All trails lead to Alaska Job Corps Center

MAT-SU — This weekend the Alaska Trails is hosting its first biennial Trail Rondy at the Alaska Job Corps Center. It will be a three-day workshop focused on the needs of Alaska’s trail community.

“We support trails and recreational opportunities statewide,” said Alaska Job Corps Center Director Ken Northamer. “Our students are both trail users and trail builders.”

“Trails are more than important transportation corridors,” added Ben Rowell, recreation supervisor for Job Corps. “They’re both history and they’re freedom. And it isn’t just the physical aspects of a trail. People need healthy options. Hiking on trails offers teaching moments, all while improving self-esteem and health.”

Alan McClain, social development manager, backs this up.

“Eighty-three percent of (a) youth’s time is away from the classroom. We have to make sure there are trails for their use,” he said. “Natural discovery opens the windows of a young person’s mind. Trails combine opportunities for physical effort and emotional growth.”

Both Rowell and McClain are working with the city of Palmer to improve trail opportunities surrounding the community. Later this spring, several Job Corps students will also help with the Parks, Trails and Recreational Facilities Plan for Palmer.

Building trails is not easy. There is a lot to learn. This weekend there will be classes in sustainable design elements, trail planning and management concepts. Other sessions will include wilderness survival challenges, grant writing for trails, leadership and volunteer management, partnerships between trail users and land managers, trail funding and the importance of trail maintenance. There will be training, discussion, hands-on demonstrations and vendors focused on the needs of Alaska’s trail community.

Cleve Robinson, construction industry supervisor, remarked, “Job Corps students have helped to build trails all over our state. We have worked with the Bureau of Land Management, State Department of Natural Resources, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Denali National Park and many other organizations.

“We are hearty supporters of the trail industry because it involves skilled trades like heavy equipment and carpentry, which we offer our students.”

Erin McLarnon, executive director of Alaska Trails says, “Alaska Trails is excited to offer the Trail Rondy to the Alaska trails community. We believe the classes and workshop sessions will promote increased partnerships and cooperation throughout the trail community.”

Pre-registration has been brisk. Rep. Don Young will be the keynote speaker Saturday at 3 p.m. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has provided a special DVD address for the occasion, and Sen. Mark Begich will be making an appearance on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Advance registration is closed; however, onsite registration begins at 8 a.m., today.

Barbara Hunt is the business and community liaison for the Alaska Job Corps Center.