Maryam Medovaya and Sam Dinges
Updated: 21 minutes ago Published: 21 minutes ago
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The Alaska Long Trail is a 500+ mile intermodal route currently under construction that will connect the trail system from Seward to Fairbanks. In addition to planning and building new segments, the AKLT project also aims to maintain and improve existing trails beloved by communities along the route.
In December 2022, Congress appropriated $1 million to the Bureau of Land Management to conduct a National Scenic Trails Feasibility Study for the AKLT. National Scenic Trails are one of three major federal trail designations outlined under the National Trails System Act of 1968. This act established various existing National Scenic Trails, such as the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, and specified criteria for others to be added. There are currently 11 National Scenic Trails in the country.
How will this designation impact the Alaska Long Trail and outdoor recreation in Alaska? In addition to the competitive economic benefits that come with increased global recognition, national scenic trails receive federal funding for maintenance. Specifically, national trails are eligible for annual federal funding for trail crews to perform logging, mowing, and repairs. Because the proposed route of the Alaska Long Trail passes through many of Alaska's most heavily used outdoor spaces, this designation ensures funding to address existing demands for trail infrastructure.
How does this designation affect access, existing user groups, and land management? National scenic trails are managed by the federal government, but not controlled by it; that is, local governments control access, planning and development, and visitor use. Federal agencies are appointed by Congress to manage the trails and coordinate with the various state, federal, and local land managers along the trail route regarding interagency agreements, financial assistance, and resource protection. In the case of existing national trails in Alaska (the Iditarod National Historic Trail and the Chilkoot Trail), the managing agency for the former is the BLM and for the latter, the National Park Service. When a trail is designated, the managing agency does not take over management of the land. Management policies for existing segments are not changed by the designation, and management policies for future segments are determined by the corresponding land managers (e.g., territories, municipalities, state agencies). Specific language regarding the roles, rights, and responsibilities of each party can be found in sections 7-9 of the National Trails System Act.
Although National Scenic Trails are primarily non-motorized, Section 7(c) of the National Trails System Act lists several exceptions that give local land managers and management agencies considerable discretion in determining what use policies are appropriate for which trail segments. This practice is also found on other National Scenic Trails. On the Continental Divide Trail, for example, about 23 percent of the CDT's approximately 3,100 miles is a multi-use trail system that includes motor vehicles.
What's the timeline and how can you get involved? A feasibility study for the designation is currently underway. Public input on the trail and route preferences are being accepted through June 28 on the BLM's eplanning website and map portal. For those who have not yet provided feedback, information and listening sessions will be held via Zoom on June 11, 13 and 27. A draft National Scenic Trail feasibility study will be open to the public this winter for feedback, with a final recommendation to be presented to Congress for a decision in fall 2025.
Current efforts to build, plan and develop the Alaska Long Trail are proceeding independently of the National Scenic Trail feasibility study. Alaska Trails believes this designation will be a catalyst for uplifting all aspects of outdoor recreation in our community and encourages you to share your feedback on this project with the BLM.
Sam Dinges (Mat-Su Coordinator) and Mariyam Medovaya (Project Manager) work on the Alaska Long Trails Project with Alaska Trails, a nonprofit organization that promotes trails and outdoor activities in Alaska.
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