wide open spaces, beautiful scenery, and solitude.  The park provides a relief from the rush of city living.  Poor planning could shrink our wilderness boundaries, and inappropriate activities and development could degrade the park experience.  ACE supports maintaining our current park management and the possibility of expanding the wilderness sections of Chugach State Park. 

2.  Access- Easy and equal access to Chugach State Park provides the residents of Southcentral Alaska with a sense of freedom and independence, a feeling that only a community with a backyard wilderness can appreciate.  As a growing city, development around Anchorage is pushing ever closer to Chugach State Park and ways of accessing the park are becoming more difficult to secure.  ACE advocates for maintaining access and providing for additional access points in the future. 

3.  Recreation- The inspiration, physical and mental challenge, and opportunities for outdoor recreation in a wild Chugach State Park is unique for a city like Anchorage.  There is potential that careless park planning could diminish the tranquility and peace of mind that our families enjoy in our state park.  ACE encourages more opportunities for appropriate no impact recreation, and wilderness activities. 

4.  Wildlife- Chugach State Park’s wildlife is an essential and rewarding part of our backyard wilderness.  It is a thrilling and satisfying experience for residents and visitors to experience animals in the wild. Irresponsible trapping and fragmentation of the park habitat puts people and our park resources at risk. ACE is promoting a park plan that uses sound science and responsible decision making when addressing the management of wildlife in the park.

5.  Protection- In order to protect Chugach State Park’s integrity, legacy, and wild characteristics, it is necessary to have a park plan that upholds our wilderness values.  This includes respecting the delicate balance of maintaining a wilderness area so close to urban life.  ACE believes that the current park management is sound and consistent with the needs of Alaska’s most treasured state park.

For more information please contact Valerie Connor at valerie@akcenter.org or 274-3632.