Give trails a break during ‘break-up’

To the editor:

‘Break-up’ in Alaska is here. Days are warmer, noticeably longer and the call to get outside and enjoy the nice weather is very strong. Trails and pathways are beckoning. We put away our skis, snowmachines and snowboards, and eagerly pull out the hiking boots, ATVs, bikes; or shove the horses in the horse trailers and head for the muddy trails. Yahoo!

But, wait. Control your urge to rip and tear down those muddy trails. In most areas of Alaska this is when trails are the most vulnerable to damage. The frost is leaving the soil; rain and melting snow are keeping many trails wet and muddy. Sometimes when we hike or ride on saturated soils, it causes irreversible damage to the trail and surrounding vegetation. So, take a break during ‘Break up’. Let the trails dry out. By simply leaving them alone to dry out and recover from winter you can reduce the maintenance required to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone the rest of the year.

If you must get out, choose trails on well drained soils, or trails that are built for heavy use.

Pat Owens

Chair, Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers