Hello Everyone,
You may have noticed a little activity at Isberg this past summer. The FNSB Department of Parks and Recreation has moved forward on many of the project plans, so I thought I would provide you with a summary of the activities in the last year.
100-Mile Loop Trail Hardening Project:
· DNR Grant – In December 2008, FNSB Parks and Recreation received a $50,000 Recreational Trails Grant from the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation to “harden” boggy and braided sections of the 100-Mile Loop Trail.
· FNSB Matching Grant – In April 2009, the Borough Assembly approved an additional $12,500 in matching funds for the project.
· Trail Progress Report:
o Volunteer Efforts by the Bureau of Land Management’s Chena Hotshots – In May 2009, while the Chena Hotshots were preparing for the impending fire season, they volunteered many hours harvesting local spruce trees for the “rims” of our state-of-the-art, “burrito” trail-hardening technique. They did a great job of harvesting timbers far enough off the trail to preserve the natural feel of the trail corridor, as well. Thanks, guys!
o Volunteer Work Party – On August 29th, seven volunteers and neighbors joined forces with Parks and Recreation staff to begin hardening the 100-Mile Loop Trail. Thanks to their hard work, we were able to improve approximately 400 feet of trail and construct 50 feet of the first “burrito.” We’d like to say a special thank you to the neighbors and trail enthusiasts whom labored so diligently that day.
o Fall Trail Work by Parks and Recreation Staff – In late September, Parks and Recreation staff continued the work that our volunteers began. Until the snow flew, they placed geo-textile fabric and gravel along additional sections of the 100-Mile Loop Trail and constructed several more “burritos” in the boggier trail sections. The staff improved over 3,200 feet of trail and plans on completing the project by September 2010.
o Networking – Thanks to temporary loans of trail-building equipment by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management, the trail hardening project progressed rapidly. The cooperative efforts of our fellow agencies and trail builders has been vital to our recent success.
Wetlands Permitting:
· Wetlands Permit Application Phase 1a – In September 2009, Parks & Recreation submitted a Wetlands Permit Application to the Army Corps of Engineers that included the development of the Isberg Recreation Area’s 100-Mile Loop Trail, two interpretative boardwalks, and two parking lots. Due to changes to the federal rules regarding “Compensatory Mitigation for Losses of Aquatic Resources,” and because of the complexity of the new ruling and its required compensatory mitigation, Parks & Recreation felt that it would be in the community’s best interest to reduce the scope of the wetlands permit for the time being and focus on the 100-Mile Loop Trail hardening only. The Isberg Recreation Area Phase 1a project received the Wetlands Permit on October 31, 2008.
· Wetlands Permit Application Phase 1b – Following a thorough study of the new federal ruling and our compensatory mitigation options, Parks & Recreation submitted a second Wetlands Permit Application to the Army Corps of Engineers on June 3, 2009. The permit application covered the construction for the two interpretive boardwalks and the two parking lots. To ensure that the “compensatory” wetlands are preserved in perpetuity, and to preserve the rustic nature of this area of the park, a 7.84-acre Conservation Easement was established at the center of the recreation area. The Isberg Recreation Area Phase 1b project received the second Wetlands Permit on September 17, 2009. To see the location of the Conservation Easement, see the attached map.
Parking Lot at Oboe Court:
In September 2009, work began on the parking lot at Oboe Court. The area was hydroaxed and is now ready for construction in the spring of 2010. Please note: The piles of gravel located in the parking area at this time, are not part of the parking lot construction. The gravel is being staged here in preparation for the continuation of the 100-Mile Loop Trail hardening project, also, in spring 2010.
Upland Trails:
Work began this fall with the scouting of a new, non-motorized trail in the uplands on the southwest side of the Isberg Recreation Area. Parks and Recreation, with the assistance of neighboring residents, hope to continue the work this winter. Thanks to Brain Charlton for your help and adventuresome spirit!
Hoe Down Way Winter Trail:
A new winter trail was brushed inside the Hoe Down Way right-of-way in November 2009. The historical Girl Scout trail along the north/south power line is used often by the community. However, its approach to Isberg Road presents a safety hazard to snowmachiners—especially to young, inexperienced snowmachine drivers. Parks and Recreation felt it was time to set the intended—and more gently sloping—trail access through the established right-of-way, to increase community safety. Special thanks go to Norm Piispanen for the afternoon of hard labor!
That about wraps it up for now. If you would like to discuss the Isberg Recreation Area project further, please do not hesitate to call or email me. You’re also welcome to drop by the Parks & Recreation office at the Big Dipper Ice Arena to chat anytime.
Best,
Nancy
Nancy Veitch
Parks Project Coordinator
100-Mile Loop and Isberg Update
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