FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH TRAILS ADVISORY...

FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH TRAILS ADVISORY COMMISSION (TAC) MEETING AGENDA BLUE ROOM, AK CENTENNIAL ARTS BUILDING, PIONEER PARK

2300 AIRPORT WAY, FAIRBANKS, ALASKA AGENDA 6:00 P.M.

November 12, 2019

A. ROLL CALL

B. MESSAGES 1. Citizen’s Comments – limited to three (3) minutes 2. Disclosure & Statement of Conflict of Interest

C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

D. MINUTES

1. Minutes from October 8, 2019

E. PRESENTATIONS 1. None.

F. COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOROUGH

1. General updates

G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. TAC requests for resources and recommendations for tools to improve management

and maintenance of trails in the Borough Trail Plan—Carol Kaynor

H. NEW BUSINESS 1. Elections 2. Letters of support for Recreational Trails Program grant projects: Tanana Lakes

Trailheads by FNSB Parks and Rosie Creek Trails by Tanana Valley State Forest—Carol Kaynor

3. TAC position on University of Alaska Land Management’s proposed subdivisions within FMT1NR1W Sections 32 and 33 (next to Creamer’s Refuge) and Conservation Fund’s request for variance to Title 17.56.040 “Trail Easements” affecting access to the Jeff Studdert Sled Dog Trails—TAC members

4. Discuss Trail Plan Issues—Jamie Hansen

I. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Report from Trail Plan Revision Working Group—Jamie Hansen

J. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS/COMMUNICATIONS K. AGENDA SETTING / NEXT MEETING

To be determined. L. ADJOURNMENT

TAC Nov 12, 2019 meeting packet, page 1

Fairbanks North Star Borough 11920 Lathrop Street • PO Box 71267 • Fairbanks, Alaska 99707-1267 • (907)459-1070 FAX459-1072

FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH TRAILS ADVISORY COMMISSION

MINUTES October 8, 2019

A regular meeting of the Fairbanks North Star Borough (Borough) Trails Advisory Commission (TAC) was held in the Blue Room on the third floor of the Centennial Center for the Arts at Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska. The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm by Chair Carol Kaynor. A. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Carol Kaynor Geoffrey Orth Helyn Lefgren Leslie Kitchin Jamie Hansen John Morack Seth Adams Brian Accola Richard Shideler MEMBERS ABSENT: Jerry Rafson OTHERS PRESENT: Bryant Wright, Trails Coordinator, FNSB Parks & Recreation B. MESSAGES

1. Citizen’s Comments – limited to three (3) minutes

• Cam Webb thanked the TAC for their letter in support of protecting the Peede Tract and Brock Tract trails. The assembly mentioned the letter at the meeting. He summarized the ordinance that the assembly reviewed saying it was introduced without the Peede tract, but the other two tracts were still proposed for sale. Public comment such as the TAC letter helped result in withdrawing the Peede, Brock and Pandora tracts from the land sale in order to protect the trails. Marna Sanford suggested taking the parcels out. Mr. Webb thought this was the best possible outcome in this situation, but that they are still not all permanently safe. This would require some follow-up, including rezoning the land, nominating the parcels for retention, and formation of some sort of recreation area. He said the Trails Coordinator will be submitting a nomination to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to develop basic recreational access to the Peede Tract parcel. Mr. Webb said he will also be submitting a similar project nomination to the CIP.

• Stan Justice was pleased the land sale stimulated conversation about trail access. He said Tract A in the College Hills subdivision should also be looked at as a potential trailhead for Skarland Trail. He submitted a proposal for that tract to be saved and developed as a trailhead and expects pushback from the neighborhood. The UAF North Campus Committee plans to add wood chips to a wet section of the Skarland 6-mile trial. They propose adding drainage features and a gravel cap to an especially wet section where wood chips are insufficient. He is also suggesting they change light fixtures to LED that have lower light levels. They are working to reroute a section of the walking trail to Smith Lake. Mr. Justice also summarized a 5-week series of trail talks offered through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.


TAC Meeting Minutes October 8, 2019 P a g e | 2

2. Disclosure and Statement of Conflict of Interest • None.

C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION to approve the agenda made by Commissioner Shideler and seconded by Commissioner Orth.

MOTION ADOPTED D. MINUTES Minutes from September 10, 2019. MOTION to approve minutes made by Commissioner Lefgren and seconded by Commissioner Kitchin.

Discussion: Commissioners Kaynor provided minor grammatical edits. MOTION ADOPTED

E. PRESENTATIONS None. F. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE BOROUGH Mr. Wright provided updates on the following topics:

1. Borough Land Management—Proposed Sale of Borough Land

Mr. Wright shared the land sale ordinance passed by the Assembly on September 12. As Mr. Webb described, the parcels that the TAC expressed concern about were all removed from the sale. For further protection they will need to nominate the parcels for some other public use.

2. Recent Trail Events

On September 28, staff partnered with the Interior Alaska Trails and Parks Foundation and REI to host a trail volunteer day at Skyline Ridge Park trails coinciding with National Public Lands Day. About 20 volunteers showed up to help, many of whom had not been to these trails before. Mr. Wright credited REI with attracting new visitors through their promotion of the event. The IATPF used grant funds from REI to purchase wayfinding signage which volunteers helped install at the Saturday work event. Geoff Orth led another group of volunteers on Secret Trail to cut roots to form a bench cut on a few problematic turns. Another group cut back alders on the After Hours Trail. Mr. Wright thanked Geoff Orth for his help and the IALT and REI for sponsoring the event.

