7a(5)
T R A N S M I T T A L M E M O R A N D U M
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Lacey G. Simpson, Assistant City Manager
DATE: June 24, 2021
RE: Authorizing Letter of Support of Funding Requests for Improvements to the United States Forest Service Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
At its meeting of June 17, 2021, Councilmember Gage requested a future City Council agenda item regarding the City submitting a letter of support of funding requests for improvements to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.
Attached for City Council consideration is a draft letter to Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart expressing the City’s support of the Forest Service’s funding requests for improvements to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. Also attached is additional information on the proposed improvement projects, which would upgrade and enhance the original exhibits and HVAC system at the Center and implement a more robust security system. As letters must be submitted by July 7, 2021, City Council direction is needed at the meeting of July 1, 2021. The City Council may wish to modify aspects of the attached draft letter and staff is prepared to proceed with the direction given by the City Council.
A motion has been prepared for City Council consideration.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the motion directing the City Manager to finalize and transmit a letter of support as determined appropriate by the City Council under the signature of the Mayor on behalf of the Ketchikan City Council to Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart supporting the United States Forest Service’s funding requests for improvements to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.
Recommended Motion: I move the City Council direct the City Manager to finalize and transmit a letter of support as determined appropriate by the City Council under the signature of the Mayor on behalf of the Ketchikan City Council to Forest Supervisor Earl Stewart supporting the United States Forest Service’s funding requests for improvements to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.
AGENDA – 07/01/21 – GGNB5 Robert Sivertsen, Mayor 334 Front Street Ketchikan, AK 99901
(907) 228-5603 phone (907) 225-5075 fax
June 24, 2021
Earl Stewart, Forest Supervisor Tongass National Forest USDA Forest Service 648 Mission Street Ketchikan, AK 99901
Dear Supervisor Stewart:
RE: Support for Funding Requests for Improvements to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
With regard to the above referenced subject, the Ketchikan City Council is supportive of the United States Forest Service’s requests for funding through the Great America Outdoors Act for much needed improvements to the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.
Since its construction in 1995, the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center has been an integral part of the Ketchikan community. While the Center was envisioned as an interpretive center to educate the public on the natural history and culture of the Southeast Alaska region, the Center has grown to mean a great deal to the residents of Ketchikan. School field trips, educational programs for youth and adults such as the very popular Friday Night Insights program, the Annual Hummingbird Festival, and more connect both residents and visitors with each other and with the Tongass National Forest.
The proposed upgrades to the aging exhibits and HVAC system are not only overdue but necessary for the vitality and longevity of the Center. Given the building’s central downtown location, it has become an easy target for vandalism and illegal activities, which can tarnish the visitor experience and the character of Ketchikan. Upgrades to security, lighting and general safety around the building would be appreciated by facility users as well as neighboring businesses. The City and Southeast Alaska Discovery Center have developed a strong relationship and have collaborated on many pubic programs and presentations at the Center. The City looks forward to continuing this relationship and is supportive of these funding requests and improvement projects that invest in the future of the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Robert Sivertsen Mayor
Cc: City Councilmembers Karl Amylon, City Manager "UNAPPROVED" June 17, 2021
K.P.U. MANAGER’S REPORT
Project Status Reports of the KPU Division Managers – May 2021
General Manager Amylon provided for Council review the project status reports of the KPU division managers for the month of May 2021.
Election of Telecommunications Division Manager as Alaska Telecom Association President
General Manager Amylon attached for Council review a memorandum from the Telecommunications Division Manager, the Alaska Telecom Association (ATA) has elected Mr. Cushing as President for a two-year term. He said he concurred with Mr. Cushing’s assessment that serving as an officer of ATA provides KPU with significant opportunities to affect policy both at the state and federal levels.
CITY CLERK’S FILE – None
CITY ATTORNEY’S FILE – None
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Gage informed the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center is looking for a letter of support from the City Council for two enhancement projects they have coming up; installing a new security system and upgrades for the exhibits and the HVAC. She indicated their deadline is July 7, 2021, and requested this as a topic for Council consideration on the agenda for July 1, 2021.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Bergeron said he is almost done with his work in Petersburg and cannot wait to come home. He thanked everyone for their patience as he worked through some technical difficulties. Councilmember Gass congratulated Police Chief White on a great career. He feels mayor proclamations are better suited for retiring employees, but for issues that are more political there should be Council debate and a vote. Councilmember Gage said that on June 16th the federal government voted to make Juneteenth a national holiday. She stated this correlates with Pride Month as communities work towards working full equality to all community members. She said she is thankful for this Council for their votes and their support for the different community members within this community.
Councilmember Kiffer congratulated Police Chief White on his retirement. He congratulated Ed Cushing on being Alaska Telecom Association President again. He thanked Mr. Cushing for the gift.
Councilmember Bradberry thanked Police Chief White and his family for all they have done for our community. She said it will be a huge loss not having them out on the baseball fields or basketball courts. She said there has been a lot of ticketing of expired tags and it has been difficult to get into the DMV right now. She asked if there is anything the City or Council can do, such as sending a letter to the State explaining how the community needs these services. 7 Lacey Simpson
From: Janalee
CAUTION: External Email This email originated from a source outside the City of Ketchikan. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
This past weekend, Leslie at the DIscovery Center reached out to me, she is needing help to get the Discovery Center funded.
I know that we depend on them for access to bathrooms, as well as programs for both the community and tourists. I believe this would be a huge loss to us, and another empty uncared-for facility is not good for business.
