We, the undersigned, residents and stakeholders of Alaska, submit this petition to express our firm opposition to the proposal for the Alaska Long Trail to receive a National Scenic Trail designation, which would place the trail under federal oversight.
Background:
Currently, the Alaska Long Trail, a project proposed by the Alaska Trails organization, working with Bureau of Land Management, is in the planning and execution stages and is currently in the feasibility stages to be set forth to congress for voting on the National Scenic Trail Designation in the fall of 2025. The organization is actively working on securing easements, funding and establishing the trail route.
Specific Concerns:
The Alaska Trails organization is seeking to obtain a National Scenic Trail (NST) designation through congress. The management plans will not be considered until after Congress approves the designation. BLM will assist in gaining necessary easements and securing additional federal funding for the trail. While this NST designation could potentially aid in the development process, it would come at the cost of ceding control over our lands the trail traverses (including surrounding areas and “connecting trails”) to federal authorities, with final authority landing with The Federal Secretary of Interior/Agriculture. This trail corridor could yield up to 1/4 mile on each side of the trail. This trade-off raises significant concerns about the future administration and management, access and autonomy of these lands.
Reasons for Opposition:
- The trail would dissect an area with a large amount of currently motorized access to state and private lands that would be compromised if the US Congress chose to designate as a National Scenic Trail.
- State Sovereignty: We believe that Alaskans are best suited to administer and manage our own lands and natural resources. State and local oversight ensures that decisions are made by those who understand and value the local environment and communities.
- Local Control: Local administration and management allows for more flexible and responsive decision-making that can quickly adapt to the specific needs and conditions of the trail. Access will be determined by the land owner and not by the Federal government. If NST designation is approved, Section 7 (c) of the NST Act (page 28) prohibits motorized access.
- Economic Impact: Federal oversight could impose regulations and restrictions that might hinder local businesses and recreational activities, negatively impacting our economy by requiring federal permits that will need to be applied and paid for.
- Environmental Stewardship: Alaskans have a deep-rooted commitment to preserving our natural heritage. State and Local management has proven effective in balancing conservation with sustainable use, and we believe this should continue without federal intervention.
We respectfully request that:
The United States Congress refrains from designating the Alaska Long Trail as a National Scenic Trail.
The Alaska State Legislature and the Governor of Alaska support and reinforce the state’s authority over the trail.
Other options for the trail, especially areas of less impact and existing federal lands, are considered for feasibility and suitability.
Conclusion:
We urge our elected representatives and relevant authorities to acknowledge our concerns and take appropriate actions to keep the administration and management of the Alaska Long Trail under state and local control. By doing so, we can ensure that our lands continue to be managed in a manner that reflects the values and needs of Alaskans.