The 2019 Summer Trails Challenge ended on September 30. Staff spent the week contacting winners and tallying participation. Participation was almost double that of last year with more than 220 people completing the challenge and almost 400 participating. This level of participation has surpassed what Mr. Wright is able to manage alone and he has enlisted help from other staff. They will continue to tweak how the popular program is managed as it continues to grow.

On October 5, Parks & Rec hosted a Trailblazer Awards ceremony to celebrate finishers of the summer Trails Challenge. Despite poor weather, about 150 people showed up to collect their award. Mr. Wright was glad to see Commissioners Kaynor and Shideler participate.

On the same day, staff provided a Leave No Trace Awareness Workshop. The Tanana Lakes area provided a good setting, but the weather was cold and windy. About 15 people



attended, mostly young children. Staff will continue to develop these workshops. There will be another workshop provided at the Alaska Recreation and Parks Association conference held this week. Mr. Wright encouraged TAC members to attend the conference.

3. FNSB Capital Improvement Program: Trail Projects Nominations

Mr. Wright thanked the TAC for their support letter from last month’s meeting. The department is still proceeding to nominate the same 6 projects that were introduced at last meeting, though the first two projects, getting public access easements for category B trails and developing trailheads, will be combined into one single nomination. Nominations are due at the end of the week. He encouraged individuals to draft and submit their own if there was another project they would like to see included. He thanked Cam Webb for showing him around the Peede Tract and old Heritage Forest trails. Mr. Wright thought the area had great potential and was a unique and important opportunity for the North Pole community.

4. Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Grants

Mr. Wright said they are beginning to develop project ideas for the recently opened RTP grant cycle. There are limitations on what kinds of projects can be pursued by non-state organizations. They are deciding between two possible project options. The most likely is to develop better signage and wayfinding at Tanana Lakes, especially for access to snowmachine trails across the river via the Bonnefield Trail. Another possible project would be improving access to the Cripple Creek–Rosie Creek trail and 100-Mile Loop trail. The Tanana Valley State Forest intends to submit a proposal to improve trails in the Rosie Creek forest. The Borough’s project would consider ways to improve access from the Isberg Recreation Area where the trails cross Borough property. Commissioner Adams mentioned a difficult section between Oboe Court and Sonata Drive with multiple road crossings and a very wet trail after Sonata Drive. He recommended scooting the trail uphill to the left to drier ground.

G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1. None. H. NEW BUSINESS

1. Recommendations for trails management and classifications—Carol Kaynor Chair Kaynor summarized the past recommendations from the TAC to develop trail management objectives, adopt Alaska State Parks trail management handbook guidelines, and develop a trail classification and prioritization system. This topic did not find any traction when introduced to past administrations. With a new administration that has expressed some interest in trails, she asked whether now might be a good time to revive the recommendation. Commissioner Lefgren thought the recommendation should be worded more strongly since it has been ignored for so long. Commissioner Kitchin thought they could just provide some history, saying it has been recommended before with no action. Commissioner Orth agreed with Kitchin. He also thought background would help to explain to people who don’t have a trail management background. Commissioner Hansen suggested describing significant instances where this would serve the Borough. Commissioner Morack wondered about the process for implementing this suggestion. Does this require the mayor to approve, or the assembly? Or can the parks department just implement this policy? Commissioner Shideler suggested not “growling” in the letter and omitting that the classification system came from California. He didn’t think they



needed more background info. Commissioner Adams said the letter needs to explain what trail management objectives are. Chair Kaynor will work with the Trails Coordinator to describe the intended use of TMOs and to find out about the process.

2. Discuss reduction in size of the Trails Advisory Commission—TAC Members Chair Kaynor summarized the issue of the administration and parks department suggesting a reduction of the TAC from 13 members to 7 members. She asked the TAC to think about how many members they need to function. She added that the current ordinance allowed quorum requirements to reflect filled seats rather than available seats. Commissioner Lefgren did not like the number 7. They need expertise in many different trail interests. She mentioned polarity between motorized and nonmotorized trail users. She thought 13 may be more than needed though. Commissioner Kitchin thought the number 7 seemed arbitrary. She thought they seemed efficient now. She agreed diversity is important. She was approached as horse rider. Seven members don’t allow representation for every trail use. Diversity among different geographic regions would be more important. Commissioner Orth agreed 7 would be more efficient, but the commission needs to represent a more diverse range of users. In the past there were 15 members. A membership of 13 should be kept. Commissioner Hansen said the TAC is supposed to interact with the trail community and bring issues to the administration. With more members, you have more capacity for outreach. Only 4 people meeting quorum does not seem enough to make decisions. Commissioner Morack wanted to keep 13. This commission is not the assembly, and they are meeting more than their required quarterly quota, so why is it such a big deal if they miss a few meetings? If they are expected to have a major role in tasks as big as redoing the Trail Plan, they need a lot of people and a lot of representation. Commissioner Accola wondered if their recommendations ever go anywhere. He wondered if closer connection to the parks department would be more effective. Commissioner Shideler thought 7 was not enough, but did not know why 13 was an appropriate number either. If members are active, 7 is productive. Maybe 11 is a better number. If there are not enough people, they will burn out and will not be productive. He asked whether there would be more or less staff time spent on an 11-member commission or a 7-member commission. Mr. Wright said he couldn’t say either way. He was more interested in the changes to come with a clerking staff taking over many of the administrative duties associated with the commissions. He added that part of the rationale for establishing consistency among advisory commissions was to make it easier for the individual who would be clerking all the meetings. Chair Kaynor described how they report to the mayor and that their communications go through parks. They could maybe work more closely with parks. They need to do better at recruiting as they have had 3 vacancies for over a year. Commissioners Lefgren & Morack agreed about recruiting more. Commissioner Adams asked whether vacant seats are hurting anything. He thought this was a solution looking for a problem.

