Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue Extension Update

More Details - Updated June 11, 2009

The trail user update above provides information effective today until further notice on the trails located near 48th/Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Avenue. If there are any other trail updates due to construction, an additional update will be provided.

The Tour of Anchorage Trail is open for use. Please use caution when recreating on this trail, as truck traffic crosses for construction work during the day and night. Please be aware of flaggers advising users to yield to truck traffic. Also, please keep out of prohibited areas, such as fenced construction zones along the trails.

The original Campbell Creek Trail is now officially closed and will remain closed. Please adhere to all signage and keep out of this construction zone, as the old trail is being demolished.

The Campbell Creek Trail can still be accessed by using a detour on the west side of Elmore Road. Please note that a connection to the Campbell Creek Trail from the Tour of Anchorage Trail is not present and the detour route should be used.

Please continue to use caution and be aware of any signage detailing hazards, as it will lead trail users away from construction equipment or dangers.

Please feel free to contact me with any further questions you might have.

Enjoy the trails!

Alison Q. Lohrke
Public Involvement Planner

      (907) 562-2000
      4041 B Street
      Anchorage, AK 99503
      Fax (907) 563-3953
      www.DOWLHKM.com

Far North Bicentennial Park Trail Improvements Plan

Received via email June 5, 2009

The following is an updated schedule for the Far North Bicentennial Park (FNBP) Trail Improvements Plan.

The project team is currently editing and making amendments to the FNBP Draft Trail Improvements Plan. In doing so, the project team will be working closely with the Parks & Recreation (P&R) Commission subcommittee. Action at the June 11 P&R Commission meeting has been postponed and is tentatively scheduled for the July 9 meeting.

The draft minutes from the May 14 meeting can be found below.

Excerpt from the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes (5-14-09)

After a lengthy discussion and question-answer session between Commissioners and staff, the process for incorporating edits and amendments into the Draft plan was discussed.  Staff recommended the formation of a subcommittee to thoroughly review the plan, public comments, oral public comments from this meeting and to develop an addendum to the plan.  The addendum would be presented to the Commission for discussion and resolution in June, after which it will be forwarded along with the Draft Plan to the Urban Design Commission.  Public comment would be heard as part of the Urban Design Commission process.  After Urban Design approval, a Final Plan would be developed. 

Commissioner Benintendi moved that a subcommittee be established to work with Parks & Recreation staff on creating an addendum to the Far North Bicentennial Park – Trail Improvement Plan.    Commissioner Crosby seconded the motion. Commissioner Benintendi, Commissioner Wigglesworth, and Commissioner Frank were chosen for the subcommittee. Motion for subcommittee passed unanimously. 

Alison Q. Lohrke
Public Involvement Planner
(907) 562-2000
4041 B Street
Anchorage, AK 99503
Fax (907) 563-3953
www.DOWLHKM.com

Hatcher Pass Management Plan

Comment Form - PDF

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is initiating efforts to revise the Hatcher Pass Management Plan.  They are in the process of seeking public input.  All elements of the existing plan are up for consideration.  There will be a public meeting in the valley in April to discuss issues and seek comment, followed by a public review draft of proposed revisions.

If you recreate in the Hatcher Pass area in any way, it is important that you provide input to this planning process.  DNR is especially interested in written comments. 

A website with more information is located at:

http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/planning/mgtplans/hatcher_2009/

The website is still under development and does not yet allow public comment.  In the meantime you are strongly encouraged to print out the comment form and map, and send your individual comments now by email, fax, or mail to:

Philana Jarvis, Natural Resource Specialist                         
Department of Natural Resources                                       
Hatcher Pass Management Plan                                       
550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1050
Anchorage, Alaska  99501-3579
Email: philana.Jarvis@alaska.gov
Phone: (907) 269-8529
Fax:  (907) 269-8915

Start Parks Survey

This statewide opinion survey will help the State of Alaska, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation better understand what Alaskans do for outdoor recreation and how we can meet future recreation demands. Results will become part of a statewide outdoor recreation plan that will guide policy and funding decisions.

Take Online Survey

Bear Country

We who are involved in bear education efforts in Anchorage are hoping to increase the 2009 summer educational efforts to include a focus on better reaching those who recreate in bear country (runners, hikers, bikers, equestrians etc.). The basic message we want to get across is that people should still enjoy the outdoors but should understand the risks, strive to educate themselves about bears and how they should behave around them. We are hoping to pick a slogan to use throughout the campaign on a variety of educational materials, ideally something as effective as the "Kids Don't Float" used in boating safety messages. Please share with us your thoughts by taking the short 10 minute survey found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2fg5o_2fX9uvNvGeJCd0TQMaQ_3d_3d

We hope you will share the survey with your network of friends and encourage them to provide their ideas and thoughts. THANK YOU for helping with bear education in Anchorage by responding to the survey!

Bear Education Sub Committee &
Anchorage Bear Committee

The Kincaid Project - they need your help

Create world-class, year-round recreational opportunities at Kincaid Park for the benefit of Anchorage and the greater Alaskan community.

Website