New trail connector to be added to K’esugi Ridge Trail

Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation working with Alaska Department of Fish and Game Division of Wildlife Conservation (ADF&G DWC) and Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation (DNR DPOR) will undertake a three-year project to connect the K’esugi Ken Campground to the K’esugi Ridge Trail. The project is funded by Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act from ADF&G DWC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Pittman-Robertson funds are comprised of tax revenue collected from the sale of firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment that are used to support public access to wildlife resources and improve hunter access. The grant will pay for 75% of the project cost with the foundation matching 25% creating a total estimated investment worth over 1.2 million dollars.

Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation will administer the funding while contracting with a trail construction contractor to complete the work. Project review, oversight, and final approval of the finished trail will be provided by DNR DPOR. The exact alignment of the new trail will be surveyed in summer of 2020 with construction estimated to span the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

“This is a great example of a partnership where a charitable organization can leverage funds from the community in order to get large-scale projects done on public lands. Without funding from our big supporters like the Mat-Su Health Foundation and gifts from passionate people in the Mat-Su this project would not have happened now.” Wes Hoskins, Executive Director, Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation.

Alaska State Parks has constructed five miles of trail from K’esugi Ken Campground up to and past Lake 1787. The Curry Ridge Connector will continue this work connecting to the existing K’esugi Ridge Trail around the point that it crosses Upper Troublesome Creek. This new segment will provide better access on an increasingly popular area. More opportunities for hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, and extended overnight trips will be created as the K’esugi Ridge Trail is extended to about 45 miles total.

For more information about this project and to find out how to support more projects like it, contact Wes Hoskins at Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation at 746-8757 or whoskins@matsutrails.org. Or visit the Foundation website at www.matsutrails.org. More information about ADF&G’s Hunter Access Program can be found on the ADF&G website at www.hunteraccess.adfg.alaska.gov.