MOTION to recommend keeping the Trails Advisory Commission membership number at 13 made by Commissioner Morack and seconded by Commissioner Orth. VOTE: Chair Kaynor abstained. All others in favor.

MOTION ADOPTED I. COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Report from Trail Plan Rewrite Working Group—Jamie Hansen



Ms. Hansen is documenting the inventory of issues discussed by the Trail Plan Working Group and their main suggestions. This will help them be more prepared if/when a contractor picks up this project. They will meet one more time to finalize this document before the TAC November meeting and present to the TAC then.

J. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Commissioner Shideler was impressed with the turnout for the Trailblazer Awards and thought it indicated support for the Trails Challenge and for local trails. Commissioner Accola volunteered on the Skyline trails for the second time and liked seeing that it was a very different group of people. Commissioner Morack was glad to see everyone. Commissioner Hansen had no comment. Commissioner Lefgren had no comment. Chair Adams was glad to be back. He is on the board of the Interior Alaska Land Trust, which is also seeking members. They acquired 80 acres and will get 40 more in the Goldstream Valley just west of Ballaine Road across from the Blueberry Preserve. An existing driveway and house will be removed. They paid for this out of their budget by fundraising which indicated good support for trails and open space. This improves access to the Tanana Valley Railroad Trail. Commissioner Kitchin had no comment. Commissioner Orth had no comment. Commissioner Kaynor sympathized with the sentiment of spinning wheels over the same issues. But she doesn’t feel that as much anymore. Some of the projects on the longtime to-do list are getting done, the department is getting grants for trail projects, and there is progress toward getting a new Trail Plan. There is still a lot to do, but she feels more encouraged now.

K. AGENDA SETTING

November 12, 2019, meeting: • Presentations: None. • Old Business:

• Recommendations for trails management and classification—Carol Kaynor. • New Business:

• Discuss Trail Plan issues—Jamie Hansen. • Recommendations for Recreational Trails Program grant projects—TAC

members • Elections

• Committee Meetings: Next Trail Plan Rewrite Working Group meeting October 30, 2019.

L. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m. Submitted by, R. Bryant Wright, Trails Coordinator FNSB Parks & Recreation


Fairbanks North Star Borough Parks & Recreation 1920 Lathrop Street • PO Box 71267 • Fairbanks, Alaska 99707-1267 • (907) 459-1070 FAX 459-1072 459-1072

MEMORANDUM

TO: Bryce Ward, Mayor, Fairbanks North Star Borough

THROUGH: Bryant Wright, Trails Coordinator, Parks and Recreation

FROM: Carol Kaynor, Chair, Trails Advisory Commission

DATE: November 12, 2019

SUBJECT: TAC requests for resources and recommendations for tools to improve management and maintenance of trails in the Borough Trail Plan. We write to recommend the Borough administration and Parks & Recreation Department address ongoing maintenance issues on public trails in the Trail Plan by initiating a more active role in public trail management. Specifically we request these actions • that funding be allocated to a regular maintenance projects • that funding be allocated and position duties are adjusted so that maintenance staff can be regularly available for work on local public trails • that an official volunteer policy be developed A few notes to justify (hash these out): • The Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan directs the Borough to manage specified local trails as recreational facilities that are part of a “Borough Trail System.” • The current prescription for volunteer-driven maintenance is ineffective. • The Adopt-a-Trail program has never developed, in part due to the lack of a clear volunteer policy. • We can get more out of volunteers by investing more Borough resources in their projects. To make more efficient use of their time and energy will require a greater investment in staff time for volunteer coordination, preparation work ahead of volunteer events, materials purchasing, heavy equipment operation… • There is currently no transparent means of prioritizing any resources that may be available to volunteers. Once the Borough decides how it will support maintaining the trails, there are several tools already available to guide maintenance and management of the trails. Referring to pre-established guidelines that are applicable to trails in Alaskan conditions and in the Fairbanks North Star Borough will significantly decrease the amount of time required for the Borough to establish their own policies. For specific recommendations, the Trails Advisory Commission requests that FNSB adopt the following three trail management tools for more efficient and effective management of trails in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan: 1. Trail Management Objectives (TMOs). This tool provides an easily applied, standardized framework for managing trails, one that is an acceptable best practice among many agencies. TMOs provide a roadmap for



trail maintenance and address potential user conflicts. They can used to identify existing and/or potential users, determine appropriate uses of a trail or segment of trail, identify potential conflicting uses, and develop specifications for creation, maintenance or upgrades. TMOs allow for such nuances as seasonal use, customary use, aesthetic considerations, differing technical specifications as appropriate for particular sections of a trail, and user preferences. Please see the attached example. 2. Alaska State Park’s Trail Management Handbook. This handbook is derived from interagency accepted practices and definitions, and has been localized to Alaska’s environment and users. The handbook can be accessed at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aktrails/aktrailmgthndbk2015.pdf 3. Trail Classification and Project Prioritization process. In 2010, the TAC created a process for classifying and prioritizing projects to improve FNSB trails, based on methodology used elsewhere but localized to the Fairbanks area. Identifying priority use of recreational trails and recommending priorities for trail project funding and rights-of-way acquisition are part of the TAC’s responsibility as mandated by the CRTP in Sec. III(C)(2)(b) and (c). The TAC understands that time and capacity of Borough staff is limited and developing taking on more trail maintenance responsibilities will be a challenge. The TAC wishes to contribute toward making progress. We suggest that a small working group, comprised of representatives from the TAC, Parks & Rec, Legal, and Land Management, develop policies and procedures for using these three tools to create, maintain and upgrade trails in the borough. Sincerely, Carol Kaynor, Chair Trails Advisory Commission Fairbanks North Star Borough


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Enhancing Alaska’s trails through advocacy, education and technical assistance.

