The Haines Economic Development Corporation will develop a master trail plan for the Chilkat Valley with help from a grant from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program.
While it won’t provide any funding, the grant means parks service staff will work with HEDC and interested stakeholders to begin mapping existing and future trails for motorized and non-motorized year-round recreation. HEDC executive director Lee Hart said she’s received the same grant when working for other organizations and said assistance from park service planners is “worth its weight in platinum.”
She said a master trails plan will make Haines competitive for state and federal grants.
“It’s becoming obvious that communities with recreation plans will be more effective in attracting funding to maintain and grow their recreation infrastructure,” Hart said.
In creating the plan, park service staff and stakeholders will use input already existing in Haines State Forest and Chilkoot and Chilkat State parks management plans.
Supporters of developing a master trails plan for the area include Mayor Douglas Olerud, Chilkoot Indian Association Tribal Administrator Harriett Brouillette, Alaska State Parks Southeast Area Supervisor Preston Kroes, Alaska State Forest Haines Forester Greg Palmieri, local bike retailer and tour provider Sockeye Cycles, and non-profit Haines Huts and Trail.
Hart said she’ll also reach out to Klukwan residents and the Chilkat Snow Burners.
Those interested in participating can attend the HEDC open house on May 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Chilkat Center, Hart said.