Want a solution to overcrowded ski trails in the Mendenhall Valley?
The comment period for the Forest Service’s Mendenhall Glacier Recreational Area (MGRA) Master Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) is open, closing on April 17th: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=53780. Alternatives 2 and 3 in the MGRA-DEIS include plans for creating new trails and upgrading old ones. Of particular interest to Nordic skiers are:
- a new “Lakeshore” trail with a bridge over the Mendenhall River to the Campground; and
- a new “West Glacier Loop” trail to the north of Skater’s Cabin.
Both trails would be wide enough to accommodate Nordic ski trail grooming equipment while connecting the Campground with many new kilometers. (These trails are also described in our JNSC Nordic Trails Development Plan.)
An open house will be hosted at the Glacier Visitor Center on March 15, from 11:45am-8:00pm and a public online webinar will be held March 31 from 5:30pm-7:30pm (see the project website above for login info as the date nears).
Comments can be submitted via one of the following methods:
- Submit comments online through the project public participation portal (preferred):
- https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public//CommentInput?Project=53780
- Fax to 907-586-8808
- Mail or hand deliver to 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, Alaska, 99801
Please voice your support for the inclusion of Nordic ski trails in the MGRA Master Plan! The JNSC board will be reviewing the DEIS during the coming days and submit comments to the Forest Service as well. This is an important step to help us realize our dream of increasing kilometers for Nordic skiing!