Management Uni4 t

Susitna River Crossing

L

The dramatic Susitna River1 crossing is a prime recrea- General Description tion area, but the site 's low visual absorption capa- bility demands sensitive development to retain the Management Unit 4 begins 5 1/2 miles northeast high scenic value. of the Susitna River crossing and extends acros e rive th o sapproximatelt r 3 miley s southeas e crossingth f o t . a highlThi s i s y scenic area e anticipatio,th fulf o l f o n The historically and culturally interesting crossing the "Big Su." The road parallels the townsit d min an eDenalf o e e visiblar i e across Susitna River along its west bank until it the Susitna River from within this management L turns sharply easo crost e tone-lane th s , unit. However, due to its distance from the canted bridge over the Susitna. (It is the highway, it is difficult to decipher any de- longest e Denalbridgth n io e Road)e Th . tail in the view without binoculars. The traveler's view e stronglar s y oriented toward Denali Townsite access road intersects with the river, with opportunities to experience the Denali Wild and Scenic Road just east of the Susitna from many varying point f viewo s . the river crossing. The alignment of the road also gives the traveler a sense of anticipation in the east- Other land use and development activities bound direction as there is a dramatic change within this management unit are located on to a mountain landscape along the southern both sides of the river and include recrea- D54 e Clearwateth edg f o e r Mountains. tional homesites, lodges, gravel extraction L 4 Susitna River Crossing Assessment Units D23 — D27 T-1

NORTH 1 0 2 mi. •T-L

KEY ^Real-1 -p.Turnout fa. Impact Mitigation Riga 1Propose- d Realignment Rec"1 Kec. -Recreation - Real -1 2iHi. .Greenbelt

State Owned Land 1 LJ Federal Land Private Land

D55 sites and an airfield. However, no permanent Impact Mitigation: To take appropriate action to mitigate adverse visual impacts resulting structure e visiblar s e froe Susitnth m a River from previous roadside maintenanc d developean - crossing. At present, there are few ment . established recreational facilities neae th r Susitna River crossing. Management Land Ownership& Recommendations Management Responsibility DevelopmenLan& e dUs t (LU)______Land management within this uni s predomii t - nantly the responsibility of the BLM. There Currently d developmenan e lane th ,us d t activ- are .several (5) private landholdings scattered ities within this unit consiso lodgestw f o ta , along the road, however, all of the land small boat launch site, several recreational immediately e adjacenSusitnth o t at River homesites, material sites and an airfield. It crossin s managei g y BLMb de southwesTh . t appears thae existinth t g private lands have e crossinth ban f o s M k beet asidha gBL se ny b e been developed and any future developcent would as a recreation withdrawal. The DOTPF main- e discretioth e BLMt bth a e ,f o whicn h cur- 0 footain30 ta s right-of-way throughout this rently manage e remainde th e sroadsid th f o r e management unit. lands n planninI e f futurthes.o th e r eus efo g s landsrecommendei t i , d that developmenf o t the scenic and recreational resources be addressed as the highest priority. Other Visual Resource developments such as mining, homesites, com- Management Objectives mercial establishment d materiaan s l extraction shoul e discourageb d d unless they - retaien r o n hance these resource values. e managemenTh t recommendations presenter fo d this unit focus on the themes of retention, en- The overall recommendations for the Denali Wild hancement and impact mitigation. and Scenic Road outline some general consider- ation r sensitivfo s developmentd ean lane us d . Retentio o retaiT n; n those characteristics The following points describe how these manage- which contribute to the particularly high ment actions should be applied to the Susitna scenic resource values and interesting driving River crossing area: experience within this management unit.

Enhancement o enhancT : e traveler'th e s under- • Recreational developmen overd t an -(boty da h standing, appreciation and use of this area night use) should be encouraged near the through the development of appropriately sited Susitna River crossin e mosth t s a gappropriat e D56 and designed roadside recreational facilities. land use within this unit. L e lanTh d • adjacenSusitne th o t at River cross- d thaan t g in visible e frorecreationath m l sites shoul e retaineb d r publifo d c recrea- tiona e onlyus l . [ Furthe• r commercia d homesitan l e develop- ment should not be located within view from the Susitna River crossin d shoulan g d respond to the greenbelt recommendations for this unit. i exceptioWite • th h recreationaf o n l homes!tes, federal land disposals shoul e discourageb d d in this unit. L •v -.»,-;.** -^ Al• l minin materiad an g l extraction activities should be restricted from locating within view r from the road...... ,, Recreation Development (Rcc)

The Susitna River crossing is a major recre- ation focus along the Denali Wild and Scenic With proper site design and landscaping, this unsight- Road. However w visualo a l, s currenha e us t ly gravel pit is the recommended location for camp- e onlth ye are impacd th existinan a n o t g pub- ground and rest area development (Rec - 1). While it lic recreational facility is a small boat is removed fromriverthe bank, siteeasythe has ac- launch ramp on the northeast bank of the riv- cess and good screening potential. . s BLwithdrawer ha M e southwesth n t banf o k the crossin r recreationafo g o ln uset bu , developmen t takeye ns ha placet .

