Machines and fish: A workshop in diversity

PALMER — A community all-terrain vehicle and off-road vehicle stream-crossing workshop took place at Mat-Su College earlier this month. The challenge was to bring together in a public forum resource users and managers to educate and learn from each other.

Part of the day’s focus was to gather motorized trail riders views and share natural resource and current ATV project information. The event provided an opportunity for riders and agencies to network about salmon stream crossings and current regulations. The primary goal was to gather input to educate both groups resulting in a major benefit to public land and resource managers for making better decisions regarding machines and salmon.

Five different topics offered a wide spectrum of learning and discussion with time devoted to visiting one-on-one with presenters. They included a mapping exercise to identify high recreation use areas; ATV safety in riparian areas; the identification of salmon habitat and stream characteristics such as pools, riffles, runs, etc., to help participants realize the importance of machine impacts at fish crossings; an Alaska Department of Fish and Game Exhibit offering access information to fishing, hunting and other outdoor recreation areas; and the introduction of the results of an on-going Swiftwater Creek Cooperative ATV/ORV Outreach, Trail and Restoration Plan Pilot Project covering trail user survey results, the cooperative planning and implementation process, and trail/streambank improvements that retain valued ATV/ORV trail experiences while restoring and protecting fish rearing and spawning habitat.

What was learned and shared will serve as a model with statewide implications.

To effectively summarize and wrap-up the workshop, a panel discussion provided a prime opportunity for the public to ask “one-stop-shop” type questions and share insights with a variety of trail users and agency professionals. Polly Bass, Mat-Su College Natural Resources Assistant Professor, moderated the experienced panel representing diverse interests and disciplines.

Members included Phil Irrer — a seasoned ATV rider; Jack Heintzman — longtime ORV rider and hunter; Bill Rice — Professional Engineer and Hydrologist, as well as Alaska’s foremost fish passage expert; Ron Benkert — Habitat Biologist with the Palmer Fish and Game office; Katrina Mueller — USFWS Fisheries Outreach Specialist; and Kevin Meyer — National Park Service, Alaska Region Trail Specialist.

The panel fielded and responded to questions ranging from crossing regulations, trail and low water crossing designs, riding needs, interests and restrictions to possible management solutions. Senator Linda Menard questioned the panel regarding the number of machines that exist in the Valley. There was not a rider nor agency answer/estimate. Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District obligated to research this question and follow up to inform riders, decision-makers and legislators.

The extreme difficulty of adequately managing ATV/ORV trails that many times traverse private-public (municipal, State, Federal) land was thoroughly examined. Public lands management and regulations change from agency to agency. Kevin Meyer, offered a solution from his vast Alaskan trail experiences: “In the past, I have had great success with Kodiak and Homer Soil and Water Conservation Districts in a number of cooperative trail projects. What Wasilla (Soil and Water Conservation District) is doing here today is the answer. The District’s capability transcend any conflict that may arise from the different land ownership and management restrictions on private or public land.”

As local organizations committed to serving neighbors, Chuck Kaucic shared that the reason that District’s are more effective is because of the “3 N’s”: non-profit, non-regulatory and non-government. All of the panel members agreed that this fact provided the most common ground for trail user and agency cooperation.

John Paszalek, Conservation Technician II with WSWCD interviewed and surveyed more than 60 riders at the Swiftwater Creek trailhead over the past 2 months.

He assessed the value of the Workshop as: “The point of the meeting was to figure out the best method to preserve access and stream health, as well why riders should help mainly because we want to make sure the trail retains desired features. Beyond these two points, we have made it abundantly clear that we are not trying to close the trails!”

At day’s end, Bill Rice summarized his involvement and observations by stating “It was heartening to see all of the people in the meeting looking for solutions and answers to the problems — not blaming others.”

The practical results demonstrated a mutual effort to lessen the distance in perspectives and needs, and that Conservation District’s are willing and able to serve as the liaison between riders and regulatory agencies.

For more information, contact 357-4563, Ext. 103, or send email to distmgr@wasillaswcd.org.

Chuck Kaucic is district manager for the Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District.