Here is what is needed;
The Southeast Alaska Discovery Center needs letters and online support to receive Great America Outdoors Act (GAOA) funding for 2 improvement projects. Attached are two documents to help with any discussions. Our projects are listed in the Unfunded Project List. We are seeking community, statewide and national support for these 2 projects. We need formal (with letterhead) letters of support from the City of Ketchikan, Ketchikan Gateway Borough, the Chamber of Commerce, Ketchikan Indian Community, Ketchikan Fire Department (security project), Ketchikan Police Department (security project) etc. to be addressed to:
Earl Stewart, Forest Supervisor
648 Mission Street, Ketchikan Alaska 99901
An example letter:
The City of Ketchikan is in full support of the Forest Service proposed improvement projects at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Center. The Discovery Center is an integral part of the community. These projects will improve the visitor experience and understanding of the community and continue to demonstrate how the natural and cultural resources of the area have shaped life here for generations and continues to do so today.
1 Go to: Alaska Region Outdoor Projects (arcgis.com)
Click on Tab: Submit a 2023 Comment
Choose: Southeast AK Discovery Center
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center (SEADC) Enhanced Visitor Experience and Comfort:
Exhibits at Southeast Alaska Discovery Center (SEADC) are the same as when the building opened in 1995 and are severely outdated. This project would plan and implement a fresh interpretive vision that is engaging, interactive, and experiential. The obsolete heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system would be upgraded as part of the exhibit redesign to improve air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. Directional signage to the public entrance would be added. With these improvements, SEADC can become a high-profile center of natural and cultural resource education.
Go to: Alaska Region Outdoor Projects (arcgis.com)
Click on TAB: Submit a 2023 Comment
Choose: Discovery Center Security
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center Security Design and Implementation:
Over 100,000 people visit Southeast Alaska Discovery Center (SEADC) in downtown Ketchikan each year. It supports local and underserved populations and is just blocks from over one million cruise ship visitors. Most use occurs during summer. Undesirable, unsanitary, and illegal activities have been occurring at SEADC off-season. This project would design and then implement security and lighting upgrades to improve the security of the facility itself and the safety of its employees and visitors.
Thank you for your consideration.
Very Respectfully –
Leslie Swada, Director
Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been moved, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to file and location. Leslie Swada Visitor Center Director Forest Service
Tongass National Forest, Southeast Alaska Discovery Center
2 p: 907-228-6290 f: 907-228-6234 [email protected] 50 Main Street Ketchikan, AK 99901 www.fs.fed.us
Caring for the land and serving people
This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately.
3 Alaska Region Forest Service News Release
Contact: Erica Keene Regional Media Relations Specialist (907) 586-8892 [email protected] www.fs.usda.gov/r10
Public invited to share input on future Great American Outdoors Act projects in Alaska
JUNEAU, Alaska – June 15, 2021 – Alaskan’s have another opportunity to share project ideas, priorities, and feedback to help the USDA Forest Service Alaska Region prioritize the next round of Great American Outdoors Act project proposals. A new comment period opens June 15 and runs through July 6. “We value engagement from the public, our partners, Tribal Nations, and Alaska Native corporations and look forward to improving visitor experiences on Alaska’s National Forests,” said Regional Forester Dave Schmid. An interactive, online map is available for viewing a list of current and proposed projects at https://arcg.is/0OTuau1. Projects that received funding in 2021 and those proposed for funding under the 2022 presidential budget are displayed along with the project ideas for 2023. Each 2023 project has a comment section for providing feedback. Projects include work on cabins, campgrounds, trailheads, trails, roads, bridges, parking areas, visitor centers, day-use areas, boat ramps, marine facilities, and picnic areas. This innovative funding helps support jobs and economic opportunities in rural Alaska.
For more information about GAOA projects in Alaska visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r10/home/?cid=FSEPRD853573. For a wealth of information about the Alaska Region, visit our media toolkit at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r10/news-events/?cid=fseprd868372.
