Opinion: Funding outdoor recreation would benefit Alaska

Has been updated: Four by the time release date: 6 by the time

It’s been another good year for outdoor recreation in the state’s capital budget. The state Legislature passed the budget on May 15, and it’s currently awaiting Governor Mike Dunleavy’s approval. The budget allocates over $13 million for outdoor recreation projects across the state. While a $13 million investment in outdoor recreation may sound like a large amount, it’s worth noting that it’s only 0.3% of the overall capital budget. Although a small percentage, this funding will make a big difference in the trails and other facilities you all enjoy. Highlights across the state include funding for Alaska State Park sanitation facilities, winter snowmachine trail grooming and marking, operational support for the Iditarod Trail Commission, and matching funds for federal grant programs for outdoor recreation.

The Alaska Long Trail Coalition is especially excited about the $3.7 million in funding for nine Alaska Long Trail projects in the Anchorage area, including several in Chugach State Park. Notably, the budget invests $500,000 to reroute the trail to Flattop Mountain, the most hiked peak in all of Alaska. For many years, deteriorating conditions have been a safety hazard for many visitors and residents who hike the trail. Rerouting the trail is a public safety issue.

Another major project in Chugach State Park is the $1 million development of the 13.5-mile Ship Creek Trail, which will connect the recently constructed Muktuk Marston Trail with the soon-to-be realigned Indian Valley Trail. This construction will complete a 25-mile section of the Alaska Long Trail from Turnagain Arm to North Anchorage. This project will provide better access to the interior of Chugach State Park for hikers, hunters, horseback riders and skiers. Other projects in Chugach State Park include a study to expand the trailhead parking lot at Arctic Valley Ski Area, funding for the Rum Valley Trail and parking lot once the ongoing Rum Valley Feasibility Study has finalized its alignment, and funding for the addition of public cabins in the park.

Projects in the Anchorage area (but outside of Chugach State Park) include trail improvements and construction on the Girdwood section of the Iditarod National Historic Trail, connectivity and planning for the U-Med and East Anchorage trail systems, expansion of the bike trail network in Hillside Park in Anchorage, and investments in bike paths in Portage Valley. Southcentral Alaska is seeing an increase in tourism from both within and outside the state, and new trailheads and trail expansions will provide users with more recreational options and reduce congestion at existing access points. On May 21, the Mat-Su Council passed a resolution reaffirming its support for the Alaska Long Trail from its previous resolution for 2021 and outlining its land management priorities. We look forward to including projects in the Mat-Su area in next year’s state budget.

It is encouraging to see significant support for outdoor recreation in its various forms in the state budget over the past few years. Outdoor recreation accounts for 4% of Alaska’s GDP, supports more than 20,000 jobs, and is one of the fastest growing industries in the state. Trails bring economic development to local communities through tourism spending, job creation, business opportunities, and tax revenue. Trails and other outdoor recreation infrastructure also help attract and retain a workforce that enjoys outdoor recreation. Additionally, projects like the Alaska Long Trail create new opportunities for Alaskans to access public lands at a time when existing access opportunities are becoming inadequate to meet growing demand. Funding outdoor recreation is a smart decision, and we applaud the Legislature and Governor for making this investment.

Steve Cleary (Executive Director, Alaska Trails) Haley Johnston (Chair, Chugach State Park Citizens Advisory Committee) Beth Nordland (Executive Director, Anchorage Park Foundation) Beverly Luedke Chan (President of the Anchorage Ski Club) Lee Bolling (Chairman of Single Track Advocates) Kai Holland (Mid Valley Trail Club Secretary General, Snow Machine Trail Maintenance) Will Teigan (Executive Director, Chugach Mountain Bike Riders) Jonathan Sewall (Vice President, Iditarod Historic Trail Federation) is a leader and advocate for the outdoor recreation community in South Central Alaska.

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