P.O. Box 100627 Anchorage, AK 99510 Ph: 907-334-8049 Email: [email protected] www.alaska-trails.org

Alaska State Statutes Pertaining to Recreational Trails

The reader is advised to confirm accuracy and to consult an attorney. Alaska Trails assumes no responsibility for this information.

AS 09.65.070. Suits Against Incorporated Units of Local Government.

(a) Except as provided in this section, an action may be maintained against a municipality in its corporate character and within the scope of its authority. (b) A municipality may not require a person to post bond as a condition to bringing a cause of action against it. (c) An action may not be maintained against an employee or member of a fire department operated and maintained by a municipality or village if the claim is an action for tort or breach of a contractual duty and is based upon the act or omission of the employee or member of the fire department in the execution of a function for which the department is established. (d) An action for damages may not be brought against a municipality or any of its agents, officers, or employees if the claim

(1) is based on a failure of the municipality, or its agents, officers, or employees, when the municipality is neither owner nor lessee of the property involved,

(A) to inspect property for a violation of any statute, regulation, or ordinance, or a hazard to health or safety;

(B) to discover a violation of any statute, regulation, or ordinance, or a hazard to health or safety if an inspection of property is made; or

(C) to abate a violation of any statute, regulation, or ordinance, or a hazard to health or safety discovered on property inspected; (2) is based upon the exercise or performance or the failure to exercise or perform a

discretionary function or duty by a municipality or its agents, officers, or employees, whether or not the discretion involved is abused;

(3) is based upon the grant, issuance, refusal, suspension, delay, or denial of a license, permit, appeal, approval, exception, variance, or other entitlement, or a rezoning;

(4) is based on the exercise or performance during the course of gratuitous extension of municipal services on an extraterritorial basis;

(5) is based upon the exercise or performance of a duty or function upon the request of, or by the terms of an agreement or contract with, the state to meet emergency public safety requirements; or

(6) is based on the exercise or performance of a duty in connection with an enhanced 911 emergency system and is not based on an intentional act of misconduct or on an act of gross negligence. (e) In this section


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(1) "municipality" has the meaning given in AS 01.10.060 and includes a public corporation established by a municipality;

(2) "village" means an unincorporated community where at least 25 people reside as a social unit.

AS 09.65.200. Tort Immunity for Personal Injuries or Death Occurring on Unimproved Land.

(a) An owner of unimproved land is not liable in tort, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or reckless or intentional misconduct, for damages for the injury to or death of a person who enters onto or remains on the unimproved portion of the land if

(1) the injury or death resulted from a natural condition of the unimproved portion of the land or the person entered onto the land for recreation; and

(2) the person had no responsibility to compensate the owner for the person's use or occupancy of the land. (b) This section does not enhance or diminish rights granted under former 43 U.S.C. 932 (R.S. 2477). (c) In this section, “unimproved land” includes land that contains

(1) a trail; (2) an abandoned aircraft landing area; or (3) a road built to provide access for natural resource extraction, but which is no longer

maintained or used. AS. 09.65.202. Tort immunity for landowners' allowing recreational activity; adverse possession. (2008 HB25) (a) A landowner that allows a recreational activity on the landowner's land without charge does not, by allowing that activity,

(1) owe a duty of care to maintain the land safe for entry or use for a recreational activity or to eliminate, alter, or control the inherent risks of a recreational activity;

(2) owe a duty to warn persons using the land for a recreational activity of any dangerous condition, known or unknown, apparent or hidden;

(3) owe a duty to curtail or prevent use of the land for recreational activities; (4) implicitly ensure that the land is safe for any purpose; (5) confer a legal status, such as invitee or licensee, to which a special duty of care is

owed; or (6) assume responsibility for any injury to persons or property.

(b) This section applies only during the time that a landowner allows recreational use under a recorded grant of a public recreational use easement as required in AS 34.17.100. (c) This section does not apply to a civil action

(1) if the landowner collects a charge for entry on the land for a recreational activity; or (2) that is based on intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent conduct of the landowner.

(d) This section may not be construed to conflict with, nor does it have any effect on, a liability release agreement between a participant in a recreational activity and a landowner. (e) Except as provided for under AS 09.45.052(d), land use allowed by a landowner for a recreational activity without charge may not form the basis of a claim for adverse possession, prescriptive easement, or a similar claim. (f) In this section,


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(1) "charge" means a fee or admission price imposed for access to or use of land, a recreational activity, a service, an entertainment, or another activity, except that the following is not considered a "charge":

(A) consideration received by the landowner from the state or political subdivision for land leased or dedicated to the state or political subdivision;

(B) property tax relief in exchange for a landowner's agreement to open land for a recreational activity; or

(C) a contribution in kind, service, or cash from a user if all of he contribution is used to improve access or trails, to remedy or reduce damage, to provide warning of a hazard, or to remove a hazard from the land; (2) "land" includes private

(A) unimproved land; (B) improved land, exclusive of buildings, structures, machinery, or equipment on

the land; (C) ways or land subject to an easement or right-of-way; (D) roads and trails; (E) water and watercourses on or running through the land;

(3) "landowner" means a private person who owns land; (4) "private person" has the meaning given in AS 09.55.240; (5) "recreational activity" has the meaning given "sports or recreational activity" in AS

09.65.290.

AS 09.65.290. Civil Liability for Sports or Recreational Activities.