### “USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.” These projects are available for public comment. They are being proposed for possible Forest Service funding in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and are not currently funded. Forest District Project Title Asset Type Project Description This project will address over $2 million in deferred maintenance on existing trails and trail bridges within the 120-mile Iditarod National Historic Trail, Southern Trek. This National Priority Trail Chugach Multi-District Iditarod Deferred Maintenance Trail Maintenance Area sees thousands of visitors each year and is an economic driver for local communities. Work will include trail maintenance, trail bridge replacements, and fixing safety concerns. Many dedicated partners are committed to continued future assistance with this trail. This project focuses on addressing cri cal deferred maintenance on the Alaganik Slough road, which provides key access to the Copper River Delta. The project will evaluate and replace aging Chugach Cordova Alaganik Slough AOP Transportation - Road transportation infrastructure, such as culverts, with Aquatic Organism Passage pipes along the full length of the 3-mile road. These pipes are crucial for eliminating impairments to high-value salmon spawning and rearing habitat. The Cordova Ranger District office is used as a space to connect with the community and to share information. This project will update outdated displays on local recreation opportunities, natural Chugach Cordova Cordova Visitor Information Administrative Facility - Office resources, native cultures, and safety. It will also update the public reception desk and bookstore, install a 24/7 public information kiosk at the office entrance, and install interpretive panels about the historic building’s history as a federal courthouse and post office. This project will replace existing recreation signage at the following recreation buildings on the Cordova Ranger District and in Prince William Sound: 10 Mile pavilion, Alaganik kiosk, 22 Mile kiosk, Valdez Harbor kiosk, Cordova Harbor kiosk, and Whittier Harbor kiosk. This project will also replace 25 Chugach Cordova Harbor Interpretive Signs Recreation Facility - Day Use Site interpretive, safety, and orientation signs. The project will reduce deferred maintenance and improve visitor experience by providing updated information on local recreation opportunities, natural resources, native cultures, and safety information. This project will create a safe area for parking and improve the off-highway trails leading north and south of the Copper River Highway, greatly relieve current problems in the area and enhance the Chugach Cordova Ibeck Creek Trailhead Recreation Facility - Trailhead overall use and access of National Forest Lands. Ibeck Creek is an important area for recreation activities. It is especially popular during Coho salmon runs. Currently, there is no safe public parking area at this location. Mile 22 Recreation Site is one of two public access points onto Alaganik Slough. This project would reconstruct two day use pads, renovate one pad with a covered structure, and complete deferred Chugach Cordova Mile 10 & 22 Recreation Sites Recreation Facility - Day Use Site maintenance on an existing boat launch. The Mile 10 Recreation Site/Pavilion serves as a popular and extraordinary watchable wildlife location. This project will reconstruct/replace the existing roof to completely cover the structure, allowing for increased visitor capacity. Mile 18 Lake Road accesses a day use site and access to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities Chugach Cordova Mile 18 Lake Road Realignment Transportation - Road near Cordova, Alaska. This project will reestablish the road surface width, realign the road corridor to improve a crossing of 18 Mile Creek, and will include road brushing and fish habitat improvements. This project will create a new facility that can be used by large groups. A covered structure will provide protection from inclement weather and a much-needed additional recreation site on the Chugach Cordova Mile 27 Group Pavilion Recreation Facility - Day Use Site Copper River Delta, where there are currently no group sites. In addition, the site will have picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire pits, a vault toilet, bear proof food storage, and garbage cans. The site will accommodate 50-100 people. Begich Boggs Visitor Center sits next to Portage Lake and is exposed to high winds, extreme weather, and lake flooding. This project will repair the theater screen, remove/rebuild frequently flooded lake access stairs and sidewalk on higher ground, install a boat launch, replace unsafe flag poles, replace Chugach Glacier Begich, Boggs Visitor Center Recreation Facility - Visitor Center the roof, apply protective coating to the exterior walls, update interiors to meet accessibility and safety standards and increase the efficient use of space. In addition, it will update heating, lighting, and back-up power systems and redesign parking lot traffic flow for increased safety. Crow Creek Road is a steep, narrow, aggregate-surfaced road that lacks proper turnouts. It requires Chugach Glacier Crow Creek Road Repair Transportation - Road surface and subsurface repairs to bring the road to code and improve user safety. This project will resurface the road and repair cross-drains, ditches, and sub surface issues. These projects are available for public comment. They are being proposed for possible Forest Service funding in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and are not currently funded. Forest District Project Title Asset Type Project Description This project will brush a number of trails across the Glacier Ranger District. Alder growth in this area Chugach Glacier Glacier District Trail Brushing Trail requires regular brushing, and a number of trails require deferred maintenance brushing beyond the district’s current capacity to complete. This project will install new trail signs within Glacier Ranger District to ensure accurate and complete Chugach Glacier Glacier District Trail Signs Trail information is displayed in a uniform format and in accordance with Forest Service sign guidelines. Granite Creek Campground is approximately 1.5 hour’s drive from roughly 40% of the state’s population, and is the campground in most need of work on the Chugach National Forest. Most of the Chugach Glacier Granite Creek Campground Recreation Facility - Campground infrastructure is over 40 years old. This project would replace two old vault toilets, a collapsed entry gate, interpretive signage, rotten wheel stops, an entry kiosk, campsite signposts, and trail bollards as well as repair the fee station, tent pads and resurface an internal foot path. This project will replace kiosks at Williwaw Campground, Byron Glacier Trailhead and Five Fingers Chugach Glacier Kiosk Deferred Maintenance Recreation Facility - Campground Campsite. It increase visitor satisfaction by providing safe relevant information and education at the sites people visit in the Portage Valley. Moose Flats Day Use Area serves as a trailhead for the popular Trail of Blue Ice. In 2025, the Portage Curve Multimodal Connector Trail will be completed, and Moose Flats will become the connection Chugach Glacier Moose Flats Day Use Area Recreation Facility - Day Use Site point between Portage Curve and other Portage Valley recreation opportunities. This project will improve traffic flow, redesign the trail through the site, relocate tables, cover picnic sites, update vault toilet facilities, repair a boardwalk, and create a kayak rental area. In partnership with the State of Alaska, this project will build an accessible pathway adjacent to 6 miles of the Seward Highway (a National Forest Scenic Byway and All-American road). The project will create a separated pathway for people fishing, launching boats, walking/biking, and moving between Chugach Glacier Portage Curve Pathway Trail the Alaska Railroad Portage Valley Depot and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. It will also connect people with recreation opportunities in Portage Valley, including multiple campgrounds and day use areas, the Trail of Blue Ice, and the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center.
In 2010, the Turnagain Pass segment of the Iditarod National Historic Trail was constructed. Within 1.5 hour’s drive of roughly 40% of the state’s population, the trail has been mostly unusable due to four Chugach Glacier Turnagain Pass Maintenance Recreation Facility - Trailhead incomplete creek crossings. This project will complete all deferred maintenance on the 6-mile trail and building two pedestrian bridges over Lyon and Taylor creeks. In addition, two more complex bridges will be installed over Bertha Creek and Spokane Creek canyons.
