Plans to build a two-mile motorized loop trail near Lily Lake Road have stalled after the state didn’t select Haines’ application for a recreational trails grant.
Haines Borough planner Dave Long said the borough administration doesn’t plan to recommend submitting an application for the same grant program this year. Last year the state accepted only applications for motorized trails, so borough staff advised it would be the best time to apply.
The borough also unsuccessfully applied for the program two years ago.
Long said he would like to see the parks and recreation advisory committee continue working on the trail proposal “and bring it forward again.” He added that public comments suggested that “we should develop a trail like this but not necessarily in this proposed location.”
The trail would be geared toward residents learning to ride ATVs, snow machines, dirt bikes or other motorized vehicles. The borough assembly last fall voted 4-2 in favor of the application, with assembly members Caitie Rothbart and Tyler Huling opposed.
Many residents signed letters in support of the trail as a way to expand outdoor recreational opportunities in Haines. Currently, the motorized trails closest to town are 25 miles up Haines Highway, according to the proposed project narrative.
But other public commenters opposed the proposal out of concern for the forest ecosystem northwest of Mount Riley and a quiet area where walking and snowshoeing are popular activities. The borough owns about 440 acres of land that officials have been planning to turn into a housing subdivision.
The recreational trails program is administered by the Alaska Department of Parks and Outdoor Recreation.
“It’s a pretty competitive grant. Obviously we would love to be able to give everybody that applies funding. However there is just not enough money,” said state parks administrator Danette Berkovitz.
The state will split funding among non-motorized and motorized trails in the upcoming cycle.