(a) A person who participates in a sports or recreational activity assumes the inherent risks in that sports or recreational activity and is legally responsible for all injuries or death to the person or other persons and for all damage to property that results from the inherent risks in that sports or recreational activity. (b) This section does not require a provider to eliminate, alter, or control the inherent risks within the particular sports or recreational activity that is provided. (c) This section does not apply to a civil action based on the

(1) negligence of a provider if the negligence was the proximate cause of the injury, death, or damage; or

(2) design or manufacture of sports or recreational equipment or products or safety equipment used incidental to or required by a sports or recreational activity. (d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to conflict with or render as ineffectual a liability release agreement between a person who participates in a sports or recreational activity and a provider. (e) In this section,

(1) "inherent risks" means those dangers or conditions that are characteristic of, intrinsic to, or an integral part of a sports or recreational activity;

(2) "provider" means a person or a federal, state, or municipal agency that promotes, offers, or conducts a sports or recreational activity, whether for pay or otherwise;

(3) "sports or recreational activity" (A) means a commonly understood sporting activity, whether undertaken with or

without permission, including baseball, softball, football, soccer, basketball, hockey, bungee jumping, parasailing, bicycling, hiking, swimming, skateboarding, horseback riding and other equine activity, dude ranching, mountain climbing, river floating, whitewater rafting, canoeing, kayaking, hunting, fishing, backcountry trips, mushing,


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backcountry or helicopter-assisted skiing, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, snow sliding, snowmobiling, off-road and all-terrain vehicle use;

(B) does not include (i) boxing contests, sparring or wrestling matches, or exhibitions that are

subject to the requirements of AS 05.10; (ii) activities involving the use of devices that are subject to the

requirements of AS 05.20; or (iii) skiing or sliding activities at a ski area that are subject to the

requirements of AS 05.45.

AS 29.45.062. Land Subject to a Conservation Easement.

(a) Land that is subject to a conservation easement created under AS 34.17 and used consistent with the conservation easement shall be assessed on the basis of full and true value for use subject to the conservation easement and may not be assessed as though it was not subject to the conservation easement. The assessor shall maintain records valuing the land for both full and true value and value subject to the conservation easement. The municipality may, by ordinance, require that if the land is sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of for uses incompatible with the conservation easement or if the conservation easement is conveyed to the owner of the property, the owner shall pay to the municipality an amount equal to the additional tax at the current mill levy together with eight percent interest for the preceding 10 years, as though the land had not been assessed subject to the conservation easement.

(b) To secure the assessment under this section, an owner of land subject to a conservation easement shall apply to the assessor before May 15 of each year in which the assessment is desired. The application shall be made upon forms prescribed by the assessor and shall include information that may reasonably be required to determine the entitlement of the applicant.

AS 34.17.055. Tort Immunity From Personal Injuries or Death Arising Out of the Use of Land Subject to a Conservation Easement.

(a) In addition to the immunity provided by AS 09.65.200 , an owner of land, a portion of which is subject to a conservation easement that is 50 feet or less in width, that has been granted to and accepted by the state or a municipality, and that provides public access for recreational purposes on the land subject to the conservation easement is not liable in tort, except for an act or omission that constitutes gross negligence or reckless or intentional misconduct, for damages to a person who uses the easement to enter onto or remain on the land if

(1) the person had no responsibility to compensate the owner for the person's use of the easement or the land; and

(2) the damages arise out of the person's use of the easement for recreational purposes on the land. (b) The immunity under (a) of this section extends to the grantee of the conservation easement providing public access to the land for recreational purposes. AS. 34.17.100. Public recreational use easements. . (2008 HB25) (a) A public recreational use easement may be created for the purposes of AS 09.65.202 by recording the grant of the easement in the recorder's office for the recording district where the


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land affected by the easement is located. The grant of the public recreational use easement must

(1) be on a form provided by the Department of Natural Resources; (2) identify the land affected; (3) set out restrictions, conditions, or reservations affecting the easement, including

terms addressing duration or termination of the easement, if any; and (4) state that the purpose of the easement is to make the land available for public

recreational activity. (b) The easement granted under (a) of this section may be a conservation easement under AS 34.17.010 - 34.17.060 (Uniform Conservation Easement Act).


Indicates importance of the trail to the community

Point Value Rating

15 15

10

5

0-20 10

10

5 5

10 10

10 3

10 10

5

0-5 2

Private Land w/ RTE 5

Agency Land (RTE not required)

Private Land w/o RTE -5 (5)

0-10 7

Trail Rank Total (100pnts max): 57

Rank I = 90 points or greater

Rank II = 70 to 89 points

Rank III = 30 to 69 points

Rank IV = less than 30 points

Single Season

8. Improvements/investment

TRAIL RANKING MATRIX

Equinox (Alder Chute - Henderson Rd)TRAIL NAME:

Criteria

1. Mode of Use

4. Loop Trail

Multi-Use Motorized

6. Connection to Visitor Use Facility, Parking Lot, or Destination

Multi-Season

Multi-Use Non-motorized

Limited Use

7. Season of Use

3. Accessibility

2. Quantity of use

5. Connection with Other FNSB CompPlan Trail

Rank Assignment:

Equinox (Alder Chute - Henderson Rd)

9. Legal Status

10. Historical significance


Geoff

TAC Revised

MATRIX CRITERIA INSTRUCTIONS

Definition of Criteria:

1

2 Quanity of Use: Evaluation of intentsity of use (subjective)

3

4

5 FNSB Connection: Connects to other FNSB CompPlan trails.

6 Facility: Trail that links a visitor use facility, parking lot or destination.

7 Seasonality: Season of use.

8 Improvements/Investments: Funds already invested in the trail.

9 Legal Status: Whether a Recreational Trail Easment (RTE) exists.

10 Historical: Whether the trail or destination has historical significance (subjective).

Trails should be considered as an entire unit, but longer trails starting from a visitor-use facility may be rated in

segments. A visitor-use facility is defined as any developed campground, picnic, day use or visitor attraction area.