Winner Creek Trail, near Girdwood, hosts over 700 trail users during summer weekend days. In 2001, Girdwood residents raised funds to construct and manage a hand tram connecting both sides of the Chugach Glacier Winner Creek Hand Tram Trail trail. In 2019, two accidents caused the closure of the tram. This project will address deferred maintenance on the Winner Trail from the Upper Winner Creek “T” to the trailhead at Crow Creek Road. It will also design and construct a Forest Service trail bridge to replace the hand tram. Bear Lake Trail is a segment of the Iditarod National Historic Trail and is used for hiking, biking, and Chugach Seward Bear Lake Trailhead Recreation Facility - Trailhead snowshoeing. This project will develop the site into a functional trailhead with adequate parking facilities to meet demand, an outhouse, and visitor kiosk. New cabins will be built at Mile 27 on Cordova Ranger District, at Trail River Campground on the Seward Ranger District (along with a new vault toilet), and at Center Ridge on Glacier Ranger District. Planning will be completed in 2022 and construction will follow in 2023 and 2024. The Chugach Chugach Seward Chugach Public Use Cabins Recreation Facility - Cabin National Forest has a high use rate for public cabins. Adding one cabin per District will help meet demand. Cabins will be road accessible to provide options for recreation enthusiasts that may not otherwise be able to access current cabins that require hiking, boating or flying in. These projects are available for public comment. They are being proposed for possible Forest Service funding in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and are not currently funded. Forest District Project Title Asset Type Project Description The 38-mile Resurrection Pass Trail is a designated National Recreation Trail with 9 public use cabins. Use is anticipated to increase when a Sterling Highway re-route is completed. It will cross Resurrection Chugach Seward Resurrection Pass Trail Trail Pass Trail near Juneau Falls and establish a new trailhead. The Resurrection Pass Trail project will address needed trail maintenance and repair damaged structures. Trail sections prone to erosion will be re-routed. From 2016-2018, the Chugach National Forest worked with Alaska Department of Transportation and Federal Highways to plan and design Russian River Campground Phase 1 in conjunction with planning for the Sterling Highway Milepost 45-60 project. Necessary highway modifications altered the Chugach Seward Russian River Entrance Recreation Facility - Campground entrance area for Russian River Campground Phase 1 after construction was complete. This project will modify the entrance area again to account for the change. It is important to establish safe and easily navigated access from the highway to this very popular campground and recreation area. The Russian River Campground and trail complex hosts thousands of visitors each year for a variety of outdoor activities. This project will modify campsites and loop roads to accommodate for larger RVs, Chugach Seward Russian River Phase 3 Recreation Facility - Campground upgrade water and wastewater systems, repair damaged sections of river boardwalk, replace trail bridges and repair the Russian Lakes trail system. The Snow River Area is a key gap in the southern trek of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. To mitigate highway development impacts, the Alaska Department of Transportation will construct a Chugach Seward Snow River Overcrossing Trail pedestrian overcrossing on the Snow River Highway Bridge. This project will construct the trail in the gap between Primrose Campground and the Victor Creek section of the trail. Dog Salmon Road is a primary access road for timber products and recreation access on Prince of Wales Island, including two cabins (Twelve Mile and Polk Inlet) and the popular Bear Viewing Site Tongass Craig Dog Salmon Road Transportation - Road (Dog Salmon Fish Pass). The road has a poor surface and extensive damage due to flooding and landslides. This project will recondition 2 miles of road, creating a 6-inch lift of aggregate and will improve fish habitat. Due to severe storms in the Fall of 2020, a number of roads on Prince of Wales Island require landslide and debris removal to maintain road access. This project addresses such issues on roads Tongass Craig POW Road - Sandy Beach & AOP Transportation - Road near Sandy Beach. It will replace damaged bridges and aquatic organism structures as well as recondition roads, construct bridges, and install other stream crossing structures to improve fish habitat. The project will increase bridge width and structural deficiencies on the Hoonah mainline road, which provides access to timber stands, local tribal access and subsistence hunting and fishing. The installation of Aquatic Organism Passage structures will remove fish barriers. This is the second phase Tongass Hoonah Hoonah Road AOPs Phase 2 Transportation - Road to complete previously proposed work. Construction will improve traffic safety on Road 8502, replace deficient and functionally obsolete bridges on the 8502 and 8509 roads, and improve fish passage along these community connected roads. Amalga and Peterson Lake Trails are on the Juneau road system. Each leads to a Forest Service rental cabin, both of which receive more than 200 nights of use per year. The trails are also popular with day Tongass Juneau Amalga & Peterson Lake Trails Trail hikers. This project will lay gravel to harden trail tread and improve user safety. Amalga Trail requires a sizable new bridge, and the first mile of trail will meet accessibility guidelines to provide opportunities for those with limited mobility. Several partners have expressed interest in this project.