In order to respond to the existing and future demand for recreational use at the Susitna • The east banks of the crossing have moderate L River crossing, there may need to be several visual absorption capabilities. facilities developed within close proximito t y • The existing boat launch site is well-sited, the river which provide camping sites, scenic but too small and has no off-road pull-out viewpoints, picnic sites, boat launches, river space. acces d hikinan s g trailse followinTh . g • There are no established picnic, camping or development opportunities and constraints toilet facilities near the crossing. have been identified: • Therlargea s i e , former material site approx- imatel 2 mil . ye Denal e riveeth th east a if ro t wese Th Susitnte • th bank f ao s River crossing Townsite road junction s developmenha t I . - po t L have very low visual absorption capabilities. tential as a campsite and day use facility. D57 There Ia snarro w ridgeto pe eas th drivt n o e Pos• t information indicatin locatioe th g f o n side of the Denali Road which leads to a the ridgetop viewpoin e sout th s wel a ho t tl breathtaking viewpoint over the Susitna River. as recreation-related informatioe th r fo n It is unsaf r intensivfo e e o usn e s sincha t i e Susitna River (I.e. fishing, boating, etc.). vehicle turnaround spacd onlan ey limited opportunities for sensitive expansion.

A recreation developmen e Susitntth plar afo n Rec-2 Ridgetop Viewpoint: This short drive alone th g River crossing should be prepared, taking top of a very narrow ridge leads to spectacular advantage of the site's outstanding amenities e Susitnth view f o sa River. This viewpoint should be developed In conjunction with the while minimizing facility development. Recre- Rest Area (Rec-l o provid)t e travelers witn a h ational development shoul e restricteb d e th o t d Interpretive site for the Upper Susitna River eas e triver th sid f o ,e wher e visuath e- ab l landscape. Since this s sitextremelha e y limited space for development, rest area facil- sorption capability is highest and existing ities shoul e provideb e drecommende th t a d d landscape alterations are concentrated. rest area site approximatele th 2 mil o 1/ yt e northwest e followinTh . g site development guidelines shoul e appliedb d : Rec-l Rest AreCampgroundd aan e formeTh ; r materials • Prohibit vehicle access on the ridgetop road. site on the east side of the river crossing Provide a small gravel turnout (2-3 cars) at shoul e developeb d a combine s a d d rest ared an a the roadsid d maintaian e nfooa te traith o t l campground. This existing disturbed area now viewpoint. appears to be Sbed as a parking area by recreationlsts at the Susitna River. Site Provid• e interpretive information regarding development and reclamation should include the the Susitna River landscap d wildlifan e t a e following actions: the parking area, leaving the trail unde- velope o experienct d e fulth el e effecth f o t • Construc a vegetatet roadside d th bert a em spectacular panorama. to provide partial screening from traffic.

