The state Division of Parks is pushing ahead with a request for bear-viewing platforms along the Chilkoot River, regional superintendent Mike Eberhardt said in a recent interview.
Former parks director James King held a meeting here in December where changes to the road to Chilkoot Lake were discussed, as well as a planned later meeting for creation of a state recreation site.
Those discussions were put on hold following the announcement that King would be replaced.
Eberhardt said he’s still hoping state Rep. Bill Thomas, R-Haines, can secure funding for the elevated viewing platforms. He’s also working with the state Department of Transportation to get the Division of Parks authority for managing traffic on the riverside road.
A complicating factor is that Parks is asking DOT to remain responsible for maintaining the road. “If I said I wanted to take over maintenance of it, it would be ours in a second. We want to be able to manage cars. DOT would control the road surface. They have concerns about how much control they can give up,” Eberhardt said.