In the Dredge Lakes area of the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area, trails meander around small lakes/ponds south of Mendenhall Lake. Dredge Lakes is used by those seeking to get away from crowds. Two of the three area trails (Crystal Lake and Dredge Lakes Loop) do not have trailheads, and Tongass Juneau Dredge Lakes Parking Recreation Facility - Paved Parking the third trail (Pipeline) does not have central access. This project will create three paved parking areas with trailhead kiosks and identification signs. Each lot will accommodate 12 to 20 vehicles and will reduce pressure on existing parking areas that are often filled to capacity. These projects are available for public comment. They are being proposed for possible Forest Service funding in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and are not currently funded. Forest District Project Title Asset Type Project Description
The Juneau Ranger District will address maintenance issues for 11 bridges on locally popular trails. Bridges range from 20 feet to 30 feet long and have deteriorated at a faster rate than we can replace Tongass Juneau Juneau Trail Bridges Trail Bridge them. Bridge designs will ensure bridge heights and lengths will accommodate higher intensity stream flows associated with climate change. Compared to the old worn out bridges, new bridges will contribute to a greater sense of security for trail users as they cross these waterways.
Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is a major attraction for local, national, and international visitors and is among the top three visitor destinations in Alaska. The Visitor Center facility, which opened in 1963, serves as the focal point of the site’s interpretive program and receives more than 600,000 Tongass Juneau Mendenhall Exhibits Recreation Facility - Visitor Center visitors annually. The Visitor Center’s exhibits and theater are outdated. Hands-on investigative activities, temporary exhibits and rotating demonstrations, immersive new exhibits, and a modernized theater experience will maintain the visitor center as an attraction for years to come.
As Mendenhall Glacier recedes, a system of boats can provide safe/efficient access to the face of the glacier from the Visitor Center. This project will construct a dock facility near the current pavilion in the parking area (proposed Welcome Center location). The dock will be American with Disabilities Act Tongass Juneau Mendenhall Lake Docks Recreation Facility - Day Use Site (ADA) accessible and have a covered upland waiting area. A second launch ramp will be constructed on the West Glacier side of the lake with boats traversing between the two docks. This project will also construct an elevated loop access route to the docks along the shore of Mendenhall Lake. The Moraine Ecology Loop Trail is used by locals, tourists, and guided groups. It provides wildlife viewing opportunities and views of the Mendenhall Glacier. This project will repair uneven sections of trail caused by erosion. By defining the trail surface, and replacing old wayfinding signs, users will be Tongass Juneau Moraine Ecology Loop Trail Trail able to stay on their intended route and make their way back to the beginning easier than currently able. 15 interpretive signs will help users understand the cultural significance of the flora and fauna found along the trail. Steep Creek Trail is a favorite fish and bear viewing area in Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area. The trail is a combination of elevated and non-elevated boardwalk. The project will realign/restore a portion of elevated trail, improve salmon spawning habitat, and provide more separation between Tongass Juneau Steep Creek & Nugget Falls Trails Trail wildlife and humans. Nugget Falls Trail is a short out-and-back trail from the Visitor Center. It offers stunning views of the glacier and waterfall, and it receives tens of thousands of visitors each year. This project will address deferred maintenance and establish a loop for better traffic flow. Dude Mountain Trail is an extremely popular trail on the Ketchikan road system that provides easy access to the high alpine. Users range from families with young children to hunters seeking alpine hunting access. This project will renovate the first 1.25 miles of the trail by replacing old boardwalk Tongass Ketchikan Misty Fjords Dude Mountain Trail Trail with gravel where possible. The last half mile will be rerouted, appropriate tread installed, and extensive rock work conducted to control water drainage issues, address safety issues, & improve visitor experience. The State of Alaska recently constructed a road connecting the town of Ketchikan to the Shelter Cove area. Use in the area has increased dramatically. The Forest completed a master plan for Shelter Cove in May 2019. This master plan recommends many site improvements to accommodate the high Tongass Ketchikan Misty Fjords Shelter & Shoal Roads Transportation - Road demand in Ketchikan for recreation on the road system. This project will replace culverts, construct aquatic organism passage structures, recondition 20 miles of road and complete bridge work within the Shelter Cove Master Plan Implementation Boundary. Ward Lake Recreation Area is a road accessible recreation area near downtown Ketchikan. With three campgrounds, a day use shelter, picnic sites, and multiple trails, it is a hub of activity year-round. This Tongass Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ward Lake Recreation Area Recreation Facility - Day Use Site project will repair damage from and mitigate effects of seasonal flooding. It will eliminate maintenance backlogs on the area’s multiple trails and on day use infrastructure. The work will make the area more sustainable, safe, and enjoyable while increasing visitor capacity. These projects are available for public comment. They are being proposed for possible Forest Service funding in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and are not currently funded. Forest District Project Title Asset Type Project Description
Over 100,000 people visit Southeast Alaska Discovery Center (SEADC) in downtown Ketchikan each year. It supports local and underserved populations and is blocks from over one million cruise ship Tongass Multi-District Discovery Center Security Recreation Facility - Visitor Center visitors. Most use occurs during summer. This project will design and implement security and lighting upgrades to improve the security of the facility and increase employee and visitor safety.
This project will plan and implement a fresh interpretive vision that is engaging, interactive, and experiential to replace existing, outdated material. As part of the project design, the existing heating, Tongass Multi-District Southeast AK Discovery Center Recreation Facility - Visitor Center ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system will be upgraded to improve air quality, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. Directional signage to the public entrance will also be added.
This project is Phase 3 of a project to address damaged and corroded critical marine infrastructure across the Tongass National Forest. Forest staff and partners rely on these docks to moor boats and transfer personnel; mooring buoys also support public recreation sites. For docks, we will replace Tongass Multi-District Tongass Docks Phase 3 Marine - Dock piles, floats, gangway, pads, and piers and selectively replace decking and curbs. For anchors and buoys, we will conduct underwater surveys, inspect, clean, and replace anchors and chains. For marinas and offices, we will remove corrosion, provide corrosion protection, and repair riprap.