• Regrade the site and establish masses of vegetation withi e sitth ne accordina o t g Rec-3 Boat Launch existine Th : g boat launch site may landscape design scheme. This will provide need to be expanded to provide adequate space some privacy e site' d breath . an p su k expan- to safely back off the boat ramp without siveness. enterin e road f necessaryth gI . , this should consist of minimal clearing and gravel Minimiz• e numbe f th acceso e r s points. surfacin n ordei g o maintait r e naturath n l There may be some conflict with the Denali characte e riveth rf o rbank . Regular Utter Townsite access road; this needs further control would eliminate visual cluttere Th . Investigation. existing trash barrel shoul e placeb a d n i d more appropriate locatio minimizo t n visis it e - bility n option a froe road s th mA a .,woo d • Remove or relocate the abandoned trailer on slat enclosure for the barrels could be located the site. among some trees at the southeast or northeast sitee corneth .f o r Parking shoul e restricb d - Establis• a shorh t boardwalk througe th h e recommendeth o tet d d rest area/campground D58 spruce grove to the river edge. site (Rec-I). Greenbelts naturae th moro N f l eo • vegetatio% tha25 n n should be removed within any one site. Within this management unit, greenbelts can be • The number of access roads should be minimized an effective scenic resource management tool by encouraging adjacent developments to share for visible lands outside the right-of-way. or consolidate access. This unit is characterized by generally open, Larg• e scale landscape alterations, sucs a h rolling tundra with scattered masse f treeso s , large minin r materiao g l site r resio s - dential subdivisions, should be strongly dis- so lands adjacen roae highle th ar d o t y visi- couraged within the viewshed greenbelt. ble. The predominant view orientation shifts from the east to the west side of the road, viewe bu generalle th t sar y panoramic. There- Existing private land is not subject to green- fore a narro, w greenbelt woul e relativelb d y belt designations. However, private land- insignifican n i maintainint e scenith g c owners are strongly encouraged to adopt the resources of this area. The nost appropriate greenbelt guidelines as a means of maintaining greenbelt designation for this viewa uni s i t- the scenic qualit f theio y s rit homd an e shed greenbelt. A viewshed greenbelt does not surroundings. BLM, on the other hand, should restrict all use within its width, but rather incorporate these recommendation n i theis r defines guidelines for sensitive use. The land use plan for the Denali Block and viewshed greenbelt for this unit should extend formally apply the management guidelines to approximately two miles to the east and one any future use or development of this area. e Denalth e wesf th o i t mil o Roadt e , encompassing those lands wite highesth h t visibility. (The unit map indicates more pre- Right-off-Way Management______cisely the necessary greenbelt width). The following development recommendatione ar s DOTPF manages a 300 foot right-of-way within r aimed at retaining the scenic resources of the this unit which serves as the foreground to L area: the many exceptional scenic views froe th m road. The current management practices for most of these lands is sensitive to the scenic developmenl Al • t shoul see b td bact leasa k t resource values. Both wate d vegetatioan r n 100 feet from the road so distance provides a are retained close to the roadside minimizing visual buffer. the visua le land th impacte roa -n th o d f o s • Plan developmenr fo s othelane r o tus d r than scape and enhancing the wild and remote scattered residential cabins should be evalu- character of the area. This type of right- ated for their visual impact on views from the road. of-way management should be encouraged throughout this unit. The areas in most need • Development site design should take advantage of improvement are the cut banks and the of natural opportunities for screening, set- backs and should use materials that blend in gravel extraction sites within the right-of- witsurroundine th h g landscape. way. Natural revegetation shoule b d D59 encourage n thesi d e areas d thian , s process views of the Susitna River and the potential to might be accelerated through the initial seed- develop short foot trails which would provide several different views of the river. This can ing of the sites with nitrogen-fixing plants be partially screene y regradinb d d revegean g - (alder, vetch, lupine). The gravel extraction tation withi right-of-waye th n . areas are in need of more intensive management The gravel site on the west side of the road and are addressed under Impact Mitigation. a hig s h ha visual impac d viewan t s from there e oriente gravee ar th o e loppositt d th sit n o e e side of the road. This site should be actively reclaimed to return it to a more natural Turnouts (T)______character. (See Impact Mitigation, M-l for reclamation recommendations). High scenic quality, many opportunitier fo s exceptional views, as well as the sense of arrival after a long period of anticipation, T-3 Existing viewpoint turnout. This existing invite many traveler o stod t enjos an e p th y turnou s viewtha s Susitn e nortth p hu a Riveo t r scenery io this unit accomodato T . e thoso ewh the N.W. Alaska s Rangerecommendei t I . d that this sit e maintaineb e e a turnouth s a d an t prefe o makt r e brief stops alongsid e roath ed following measures take o t improvn s it e rather than spend more a restim t ta e areaa , amenities: serie f scenio s c viewpoin d interpretivan t e • Remove the excessive amount of refuse that turnout s proposei s thir fo ds area. has accumulated at the site and continue reg- ular pick-up. T-l Existing unmaintained turnout. The following • Provide a short interpretive information sign measure e recommendear s r developmenfo d d an t describin viewe th g . maintenance of this existing site which has an excellent view across the Susitna River to the • Annually grade the turnout entrance -to Denall Townsite and the Alaska Range: pro- vide easier vehicular access. s entranc it e turnou Th d e• an t shoule b d • Establish additional vegetation or construct regularly graded to maintain access. a vegetated berr n - eitheo a en e r th sid f o e • The existing right-of-way vegetation should be trance to reduce the Impact of the clearing retained to provide partial screening of the froe roadth m . site. shorA • t foot-trail shoul constructee db e th o t d top of the hill for a better vantage point. T-4 Proposed turnout. This sit s proposeI e n a s a d Interpretiveturnou e taluth sr fo slopet n i s BLM's Denall Highway Information Plan. Development of the site would require minimal changes and it has good visibility for entrance T-2 •DOTPF proposed turnouts/gravel sites thein I . r and exit. However t offeri , o othen s r site realignment plans, the DOTPF has proposed amenities, such as views of the surrounding reclaimin o gravetw g l extraction siter fo s landscape. It Is recommended that this site be turnouts eithen o e e th roa,e ron t th sidda f eo given a low priority, and Instead, development same location. The site on the east side of should focus on sites that are oriented to the road is recommended aa goos d locatioo t n scenic views of the Susitna River Valley. D60 develop a turnout. From there, it has good r

