OPINION: Trail support shows Anchorage’s community spirit

If the news in Anchorage sometimes makes you feel a little low about how we in this community treat each other, take heart. Here’s an example of organizations and individuals coming together for a project that benefits not only Anchorage, but visitors from around the state and Outside.

A year and a half ago, the Chugach Park Fund – which raises private money for trail repair and construction in Chugach State Park and accomplishes projects selected by park management – set its 2023 goal to rebuild the second half of the South Fork of Eagle River trail. It was definitely a “stretch goal,” a significant project in terms of money, trail crew time and expertise.

Short version: It’s happening!

Long version: To make this priority project for the park happen, generous donors of all sizes opened their checkbooks in the belief that easier access within the state park is important.

The Rasmuson Foundation was first on board, providing a $115,000 matching grant. ConocoPhillips Alaska quickly stepped up, providing $30,000 of the needed match, as did the Chugiak-Eagle River Foundation with a $5,000 donation. And, most recently, the fund has received $31,000 from Subaru’s Share the Love program, as well as $10,000 from Athletic Brewing. Other donations from businesses, organizations and individuals have taken us to the full match amount. Alaska Trails, with a talented trail crew, will be the contractor for the South Fork project and related brushing and drainage work in the park.

If you’re not familiar with the project area, the South Fork trail starts near the end of Hiland Road and roughly parallels the river for about six miles, ending in the beautiful alpine country around Symphony and Eagle Lakes. The first half of the trail was rebuilt several years ago. The second half is about a three-mile trail that can include dry walking, brush-beating and log-hopping in muddy bogs. By the end of this summer, we expect the trail to be easy to follow and well-drained.

Chugach State Park sees a million visits per year but has had little in terms of maintenance funding for trails. Where the state of Alaska has chosen not to maintain its assets, private funding and community support are stepping in to make a positive difference. Donors feel a great deal of personal satisfaction from helping improve the park’s trails for everyone. The Chugach Park Fund appreciates its generous supporters and we hope to see you in Chugach State Park.

Judy Caminer, John Quinley, Claire LeClare, Charlotte Sayoko, Haley Johnston and Matthew Wordon are members of the Chugach Park Fund volunteer board.

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