Blind River Rapids Trail is located about 14 miles south of the town of Petersburg. The trail accesses a hatchery run of King Salmon and a native run of Coho Salmon and is used extensively by hikers, Tongass Petersburg Blind River Rapids Trail Trail families, and recreational fisherman. The trail is American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible. This project will replace decking, handrails, and other wooden structures on the Blind River Rapids Trail. The project will also replace an outdated and undersized three-sided shelter adjacent to the rapids. This project includes road reconstruction that would remove a rotting log substructure and expand the width of the road. The project includes traffic safety improvements and the addition of a barge Tongass Petersburg Blind Slough Access Marine - Boat Ramp loading ramp and modular bridges. It has a direct impact on access to timber stands, subsistence hunting and fishing access, and the removal of fish barriers. Breiland Slough Cabin is located about 20 miles from Petersburg. It is a saltwater accessed cabin that gets year-round use. The project will replace the existing cabin with a new cabin and increase the capacity. Berg Bay Cabin connects scenic Blake Channel with the vast resources of the mainland Tongass Petersburg Breiland Slough/Berg Bay Cabins Recreation Facility - Cabin continent. Berg Bay offers fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities to visiting yachts, pleasure cruisers and local community visitors. The project will replace the existing "A" frame cabin with a slightly larger, accessible cabin on the current cabin site. The 12-mile 6328 Road is part of the main road system that serves the community of Kake on Kupreanof Island. The road system accesses hunting, hiking, and numerous rivers and streams to fish, Tongass Petersburg Kake Road Transportation - Road kayak, or raft. The last 12 miles is in need of new surface material and is in poor condition. This project will resurface 12 miles of road and include fish habitat improvements. This project involves reconstruction of existing bridges, installation of aquatic organism passages, and road resurfacing in the Falls Creek and Bear Creek drainages on Mitkof Island. These roads provide Tongass Petersburg Mitkof Bridges Transportation - Road Bridge recreational opportunities to trails, access to Twin Creek and Frenchy Ridge shelters, and an alternate access to Raven's Roost public use cabin. Critical bridge maintenance is essential to allow continued safe public use. Petersburg Lake Trail accesses Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness Area - just 5 miles from the town of Petersburg. The 10.5-mile trail is used extensively, by hikers, fishermen, locals, and tourists nearly year-round. The trail ends at Petersburg Lake Cabin, a Forest Service public use Tongass Petersburg Petersburg Lake Trail Trail cabin. This project will improve the 6.5 miles of trail inside Wilderness to better assist recreationists in accessing the Wilderness area and the cabin. We will fix eroded and muddy spots, exposed roots, drainage, tread, brushing, and other backlogged maintenance. These projects are available for public comment. They are being proposed for possible Forest Service funding in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and are not currently funded. Forest District Project Title Asset Type Project Description Snake Ridge Road is used to access hiking routes on Crystal Mountain, Ohmer Creek Trail, and overlooks for dispersed camping on Mitkof Island. This project will repair the road by improving Tongass Petersburg Snake Ridge Road Resurfacing Transportation - Road drainage, turnouts, performing roadbed reconditioning, resurfacing the road, and adding gravel to dispersed recreation sites. Centrally located in the City of Kake, the former Sodderberg logging camp offers excellent opportunities for developed recreation. This project will promote recrea on by adding a picnic shelter, parking area, toilets, totem area, and accessible trail. The project has strong partner support and was Tongass Petersburg Soderberg Recreation Site Recreation Facility - Day Use Site proposed through a grassroot effort in the community of Kake to enhance tourism and offer a place for cultural gathering. The Alaska Youth Stewards Kake program submitted the initial proposal and is committed to the future enhancements. Thomas Bay is popular for recreation and subsistence use from the communities of Petersburg and Point Aggasiz. The area has two public recreation cabins and several motorized trails. A failed culvert on the main road has severed access to the Bay. This project would replace the failed log culvert with Tongass Petersburg Thomas Bay Improvements Transportation - Road a 20-foot span modular bridge, making the Point Aggasiz dock available again for visitors. It will also fund trail reconstruction to repair washouts, user-created routes, and overused areas on 7.5 miles of an existing trail and add gravel for Off Highway Vehicle use. Public use shelters are highly used recreation structures. This project will reduce maintenance backlogs at shelters on the Petersburg and Wrangell Ranger Districts. Fire rings, handrails, picnic Tongass Petersburg, Wrangell Petersburg & Wrangell Shelters Recreation Facility - Cabin tables, and stoves will be added at the Twin Creeks, High Country, Shoemaker, Pond Shelter, Long Lake, and Kunk Lake shelters. The North Wrangell High Country shelter will be replaced. Additionally, this project will improve recreation access at Earl West, a working Log Transfer Facility. Where applicable, saltwater accessed cabins have buoys to assist in providing a safe location for cabin users to secure their boat. This project will address deferred maintenance needs of five buoys in the Tongass Petersburg, Wrangell Petersburg and Wrangell Buoys Marine - Buoy Petersburg-Wrangell Ranger District zone. The project will address estimated yearly maintenance cost of buoys of $900 per year per buoy. The buoys are associated with the following cabins: West Point, Anan, Steamer Bay, Berg Bay and Frosty Bay. Public use cabins are destination places for locals and visitors. This project will address critical maintenance at 15 cabins on the Petersburg and Wrangell Ranger Districts: Berg Bay, Castle Flats, Tongass Petersburg, Wrangell Petersburg and Wrangell Cabins Recreation Facility - Cabin Castle River, Cascade Creek, Devil's Elbow, Frosty, Garnet Ledge, Harvey Lake, Kadake Bay, Kah Sheets Lake, Mt. Rynda, Portage Bay, Shakes 2, Tower's Arm, and Twin Lakes. The project will replace roofing, outhouses, woodsheds, decks, furniture and repair foundations where needed.