Accessibility: All wheelchair, sensory perception and other all-access trail.

Mode of Use: Multi-use, non-motorized or single use.

Loop: Trail can be used as part of a loop hike or connects to another trail.


Geoff

TAC Revised

Trail Project Selection Matrix

Qualifying Deficiency

(select all that apply and rank it on the severity scale shown)

Trail Project

Visitor

Safety 1-

10

Resource

Protection 1-

10

Preservation of

Investment 1-7

Visitor

Conveinence

1-5

New Trail

Construction 1-

3

Project

Total

Project

Cost

Trail

Rank

Ranking

Points

Trail

Class

100 Mile Lp (Iceberg)4 8 3 5 1 21 50,000 III 69 4

Equinox 2 3 5 3 1 14 5,000 III 57 3

EDS - Happy Vlly 1 1 1 1 3 7 50,000 III 44 2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0


Geoff

TAC Revised

Project Matrix InstructionsOnce all the trail inventories and condition assessments are completed, trail maintenance and

improvement projects need to be prioritized. Usually there are far more trail projects needed than there

is the funding and time required to complete them. This project selection process can often be

contentious as park staff and trail users often have personal bias when it comes to which trails should

be worked on. To make the prioritization of trail projects less subjective an objective process must be

followed. First trail projects should be categorized into the following deficiencies:

1. Visitor Safety, trail conditions that represent a threat to the safety of park visitors usually severe

enough to warrant barricades, warning signs, or temporary or permanent trail closures. Example: A

step carriage and hand rail section on a coastal descent trail has failed requiring the trail users to

traverse down a steep slope on unconsolidated soils with a precipitous drop off.

2. Resource Protection, trail conditions that represent a threat to park natural or cultural resources

usually severe enough that critical resources are being damaged by the trail. Example: The trail

alignment has captured a stream and is diverting it down the trail for hundreds of feet resulting in large

quantities of sediment being delivered into another stream down the trail. The stream being impacted

by sediment is critical habitat for a state and federally listed Salmonid species.

3. Preservation of Investment, trail structure conditions that if not repaired will result in the total

replacement of the structure. Example: A bridge is beginning to experience rot in a portion of the wood

decking and a handrail post. If these bridge components are not removed and replaced the rot will

spread to the laminated wood stringers and the entire bridge will need to be replaced.

4. Visitor Convenience, trail conditions that make it uncomfortable for trail users to hike or use the

trail. Example: Brush growing into the trailway or trees fallen across the trail making it difficult or

unpleasant to use the trail.

5. New Trail Construction, the development of a new trail that is in addition to the existing trails.

Example: A new trail is being proposed to tie two separate trails together and provide an additional

hiking loop within the system.


Geoff

TAC Revised

ALASKA STATE PARKS TRAIL MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK

Section 1: Trail Management Objectives

18

1.3 Trail Management Objectives Form: Example

Figure 1.3 - Trail Management Objectives Form: Example




19TAC Nov 12, 2019 meeting packet, page 19



20TAC Nov 12, 2019 meeting packet, page 20


TO: Grants Administrator

Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation

550 W 7th Avenue, Suite 1380

Anchorage, AK 99501-3561

THROUGH: Bryce Ward, Mayor, Fairbanks North Star Borough

Bryant Wright, Trails Coordinator, Parks and Recreation



SUBJECT: The Trails Advisory Commission recommends supporting the Borough Parks and Recreation Department’s application for a Recreational Trails Program grant to install trailhead kiosks at the Tanana Lakes Recreation Area.

The Trails Advisory Commission (TAC) wishes to express their support for the Recreational Trails Program grant proposal being submitted by the Fairbanks North Star Borough for the Tanana Lakes Recreation Area (TLRA) Trailheads project.

TLRA has become one of the most popular recreation sites in Fairbanks since it opened. It is an invaluable asset to our community for recreation in all seasons. The TAC has supported numerous successful trail projects at Tanana Lakes to build and develop a trail system. Due to the flat terrain much of the trail system is especially friendly to beginner and new trail users. As such the TLRA is a vital gateway for our community to access outdoor recreation and trails. The Borough’s annual Trails Challenge event encourages people to go explore a list of trails each season. Every year the TLRA trails get the most visits among that list of trails, both because of their general popularity and in part because they are less daunting than the more difficult trails in the series. Investing in these trailhead developments will make this trail system even better and more accessible.

The TAC has for many years sought to address our community trail system’s lack adequate signage and access information. While we have many great trails in our community, our trails are unnecessarily difficult for many people to access, especially for new visitors. Trail systems at popular recreation areas like those Tanana Lakes are no exception. The TLRA Trailheads project will give visitors of the TLRA the information they need to fully enjoy the park, its trails, and even to access the trails in the Tanana Flats across the Tanana River via the Bonnifield trail. We urge you to award this grant to the Fairbanks North Star Borough and enable these improvements to trails at Tanana Lakes.

Sincerely,

Carol Kaynor, Chair

Trails Advisory Commission

Fairbanks North Star Borough


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RTP Proposed Trailhead ImprovementsTanana Lakes Recreation Area

LegendTanana Lakes Recreation Area (FNSB)

Sections

Public Road

Future Road (2022)

Winter TrailsSki/Walk - Non-Motorized Trails

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Ice Skating Trail

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IFairbanks MeridianTownship 1 SouthRange 1 WestSections 27, 28, 34

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TO: Grants Administrator

Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation

550 W 7th Avenue, Suite 1380

Anchorage, AK 99501-3561

THROUGH: Bryce Ward, Mayor, Fairbanks North Star Borough

Bryant Wright, Trails Coordinator, Parks and Recreation



SUBJECT: The Trails Advisory Commission recommends supporting the Division of Forestry’s application for a Recreational Trails Program Grant to improve Rosie Creek forest roads for trail use.

