Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan

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Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan

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KODIAK

ISLAND
BOROUGH
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
November 2011
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Acknowledgements
Kodiak Island Borough Mayor
Jerome M. Selby
Kodiak Island Borough Assembly
Carol Austerman
Jerrol Friend
Judy T. Fulp
Sue Jeffrey
David Kaplan
Chris Lynch
Louise Stutes
Kodiak Island Borough Project Staff
Rick Gifford, Borough Manager
Bud Cassidy, CDD Director
Duane Dvorak, Associate Planner/LRP
Sheila Smith, CDD Secretary
Kodiak Island Borough Parks & Recreation Committee
Mike Sirofchuck (Chair)
Patrick Saltonstall (Vice Chair)
William Bethea
Pam Foreman
Jeff Huntley
Rick Lindholm
Andy Schroeder
Hans Tschersich
Sandra West
Kodiak Island Borough Planning & Zoning Commission
Alan Torres (Chair)
Brent Watkins (Vice Chair)
Jay Baldwin
Casey Janz
William Kersch
David King
Alan Schmitt
Rick Vahl
Consultant Team
Alta Planning + Design
George Hudson, RLA, ASLA, Principal in Charge
Joe Gilpin, Project Manager
Kim Voros, GIS
Robin Wilcox, Designer
Angelo Planning Group
Matt Hastie
Kodiak Construction Services
Chris Lynch
Island Trails Network
Andy Schroder
List of Acronyms
ADFG Alaska Department of Fish and Game
ANILCA Alaska National Interest Land Act
ANSCA Alaska Native Settlement Claims Act
APG Angelo Planning Group
ATV All Terrain Vehicle
BLM Bureau of Land Management
CIP Capital Improvement Program
CPOA US Coast Guard Chief Petty Offcers Association
DNR (Alaska) Department of Natural Resources
GIS Geographic Information Systems
GPS Global Positioning System
HDOP Horizontal Dilution Of Precision
IMBA International Mountain Biking Association
ITN Island Trails Network
KCC Kodiak City Code
KIB Kodiak Island Borough
MUTCD Manual of Uniform Traffc Control Devices
MWR US Coast Guard Morale, Welfare & Recreation
NOK Natives of Kodiak
NRCS National Resource Conservation Service
ORV Off Road Vehicle
PRC Parks and Recreation Committee
PSA Public Service Announcement
TMO Trail Management Objective
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary 9
2. Introduction 11
2.1 History of Trail Planning in Kodiak 11
2.2 Legacy of Urban and Recreational trails in Kodiak 12
2.3 Sustainable Trails for the Future 13
2.4 Visions, Goals and Objectives of the Plan 14
3. Public Involvement Summary 17
3.1 Parks and Recreation Committee Meetings 17
3.2 Stakeholder Interviews 17
3.3 Public meetings and workshops 18
3.4 Project Web site 18
3.5 Email list and updates 18
4. Existing Trail Conditions 19
4.1 Trail Users and Classifcation in Kodiak 19
4.2 Trail Classifcation System 20
4.3 Trail Inventory Methodology and Classifcation 21
4.4 Existing Trails 24
4.5 Trail Condition Summary 34
5. Trail Management Objectives 39
5.1 Trail Purpose 39
6. Recommendations 41
6.1 New Trail Connections 41
6.2 Urban Trails 41
6.3 Road system trails 43
6.4 System-Wide Improvements 55
7. Implementation Plan 69
7.1 Roles and Responsibilities 69
7.2 Project Prioritization 73
7.3 Potential Funding Sources 79
List of Tables
Table 1: General Trail Criteria 20
Table 2: 2010 Trail Inventory by Landowner 24
Table 3: Summary of Existing Urban Trails 34
Table 4: Trail Classifcation by Facility Length 34
Table 5: Observed Impact of Urban Trail 34
Table 6: Road System Trails 35
Table 7: Trail Mileage by Classifcation 36
Table 8: Observed Impact on Road System Trails 36
Table 9: Proposed Facilities by Type 41
Table 10: Project Improvement Details 42
Table 11: 17b Easement Recommendations 44
Table 12: Proposed Road System Trails 44
Table 13: Trail Impacts by Area Improvement Location 45
Table 14: Proposed Trailhead Improvements 57
Table 15: Summary of Access Requirements 60
Table 16: New Trail Project Criteria Scoring and Weight 75
Table 17: Trail Maintenance Criteria Scoring and Weight 75
Table 18: Urban Trails Prioritization 76
Table 19: Road System Trails Prioritization 78
Table 20: Potential Funding Sources 79
List of Maps
Map 1. Existing Conditions - Urban System, Trail Classifcations 25
Map 2. Existing Conditions Urban System, Trail Grade 26
Map 3. Existing Conditions Urban System, Impacted Trails 27
Map 4. Existing Conditions - Road System, Trail Classifcations North 28
Map 5. Existing Conditions - Road System, Trail Classifcations South 29
Map 6. Existing Conditions - Road System, Trail Grade North 30
Map 7. Existing Conditions - Road System, Trail Grade South 31
Map 8. Existing Conditions - Road System, Impacted Trails North 32
Map 9. Existing Conditions - Road System, Impacted Trails South 33
Map 10. Existing Winter Recreational Use 37
Map 11. Proposed Improvements - Urban System, Proposed Trail Classifcation 49
Map 12. Proposed Improvements - Urban System, Type of Improvement 50
Map 13. Proposed Improvements - Road System, Proposed Trail Classifcation North 51
Map 14. Proposed Improvements - Road System, Proposed Trail Classifcation South 52
Map 15. Proposed Improvements - Road System, Type of Improvement North 53
Map 16. Proposed Improvements - Road System, Type of Improvement South 54
Appendices (separate document)
Appendix A Stakeholder Interview Summaries
Appendix B Public Meeting #1 Summary
Appendix C Public Meeting #2 Summary
Appendix D Trail User Guide
Appendix E Kodiak Island Trails Survey (2004)