Harbor Mountain/Gavan Hill Trail leads from downtown Sitka and climbs to a sub-alpine environment for a spectacular view of the interior of Baranof Island and Sitka Sound. The Gavan Hill portion of the trail has decaying boardwalk, eroded native tread, and broken elevated staircases. This project will Tongass Sitka Gavan Hill Trail Reroute Trail reroute 1.5 miles of steeply climbing trail to a more gradual and sustainable 2.1 miles using primarily gravel and preformed concrete steps. The new location includes a 100-foot bridge across a scenic notch. The old trail will be demolished, removed, and rehabilitated. Lake Eva Cabin, dock, and ramp are located on a popular Baranof Island lake with exceptional fishing opportunities. It is the only Americans with Disabilities Act accessible fly-in facility on the Sitka Ranger District and averages 90 nights of use per year. During fall of 2020, extreme high lake water levels Tongass Sitka Lake Eva Dock Marine - Dock combined with high winds shifted the dock anchors, tearing the ramp from the dock and the concrete abutment on shore. This project will conduct an engineering assessment, design, and repair for the ramp, connections, and dock. These projects are available for public comment. They are being proposed for possible Forest Service funding in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and are not currently funded. Forest District Project Title Asset Type Project Description
The popular Starrigavan Valley Multi-Use trail system provides the only Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) opportunity on the Sitka road system. A 2014 landslide severely damaged parts of two trails. This joint watershed restoration and recreation project is partially funded with Pittman/Robertson funds. Tongass Sitka Starrigavan Trail System Trail Bridge Additional funds are needed to design and replace two OHV bridges, design and relocate the trailhead due to safety concerns, extend 500 feet of the mainline trail to the new trailhead, reconstruct 2,000 feet of OHV trail, and complete heavy maintenance on an additional 750 feet of trail.
This project on the Prince of Wales Island mainline road will improve road/bridge deficiencies, access to timber stands, and access for subsistence hunting and fishing. This is the second phase of this Tongass Thorne Bay Central POW Roads Phase II Transportation - Road essential restoration project for the Shaheen Priority Watershed. Existing culverts that are barriers to fish will be removed and replaced with structures to pass aquatic organisms at four sites.
This project will repair roads and provide aqua c organism passage in the Staney Watershed on Prince of Wales Island. A storm event on October 26, 2021, and subsequent storms on November 2, 2021, significantly damaged roads in the Staney Watershed. The storms caused landslides that impacted a Tongass Thorne Bay Central POW Storm Damage Transportation - Road bridge and several Aquatic Organism Passage structures. This project will repair storm damage and provide improved access to timber stands, subsistence hunting, and fishing. Existing culverts will be replaced with structures to pass aquatic organisms, and a replacement bridge will be constructed.
Thorne Bay residents frequently drive, walk, or ride bikes on Deer Creek Mid Valley Road. It provides access for hunting, fishing, exercise, and subsistence use. Deer Creek is a designated priority Tongass Thorne Bay Deer Creek Mid Valley Road Transportation - Road watershed for restoration work on Prince of Wales Island. The Forest Service proposes to use various treatment options to restore hydrologic function in this fish-bearing stream. The project will include the installation of aquatic organism passage structures along Deer Creek Mid Valley Road. This work will result in unimpeded access to more than 5 miles of anadromous and 0.65 miles of resident fish habitat. Road access to OHV recreation trails and a small lake on Kosciusko Island near Tongass Thorne Bay Kosciusko Island AOP Transportation - Road the community of Edna Bay will be maintained and improved. The project falls within the Kosciusko Vegetation Management and Watershed Improvement Project boundary. Both roads also provide access to private lands which are slated for young growth timber harvest. The 3030 Road is part of the Scenic Byway from the city of Thorne Bay. It is used to access Luck Lake Tongass Thorne Bay POW Back Loop Road 3030 Transportation - Road Recreation area, a high use site that is 8 miles from the community of Coffman Cove. This project will repair 5 miles of road, place a 6” lift of crushed rock, and improve fish habitat. This project will repair ten cabins, including those in the Karta River Wilderness, Kegan Lake, and Salmon Bay Lake. The toilet at Twelvemile Arm cabin will be replaced and wash outs, broken Tongass Thorne Bay POW Cabin and Trail Recreation Facility - Cabin boardwalk, and trail bridge outages will be addressed on the cabin access trails. These cabins are hubs for fishing, hunting, and solitude experiences and receive high visitor use. Shaheen Creek has been designated as a priority watershed for restora on work on Prince of Wales Island. This project will use various treatment options to restore hydrologic function in this fish- Tongass Thorne Bay POW Shaheen Creek Bridge Transportation - Road bearing stream, including the installation of several aquatic organism structures along Shaheen Road. It will remove landslides and storm debris, and replace a damaged bridge. Forest visitors enjoy the Shaheen watershed for hunting, fishing, subsistence use, and general recreation. Due to severe storms in the Fall of 2020, a number of roads suffered significant damage that must be addressed. This project will remove landslides and storm debris to provide road access. It will Tongass Tongass SO Corner Bay Damage Transportation - Road reconstruct a road and replace culverts. This funding will also enable the reconditioning of road and stream crossing structures. Finally, the project will design and construct stream crossings to improve fish habitat. These projects are available for public comment. They are being proposed for possible Forest Service funding in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and are not currently funded. Forest District Project Title Asset Type Project Description
