Long-term goals include safe cabins

The Iditarod National Millennium Trail, Inc. is doing the Alaskan Express Freight Sled Expedition now, but long-term goals of the organization are still in focus.

The expedition that started in Seward Monday (see related story) is one of the most public events the organization has started. But the group is working hard to raise awareness of the historical part of the trail as well.

"We've already put together a map that some of the trailbreakers have used and said they like," said executive director Ron Arnold. "We're hoping to find a company to print the map for us so we can distribute it."

As part of this year's expedition, the historic Iditarod Trail is being GPS mapped as well. Along the way, another one of the organization's goals will be achieved -- spreading the history of the trail to others. The group is stopping to talk to schools.

The organization's long-term goals are lofty.

The group wants to reestablsh and refurbish roadhouses along the route, as well as provide safe cabins to assist in search and rescue events. Trail reconstruction is also a long-term goal, as well as placing trail markers every mile along the route.

"The expedition is our first really big project, and we've received a lot of support," Arnold said. "That's really encouraging to us."