This letter is to demonstrate the Fairbanks North Star Borough Trails Advisory Commission’s support for the Division of Forestry’s application for a Recreational Trails Program grant through the Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, to improve the Rosie Creek forest road system for motorized and non-motorized recreational trail users.

The Trails Advisory Commission supports improving the routes proposed by this project to allow people better and safer recreational opportunities within the Borough. Fairbanks is crossed by a multitude of trails, but not many of them are signed or maintained. Grading and resurfacing the forestry road to prevent erosion in the future will benefit both motorized and non-motorized recreational trail users, as well as keeping the road better preserved for future forestry activities. Signage at the trailhead will inform users of the maintained all-season routes, as well as varying land ownerships and seasonal trail accessibility. Informing users of wetland areas, as well as seasons when the roads are especially fragile, will help to alleviate some of the erosion and damage to road and trail corridors within the State Forest, as well as on neighboring Borough lands.

Another advantage of this project is providing an improved access route to the very popular Rosie Creek-Cripple Creek trail, a winter-only trail that runs south of the proposed project, through Borough, State Forest, and other state land. We especially support directional signage that would indicate where the Rosie Creek-Cripple Creek Winter-Only Trail could be accessed from the all-season routes proposed in this project.

The Trails Advisory Commission is pleased that the Division of Forestry is interested in demonstrating how forest management can partner with recreational opportunities to benefit all parties. We support the Division’s grant proposal to provide improved recreational opportunities for Fairbanks residents and visitors.

Sincerely,

Carol Kaynor, Chair

Trails Advisory Commission

Fairbanks North Star Borough


700 W. 2nd Ave Anchorage, AK

Phone: 907-202-1594 Email: [email protected]

www.conservationfund.org

To: The Fairbanks North Star Borough Trail Advisory Commission 907 Terminal St., Fairbanks, AK 99701

From: John Wros, The Conservation Fund 700 W. 2nd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501

The Conservation Fund seeks The Commission’s support of a proposed variance to Fairbanks North Star Borough Code 17.56.040, “On lands through which Category A and B trails pass, the platting board shall require the dedication of easements to conform to the adopted comprehensive recreational trail plan.” This applies to a section of the Jeff-Stoddard Memorial Sled Dog Trails west of Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. Please see the included maps for reference.

The Conservation Fund has arranged to purchase 480 acres from the University of Alaska, to be transferred to the State of Alaska and incorporated into Creamer’s Refuge for public ownership and use. The portion of these lands comprising the N ½ of Section 33, totaling 320 acres, is a distinct lot and no action is required prior to a sale. The portion of these lands comprising the NE ¼ of Section 32, totaling 160 acres, must be subdivided from the reminder portion of Section 32 prior to a sale. This action will create two lots. Subdivision initiates FNSBC 17.56.040. A variance is proposed per the following considerations:

1) FNSBC 17.56.040 is intended to add protection to existing trails. Inclusion in Creamer’s Refugeadds protection per Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge Management Plan, whichprovides specific management guidance for the Jeff-Stoddard trails, satisfying the intent ofFNSBC 17.56.040.

2) The majority of the Jeff-Stoddard trail system is within Creamer’s Refuge undedicated. The trailsin the N ½ Section 33 will be included undedicated. Inclusion of trails in the NE ½ Section 32without dedication will result in consistent management by ADF&G with the larger Jeff-Stoddard trail system; dedication in Section 32 impedes adaptive management by ADF&G.

3) A trail realignment to otherwise satisfy FNSBC 17.56.040 will result in an inferior trail route.4) The proposed action does not remove the requirements of FNSBC 17.56.040 on the remainder

tract Section 32; future subdivision of the remainder tract Section 32 must address Jeff-Stoddardtrails.

5) The sale of this NE ¼ of Section 32 and N ½ of Section 33 was put to public notice by theUniversity of Alaska on August 9th, 2017. Public response was unanimously in favor of the saleof these parcels.

6) ADF&G is unable to accept these lands encumbered with dedicated trails.

The Conservation Fund and University of Alaska will submit a Subdivision Variance Application for to the Department of Community Planning for review by the Platting Board. Please reply with your conclusions in time for the December 2019 Platting Board meeting.


Very best,

John Wros The Conservation Fund

CC: Lauri Swartz, University of Alaska Land Management George Stefan, FNSB Community Planning Bryant Wright, FNSB Parks and Recreation Marla Carter, Alaska Department of Fish and Game


F001N001W33

F001N001W34

F001N001W28

F001N001W27

F001N001W35

F001N001W26

F001N001W32

F001N001W29

F001S001W03F001S001W02

F001S001W04F001S001W05

F001N001W20F001N001W21

Data courtesy of Digital G lobe, SPOT/Airbus, USDA, Alaska DNR, DCCED, and DOT&PF.