Realignments (Real) Denali Townsite Access Road ______

DOTP s proposeFha d minor realignment f severo s - The Denali Townsite Access Road currently has l curvea s withi aree th na neaSusitne th r a Riv- little visual impact within this management er crossing. It appears that the purpose of unit becaus onls i yt i evisibl e from distances these realignment o flattet s i s n curved an s greater than a mile. The proposed road create longer tangents n generalI . , this type upgrading should attempt to. minimize exposed of upgrading is unnecessary in view of low soils on cut banks that would create distinct traffic volumes and the function of the road as color or line contrasts, since patterns are a scenic and recreational driving experience. more visually discernible from long distances Additionally, each of the road segments pro- than are details. poser realignmenfo d e t th currentlo t d ad y driving enjoyment throug e landscapeth h d an , these qualities should be retained.

]_. Susitna River crossing approache Th . sharp * curves on either side of the Susitna River Impact Mitigatio) n(M bridge cause definite changes In direction befor d afte an crossine th r g which lend visual The major source of negative visual impacts excitemen d anticipatioan t e overalth o t ln experience. Flattening these curves a s within this managemen e presenct th uni s i tf o e proposed appears unnecessar r highwafo y y safety many roadside gravel extraction e sitesth f I . or convenience and would detract from the drama DOTPF would mitigat e impactth e f theso s e e riveoth f r approach t II s . recommended that the alignment of the existing curves be main- sites it would serve not only to enhance the tained. visual experience, but also to provide private landowners and other public land managers with an example of public efforts being made to Real-2 Susitna Lodge approach existine Th . g alignment maintai e Denala d wilth sceni nan s da i c Ia pleasans t approace Susitnth o t ha Lodge, road. The following site specific recom- providing a series of filtered and framed views that then open to a full view of the lodge and mendations encompass materials sites as well small lake. Flattening the curves would not e commerciaon s a l establishment. only detract froe visuath m l experiencet bu , would necessitate extensive fill at the edge of a roadsid a estee d lakpan e embankment. It is recommended thae existinth t g alignment M-l Gravel Extraction Site describes A . d In turn- be maintaine n ordei d o minimizt r e landscape out (T-2), this long, wide gravel site has a disruption and retain the pleasant quality of high negative visual impac d virtuallan t o n y the present experience. amenities that merit turnout developmens a t recommended by DOTPF, Instead, the site shoul e screeneb d d reclaimedan d . Regrading, particularly at the road edge, and construc- tion of a large berm with tall vegetation In e right-of-wath y Is recommended. D61 M-2 Material Slte-Susltna River Approach. H-5 Gracious House Lodge. The major reason for Material extractio t a thin s highly visible the site's negative visual impac t e lacith sk site dominate e northwest—boun th e vie f th so w d of s continuitoveralit d an l y cluttered traveler from the Susitna River bridge. appearance e lodgTh . e itself is lost amongst Constructing a berm with tall vegetation 40-50 numerous other structures<, Repeating colors feet back from the road would help screen the and materials used for the lodge in other sit y directinb et cu d ove e e an vie th rth gp u w structures on the site (particularly the hillside. While the site is still in use, visually dominative quonset hut/service sta- only a single narrow entry/exit should be tion in front) would improve visual conti- maintained. Refuse presently scattered at the nuity. Also, removing unnecessary clutter and roadside should be removed. The proposed rea- locating storage areas behind or within struc- lignment at this corner would accentuate the tures would improv e th overale l site impac f thio t s site, making reclamation a n appearance. even higher priority.

M-3 Gravel Clearings and Associated Clutter. Concentrated just north of the Gracious House Lodge is a series of gravel extraction sites which detract from the natural landscape and the commercial establishment. This impacs i t accentuated by an excessive amount of clutter, such as burned out and broken down structures, old barrels, and trash left within the sites. ' This is a good opportunity for DOTPF to set an example for private landowners by mitigating these severe visual problems. Recommended mitigation measure r thifo ss area include:

• Remove all refuse and unused structures from the sites

• Construct berms with tall brush vegetation alon e roadsidth g o screet e e materiath n l sites from view.

• If necessary regrade the sites to provide adequate screening with roadside berms.

• Encourage natural revegetation within these sites by restricting vehicular access.

Material site. This gravel scar n higii s h e contrassurroundinth o t t g natural land- scape. Complete screenin e sitth e f o woulg d be difficult cu t e because heighth th f f o to e area. However, recontouring the site to a more natural form and encouraging revegetation would mitigate some of the impact. Additionally a ,stri f talo p l vegetatiod an n brush should be established at the roadside e sit th o providnext eo t t a partiae l visual D62 screen.