Anan Wildlife Observatory provides the only opportunity to view both black and brown bears together in the same area in Alaska and is the largest recreation tourism driver for the Wrangell community. This project will be the final phase in a multi-year effort to upgrade the entire Anan site. The existing Tongass Wrangell Anan Wildlife Observatory Recreation Facility - Day Use Site viewing platform has reached the end of its usable life and needs to be replaced. The new deck will eliminate deferred maintenance, reduce long-term maintenance costs, generate revenue through new guide permits, and provide safe, high quality wildlife viewing for locals and guided visitors. The Etolin Island mainline road provides access to marine facilities, timber stands, recreation, and subsistence hunting and fishing. This project would improve traffic safety on Road 6540, replace a Tongass Wrangell Anita Bay Marine Access Transportation - Road marine access facility used for timber, recreation, and subsistence access, and improve fish and other aquatic organism passage. Often accessed by paddle craft, Kunk Lake is a short boat ride from Wrangell. The trail follows fish- filled Kunk Creek through forests of huge spruce trees and accesses the largest lake on Etolin Island. Tongass Wrangell Kunk Lake Trail Trail This project will replace the existing trail. Much of the project will be accomplished with partners. The project will eliminate $1,501,227 of deferred maintenance and reduce long-term maintenance costs. This is the second phase of the multi-year Rainbow Falls Trail Complex project, which includes the most heavily used trails in Wrangell. The trails improve quality of life and are used by outfitter and guide groups, tourists, and locals. The complex provides access to alpine shelters and amazing vistas. Tongass Wrangell Rainbow Falls Trail Complex 2 Trail Phase 2 of the project focuses on completing sustainable trail designs for Institute Creek and North Wrangell trails and construction of Rainbow Falls Trail. The project, when finished, will improve recreation opportunities for the local community. Roosevelt Harbor is the major access portal for the public and commercial use on the east side of Zarembo Island. It provides safe moorage, access to the Deep Bay recreation cabin, and is used for Tongass Wrangell Roosevelt Harbor Restoration Marine - Boat Ramp subsistence hunting and fishing. The project will address deferred maintenance on the dock and improve four acres of upland parking by reestablishing proper site drainage and resurfacing the site. A permanent outhouse facility will also be added. The first two miles of the Wrangell Island mainline road are being reconstructed in 2021. This project will continue work addressing road deficiencies to provide improved access to timber stands, Tongass Wrangell Wrangell 6267 Road Phase2 Transportation - Road recreation, and subsistence hunting and fishing. This phase of the project will reconstruct an additional two miles of road and include fish habitat improvements. The Wrangell Cooperative Association Tribal Nation is a long-standing partner who performs trail maintenance on shared trails and tribal travel routes. Trail maintenance benefits tribal members' recreation and subsistence use while also benefitting the public. This project will purchase materials Tongass Wrangell Wrangell Tribe Trail Work Trail and fund a Student Conservation Association trail leader position to support trail maintenance on Turn Island, Long Lake, and Thoms Lake Trails. Work will include replacing boardwalk, fixing gravel drainage sections, installing culverts, and installing nonskid material on the trail. Successful completion will improve road access for recreation, hunting and subsistence opportunities on Zarembo Island. Deep Bay Cabin is a fully accessible, large group recreation cabin on Zarembo Island near Roosevelt Harbor. This project will provide improved access to the cabin and to a Tongass Wrangell Zarembo Island Roads Phase 2 Transportation - Road trailhead. This is phase 2 of a project to reconstruct an 80-foot bridge on St John's Creek, needed to retain stream course and address scour issues. Additionally, funding will be used to replace existing culverts with Aquatic Organism Passageway (AOP) structures. Cannon Beach and Tawah Creek are iconic to the people of Yakutat and are gathering places for outdoor events. This project will improve site design and connect a new day use site to existing campsites on the beach bluff. At Cannon Beach, this project will construct a gravel road for safe Tongass Yakutat Cannon Beach and Tawah Creek Recreation Facility - Day Use Site traffic flow, add 45 parking spaces, and cover, protect and interpret historic items. At Tawah Creek, this project will construct a watchable wildlife viewing area with spur trails to existing campsites and viewing platforms, add parking and a ¼ mile ADA accessible viewing trail. These projects are available for public comment. They are being proposed for possible Forest Service funding in 2023, 2024 or 2025 and are not currently funded. Forest District Project Title Asset Type Project Description Cannon Beach Day-Use Area is a community gathering place and the most popular recreation site on the Yakutat Ranger District. This project will replace and expand the shelter, provide a covered Tongass Yakutat Cannon Beach Day Use Site Recreation Facility - Day Use Site cooking area, and replace outdoor seating and tables. This is a priority project in the Yakutat Sustainable Recreation and Tourism Plan signed by the Tribe, city, and federal agencies.