By GARLAND KENNEDY
Sentinel Staff Writer
In an effort to formulate a new Sitka trail plan and narrow down a long list of options for trail construction and maintenance, Sitka Trail Works has published another survey seeking input from Sitkans.
In the spring, Trail Works solicited public comments on what type of trails were desired and in October, the non-profit group held an open house where the public was able to express opinions on some more specific trail concepts.
Since then, the push to make a new trail plan has come more into focus, and STW now seeks input on a list of concrete trail concepts. Survey results will be used to prioritize projects.
“This list of conceptual plans represents a larger array of options than will ultimately be prioritized in the final Trail Plan,” a Trail Works press release says. “The Trail Plan will strike a balance of setting an ambitious vision for the future of our trail system, while also realistically working within the constraints of our shared resources. Public input at this stage will determine which of these ideas to prioritize for collective action.”
The current list includes 28 trail options that range from the reconstruction of existing routes on Gavan Hill and Mt. Verstovia to walking and cycling improvements on Halibut Point Road.
Overall, the intent of the planning process is to “make it easier and more inviting to be active and healthy outside, be good stewards of our spectacular cultural and natural landscape, help build a stronger, more durable local economy (and) provide diverse, equitable access to the outdoors,” the document states.
One of the goals of the current survey, Trail Works Executive Director Ben Hughey told the Sentinel, is to pare down the volume of options.
“We’ll be looking to reduce the overall number of trail priorities, because the current slate that we’re advancing in the survey is simply too much to bite off in the coming years, and we don’t want to dilute our focus by having too many projects that aren’t feasible,” he said.
The options are in four categories: day hikes, reconstructions, backpacking loops, and pedestrian improvements.
While large projects such as a backpacking route west of Redoubt Lake are on the table, Hughey highlighted some of the in-town routes which, if built, would encourage activity for Sitkans on a daily basis.
“I’m excited about the ways that we can connect neighborhoods and improve everyday access to walking and biking. We know our community is healthier and happier when more people get outside, exercise, and connect with nature,” he said.
Specifically, he noted the prospect for pedestrian and cycling improvements on Halibut Point Road.
“Walking and biking improvements on Halibut Point Road are on the list because we heard from many Sitkans about the need for safer facilities there,” he said. “Improvements to HPR were a priority in the 2002 non-motorized transportation plan, and that need has only increased since then with cruise passengers attempting to walk the road and a recent fatality of a bicyclist.”
The fatality he mentioned is being investigated as negligent homicide.
Presently, the sidewalk along Halibut Point Road ends two miles north of town. Beyond that point, there is no protected space for cyclists or pedestrians. South of town, a multi-use trail – physically separate from vehicle traffic – follows Sawmill Creek Road to the end of the paved road.
Another proposal would add a loop to the Cross Trail north of Sitka High School to form a new course for cross country runners.
“The idea for a 5k trail loop comes from coach Jeremy Strong, with the Sitka High cross country team,” Hughey said. “He and I started chatting last year about the increasing need for an alternative to Totem Park for cross country races. (As indicated in the spring survey) all Sitkans want more loop trails and neighborhood connectors, so we bushwhacked behind the high school and identified a route that could benefit a lot of users while creating a facility that could one day host a statewide race.”
The current 5k loop runs through Sitka National Historical Park, but some tight turns in the course disqualify it as a route in a state competition. In summer, when cross country athletes begin their season, tourists pack the park as well, adding a challenge to running.
Other trail ideas would formalize popular routes to Starrigavan Ridge or Bear Lake, or build neighborhood connectors through the Russian Cemetery or on Price Street.
Trail Works will spend the remainder of the winter making maps and vetting proposals “with stakeholder groups, public land managers, and others to ensure agreement on the set of proposals supported by the public,” Hughey said.
Regardless of which trails are eventually selected, he noted, maintenance will be a top priority.
“We do want to make sure we’re maintaining what we have, because over the last 20 years we’ve built out an incredibly robust and diverse trail system,” he added. “Sitkans were clear that investing in maintenance is a priority.”
Sitkans filling out the survey can comment on public use cabin locations. Respondents will be eligible to win gift cards in a weekly drawing.
The press release and full list of trail proposals is published at SitkaTrailWorks.org/survey. The survey is open now, and Hughey said it will remain so for several months. About 800 Sitkans responded to the spring survey, and Hughey hopes for high participation in the new questionnaire as well.
