Development plan released

May 16, 2006

By DARRELL L. BREESE

Frontiersman

PALMER - Whether you call it Mount McKinley, Denali or the Great One, the highest peak in North America, along with the surrounding state and national park, is the crown jewel of the state and a vital part of the economy for the Upper Susitna Valley.

Accessing and viewing the mountain will be greatly enhanced if the proposed South Denali visitors center is completed.

That project is one step closer to becoming a reality with the May 4 release of the final version of the South Denali Implementation Plan and Environmental Impact Statement.

&#8220The final plan represents the culmination of more than 10 years of cooperative planning by the National Park Service, state of Alaska and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough,” Bruce Talbot, natural resource manager with the Department of Natural Resources said. &#8220Everyone came together on this project. That is what made it happen where other attempts have failed in the past.”

Several potential locations for new visitor facilities in the South Denali region were reviewed. The final plan focused on two possible locations: One on Curry Ridge, 3.5 miles off the Parks Highway at Mile 134.5, and the other on Peters Hill just off Petersville Road.

The Curry Ridge site in Denali State Park is the recommended location. The plan calls for the construction of a new visitors complex on approximately 4.1 acres in the area, including a 16,000 square foot building and a paved parking lot that would accommodate both buses and private vehicles.

&#8220It's the best possible location,” Talbot said of Curry Ridge. &#8220It will provide a focal point for a variety of activities in Denali State Park and Denali National Park. It is perfect for mountain and wildlife viewing, hiking, boating, and camping. I believe that both Alaskans and Outside visitors alike will benefit from the new recreational opportunities made possible by this project.”

In addition to the new visitor facilities on Curry Ridge, the plan provides for new recreational opportunities in the South Denali region as a whole, particularly in Denali State Park and areas south of the park along the Parks Highway.

New trails and trailheads would be constructed at Troublesome Creek, Blair Lake, Curry Ridge, Gold Creek and Indian River. Several scenic overlooks would be added to the Parks Highway in the area. New campgrounds also are included in the plan at Byers Lake, Gold Creek and Troublesome Creek.

The plan also includes measures to protect cultural and natural resource values of the area and to preserve the quality of life for residents in nearby communities.

Talbot called the addition of recreation facilities for the residents as a key factor in getting the project this far.

&#8220People didn't want another Glitter Gulch,” Talbot said. &#8220Under the proposed plan that is addressed. An emphasis was placed on protecting the wilderness areas and providing amenities such as trails, campgrounds and other items that would benefit the residents.”

&#8220The main issue raised was limiting the visual impact the project would have on the Parks Highway corridor in the area,” borough planner Eileen Probasco said. &#8220Preserving the pristine nature and views in the area was important to the residents of the area.

Estimated cost for developing the Curry Ridge site is $28.7 million, far less than the $100 million it would cost to develop the Peters Hill site.

According to Talbot, it will take between four to seven years to complete the Curry Ridge project, and five years under the Peters Hill schedule.

&#8220The selection of Curry Ridge as the preferred location for the visitor center resulted in a swing of support from residents of the area,” assembly member Betty Vehrs said. &#8220Before that, the people were worried about the impact to the area that would have come with the Peters Hill site.”

Vehrs went on to call the Curry Ridge site the best for both the residents and tourists.

&#8220A lot more people will be able to utilize the visitor center,” Vehrs said. &#8220It will have less impact on Trapper Creek proper, will be more accessible for the tour buses and won't impact the area as much as the Peters Hill site would have.”

A public comment period has opened on the revised Denali State Park Master Plan. Input must be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources by May 24. The plan can be viewed at www.southdenaliplanning.com. Hard copies can be obtained by contacting Miriam Valentine at the Talkeetna Ranger Station,.

After reviewing comments received and making changes as necessary, the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources is scheduled to adopt the Denali State Park Master Plan on or after May 31, 2006.

Contact Darrell L. Breese at 352-2267 or at darrell.breese@ frontiersman.com.