The Bureau of Land Management is looking for information on how Haines residents use a trailhead near 7 Mile Haines Highway and whether they would like to see changes or improvements.
BLM owns the land near the 7 Mile Saddle trailhead and wants to hear opinions, concerns and suggestions regarding the existing boardwalk, trail system and access area.
BLM’s public affairs specialist Marnie Graham said the agency put out the request because it has heard differing opinions on moving the trail access or leaving it where it is. The questions the agency is trying to answer are, “Are there issues here? What does the community want?” she said.
In 2013, BLM shut down the 7 Mile “redneck rifle range,” a pullout used as a dump and illegal shooting area, citing safety and pollution concerns. The area is scheduled to be cleaned up this summer.
The Department of Transportation is also planning construction of a pullout area near the site as part of the Haines Highway realignment project.
BLM recreation specialist Cory Larson said comments the agency receives will be considered in development of a project proposal and the associated National Environmental Policy Act analysis.
“We’re just wanting peoples’ comments or suggestions,” Lawson said. “Based on those comments and suggestions, we might come back with a new idea.”
The comment deadline is June 5. Submit comments to [email protected].