Cooperation benefits outdoor recreation

The University of Alaska Fairbanks Matanuska Experiment Farm, Matanuska-Susitna College, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska State Parks and Kepler Park all have some things in common. First, they share common property boundaries in the core area of the Mat-Su Borough. Collectively, these lands represent one of the largest areas in the core area still in a relatively natural state. Second, these lands are joined by a vast network of non-motorized trails.

Some of these trails have long had official status. These include the trails in the Crevasse-Moraine recreational area and those in the Alaska State Park recreational area at Matanuska Lake. Other trails developed informally over the years, with no formal sanction from the land owners or managers. The result was a maze of mostly unmarked trails known only to those fortunate to explore the area.

Each of the land owners have different mandates for their respective lands. These range from agricultural research to public recreation, university-level education and a private-enterprise recreation facility. Over the last year these landowners and managers did something we need more of in the borough. They decided to cooperate over the use of the trails. They recognized the recreational opportunities the trails provide to the public along with the fantastic views and natural setting amidst the Valley’s growth. They recognized that their own land uses could, in many cases, co-exist with public use of the trails. They invited input from recreational user groups and an informal Matanuska Greenbelt group was formed.

The initial goals of the Matanuska Greenbelt group have been to increase public awareness and safe usage of the trails. To date, this has been accomplished by development of a comprehensive trail map and an informational website (tinyurl.com/matanuskagreenbelt). Priority was made to install trail signs identifying directions and distances to major features and trailheads. Funding for signposts and signs came from a volunteer adopt-a-post program. Used guardrail posts were also obtained for some signposts from the Alaska Department of Transportation. Landowners and volunteers installed almost 50 posts and 100 temporary signs by the end of last summer. Permanent signs are now installed on the University of Alaska Fairbanks Matanuska Experiment Farm. The permanent signs are expected soon on the other properties. That’s a lot of work in one year, achieved through both landowner cooperation and motivated volunteers. Future goals include information kiosks at the trailheads along the Glenn Highway, Palmer-Wasilla Highway and Trunk Road. Outdoor education possibilities along some of the trails are being considered.

The volunteers who supported this effort are too numerous to acknowledge individually here. They include representatives from the landowner organizations, trail and other recreational user groups, community councils and individuals. Dot Helm in particular, though, developed the trail map and website and provided leadership and motivation for the many volunteers. The Matanuska Experiment Farm facilitated numerous meetings and the communication between both the landowners and volunteers.

Now the general public is asked to join in the cooperation.

First, use the trails. It is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors close to home. Respect the rights and operations of each land owner or manager by staying on the marked trails. The trail signs identify which property you are on and if that property has any specific use restrictions. Be courteous and respect other trail users. The trails are non-motorized and uses include hiking, mountain biking, running, cross-country skiing and horseback riding.

Finally, help sustain the trails by avoiding use when they are soft and wet. This is primarily during spring break-up and fall freeze-up. Consider getting involved and volunteer to help maintain the trails or help at public trail events.

There are more than 33 miles of trails within the Matanuska Greenbelt. Take a short loop or enjoy the day trekking from Crevasse-Moraine to Matanuska Lake. See you out there.

Joe Moore lives in Palmer and is a volunteer on the trails.