
By Jenna Kunze
The race trail off Young Road that weaves up the steep face of Mount Ripinsky is closed to the public, posted with ‘private property’ and ‘no trespassing’ signs last week by property owner Roger Schnabel.
The trail has been in public use for at least 50 years, locals estimate. There has been an Independence Day race on the trail for at least 45 years.
Schnabel, who purchased the 65-acre swath of land encompassing the race trail trailhead up to the parking lot of the Ripinsky trailhead on Skyline Road in the 1970s, said it had become a liability to keep the trail in public use.
Last Wednesday, a group of hikers were bluff charged by a bear on the Skyline Trail while ascending Mount Ripinsky. One sustained a minor injury from falling when she moved off the trail to escape the bear. The incident caused the Alaska Department of Fish and Game to post bear alert signs on the Skyline Road trailhead, and also on Schnabel’s property.
Schnabel said the bear incident has created a liability for him. “I took the bear alert sign down and put up a no trespassing sign,” Schnabel said. “That took care of the bear issue.”
Though Schnabel said he hasn’t had an issue with public use on his property before, he posted a no trespassing sign about 20 years ago. As a result, “somebody moved the trailhead 50 feet to the west,” he said.
Local trail runners called the decision sad, but said they were unaware the trail was private property.
“I use (the race trail) regularly and I love it, it’s one of the few quick easy summits right in town,” Sierra Jimenez said. “I didn’t realize it was private property and I’m certainly bummed out. I hope he’s willing to work with the community to come up with a solution.”
Sue Libenson said she uses the trail as a quick workout close to town with a nice view.
“That’s the one place when you have a really short amount of time that you can just get out,” she said. “But I didn’t know it was private property, so it’s been generous of (Schnabel) to make that available for local people for so long. Let’s hope we can work something out so we can continue to use it.”
“I obviously respect the rights of property owners, but I do really love that trail,” Melina Shields said. “There have been times when I’ve used it almost daily.”
George Campbell said that any property owner paying taxes can utilize their land however they wish. “I used to shoot grouse on Cemetery Hill where there is now development,” he said. “Things change. It’s the way of life. Welcome to civilization.”
Schnabel said he intends to allow the traditional Fourth of July trail race to take place with waivers and liability insurance provided by the Haines Chamber of Commerce.
As for private individuals who wish to use the trail, Schnabel said he’ll have to think about it.
“Hopefully people have respect for people’s property,” he said.