Trail first blazed by horses and hikers

In a recent Frontiersman article, “Knik River Management Plan Draws Public Comment,” Cliff Judkins was quoted as saying that the Rippy Trail was built in the 1960s by recreational vehicle riders. Maybe Mr. Judkins is speaking of another Rippy Trail, because the development and history of the Rippy Trail I know is quite different.

The first part of the Rippy Trail began at the end of Maud Road (where the pavement now ends) and went as far as Jim Lake. It began as a collection of logging roads. The trail became more defined with use, mostly by locals going horseback riding, fishing and hunting in the area. It was identified in the 1984 Mat-Su Borough Trails Plan and described as a “rugged foot and horseback trail.”

That first part of the Rippy Trail (from Maud Road to Jim Lake) is now commonly called the “Maud Road Extension” and was upgraded to a gravel road in the late 1980s. To many, it is still the beginning of the Rippy Trail.

The portion of the Rippy Trail that is being proposed for designation as a non-motorized trail in the Knik River Public Use Area Management Plan is an extension to that original Rippy Trail. It was located, flagged aand brushed out in the mid-’80s by the Borough. The work was done with a state grant. Myself, other Borough employees and members of the Morgan Horse Association and Arabian Horse Club spent many days hiking the area searching for a suitable route from Jim Lake to Friday Creek that could accommodate horseback riders.

So, I know Mr. Judkins’ claims are wrong. There was no trail beyond Jim Lake in the ’60s and it certainly wasn’t built by “recreational vehicle riders” or for them. Long before the ATV there were horses and hikers. Get the facts straight, Mr. Judkins, and give credit where credit is due.

Pat Owens,

Chickaloon