THE C O N S E RVAT I O N F U N D

University of Alaska - Creamer's FieldApproximately 480 acres

C r e a m e r ' s F i e l dC r e a m e r ' s F i e l dM i g r a t o r y B i r dM i g r a t o r y B i r d

R e f u g eR e f u g e

¯

0 10.5Miles

Creamer's Field Migratory Bird RefugeU of A Creamer's Field Addition


-Trails in blue within Creamer's Refuge undedicated- Trails in green in N 1/2 Section 33 will be incorperated into Creamer's Refuge undedicated- The variance will create NE 1/4 Section 32 and the green trails would be incorperated into Creamer's Refuge undedicated- Remainder trails in green subject to FNSBC 17.56.040

N 1/2 S 33

NE 1/4 S 32


To: The Fairbanks North Star Borough Platting Board 907 Terminal St., Fairbanks, AK 99701 From: The Conservation Fund 700 W. 2nd Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501 RE: North College Road Subdivision variance 2/2 On behalf of the University of Alaska, a variance is requested from Title 17.56.040(A) trail easements. A. Description of variance: A variance is requested associated with the planned subdivision of the

Remainder Tract of Plat No. 93-169, Sec 32, T1N, R1W, to be named “North College Road Parcels”, which creates two new lots: NE ¼ of Sec 32 T1N R1W and SW ¼ SE ¼, NW ¼ SE ¼, NE ¼ SE ¼, SW ¼ excepting Wessel Acres of Sec 32 T1N R1W. The lots contain a portion of the Jeff-Stoddard Memorial Sled Dog Trails. Title 17.56.040(A) requires the dedication of easements to conform to the adopted comprehensive recreational trail plan. We propose that dedication is impractical and request a variance be granted to allow that no dedication be required.

This subdivision facilitates the sale of the NE ¼ Sec 32 from the University of Alaska to The Conservation Fund, to be added along with the N ½ Sec 33 to the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge for public ownership and use.

B. The safety and welfare of the public will not be affected if monuments on the new lot line are not

set. • Public safety will not be affected. Trail maintenance by the Alaska Dog Mushers Association

will be unchanged. • Public welfare will not be impeded. Trails available by permission of a private land owner will

become publicly owned. • The sale of this NE ¼ of Section 32 (and corresponding N ½ of Section 33) was put to public

notice by the University of Alaska in the “North College Road Parcels Disposal Plan” on August 9th, 2017. Public response was unanimously in favor of the sale of these parcels.

• The NE ¼ of Section 32 is identified by the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Interim Management Plan for management consistent with Creamer’s Refuge.

C. The requirement is impractical or unnecessary due to specific circumstances or conditions of the

subdivision or surrounding development. • Title 17.56.040(A) is intended to add protection to existing trails. Inclusion in Creamer’s Refuge

adds protection per Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge Interim Management Plan, which provides specific management guidance for the Jeff-Stoddard trails, satisfying the intent of FNSBC 17.56.040.

• The majority of the Jeff-Stoddard trail system is within Creamer’s Refuge undedicated. The trails in the N ½ Section 33 will be included undedicated. Dedication of trails in the NE ½ Section 32 without dedication will result in consistent management by ADF&G with the larger Jeff-Stoddard trail system; dedication of trails in Section 32 impedes adaptive management by ADF&G and is impractical.


• A trail realignment to otherwise satisfy Title 17.56.040(A) will result in an inferior trail route. • The proposed action does not remove the requirements of Title 17.56.040(A) on the remainder

tract Section 32; future subdivision of the remainder tract Section 32 must address Jeff-Stoddard trails.

• ADF&G is unable to accept these lands encumbered with dedicated trails. Given the above items, we respectfully ask that this variance be grated. A representative will be present at the scheduled Public Hearing to answer any further questions. Thank you,

John Wros Western Field Representative Phone: 907-202-1594 Email: [email protected] www.conservationfund.org Attached: Fairbanks North Star Borough Trails Plan map Project map


-Trails in blue within Creamer's Refuge undedicated- Trails in green in N 1/2 Section 33 will be incorperated into Creamer's Refuge undedicated- The variance will create NE 1/4 Section 32 and the green trails would be incorperated into Creamer's Refuge undedicated- Remainder trails in green subject to FNSBC 17.56.040

N 1/2 S 33

NE 1/4 S 32


COLLEGE RD

FARMERS LOOP RD

FARMERS LOOP RD

Pearl Creek

Noyes Slough

Jessila Creek

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

THE C O N S E R VAT I O N F U N D

Lands for Subdivsion and SaleTL 2305, Block 32, Remainder Tract Plat No. 93-169



¯

0 0.50.25Miles

NE 1/4 S32160 acres

proposed lot to be included

in Creamer's Refuge

TL 2305, Block 32, Remainder Tract Plat No. 93-169

in blue

SW ¼ SE ¼, NW ¼ SE ¼, NE ¼ SE ¼, SW ¼

excepting Wessel Acres of Sec 32 T1N R1W

265.211 acresproposed lot

Jeff-Stoddard Memorial Sled Dog Trails

N 1/2 S33320 acres

existing lot to be included

in Creamer's Refuge

New lot line


COLLEGE RD

FARMERS LOOP RD

FARMERS LOOP RD

Pearl Creek

Noyes Slough

Jessila Creek

Source: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, Earthstar Geographics, CNES/Airbus DS, USDA, USGS, AEX,Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community

THE C O N S E R VAT I O N F U N D

Lands for Subdivsion and SaleTL 2305, Block 32, Remainder Tract Plat No. 93-169



¯

0 0.50.25Miles

NE 1/4 S32160 acres

proposed lot to be included

in Creamer's RefugeTL 2305, Block 32, Remainder Tract Plat No. 93-169

in blue

SW ¼ SE ¼, NW ¼ SE ¼, NE ¼ SE ¼, SW ¼

excepting Wessel Acres of Sec 32 T1N R1W

265.211 acresproposed lot

Jeff-Stoddard Memorial Sled Dog Trails

N 1/2 S33320 acres

existing lot to be included

in Creamer's Refuge


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