Appendix F Cost Assessment of Trail Recommendations
Appendix G Trail Design Guidelines
Appendix H Sample Trail User Etiquette Language
Appendix I Recommended Detailed Kodiak Island Borough Code Changes
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Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
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Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 9
Executive Summary
1. Executive Summary
Kodiak Island is home to a diverse outdoor oriented population who
take every advantage of the abundant natural beauty and diverse
landscapes that the island affords. The Kodiak Road System Trails
Master Plan is the culmination of a 2-year planning effort led by the
Kodiak Island Borough Parks & Recreation (P&R) Committee. This
Trails Master Plan also follows upon the heels of over a decade of
debate within the Kodiak community about trails.
Early in the planning process the project vision was established by
the P&R Committee: The purpose of the Kodiak Road System Trails
Plan is to ensure continued access and maximum use of trails by all
citizens. With this vision the planning team was directed to provide
guidance to the Borough to better manage and plan for trails acces-
sible from the road system without instituting new closures to user
groups. A key theme of the planning process was to provide a legacy
for future generations, so that they may enjoy the same quality of
outdoor experience as current residents do today.
Rather than attempt to restrict use on existing trails, the Trails
Master Plan recommends a multi-faceted approach built upon strong
partnerships between the Federal, State &Local government, the
trail user groups, and the Native Corporations. Specifcally, the Trails
Master Plan recommends:
New Trails
New trails have been recommended to serve the Kodiak urban area,
and fll several gaps in the road system network coverage. These trails
serve existing activity centers such as schools, the Kodiak waterfront,
the US Coast Guard Base, and 17b easements that were never devel-
oped through Native Corporation Lands.
Trail Maintenance and Rehabilitation Projects
Many of the trails accessible from the road system are not sustainable
and are becoming increasingly damaged from use. The Trails Master
Plan recommends maintenance and rehabilitation activities at eleven
areas within the road system. Each area can encompass multiple
trails within the same vicinity. Several user groups such as the Island
Trails Network, the ATV Club and the Kodiak Audubon Society have
hosted trail work days in the past. To implement the Trails Master
Plan recommendations, new partnerships will be needed to bring
additional resources to bear on many of Kodiaks least sustainable
trails.
Trailhead Improvements
Improving parking areas, signage, and information will be a huge
asset to Kodiak residents and visitors alike. The Trails Master Plan
recommends improvements to 17 of the most heavily used trails acces-
sible from the road system.
Programs
Much of trail user confict, the environmental damage and vandalism
on Kodiak could potentially be mitigated through increased educa-
tional and encouragement activities. The Trails Master Plan contains
12 program recommendations to build a broader sense of community
with regard to the trail system and promotes greater stewardship of
the land through trainings and public service announcements. This is
especially important with regard to interaction between motorized
and non-motorized users of the trail system.
Kodiak Island Borough Code Changes
The Trails Master Plan recommends simple changes to the Borough
code to increase the ability of the Borough to acquire trail easements
through the subdivision process on future development on the island.
Implementation
This Trails Master Plan was funded and managed through the
Kodiak Island Borough. The Borough has limited jurisdiction over
the majority of trails used by Borough residents and visitors and does
not have the resources to implement all of the recommendations in
this Plan. The KIB can act in large part as a coordinator or convener
of other trail planning, improvement and maintenance efforts, but
ultimately others in the community will need to commit to sharing in
the implementation of the Plan. Because of this the Trails Master Plan
provides abundant guidance to the Borough and others to form part-
nerships to achieve the recommendations contained within the Plan.
The Kodiak Road SystemTrail Master Plan is a critical document to ensuring long-term
access to sustainable trail recreation and transportation opportunities for future generations.
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Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 11
Chapter 2 - Introduction
The other principal recommendation that came out of the ATV
Stakeholder Committee had to do with the notion that the bulk of
illegal or inconsiderate trail use was the result of ignorance on the
part of a minority of trail users. For this reason the concept of ATV
registration programs or other means of making trail users account-
able were not brought forward as a recommendation. In addition, it
was widely recognized that other forms of registration such as for
watercraft and snow machines was largely implemented at the state
level which had greater resources to regulate such matters on a state-
wide rather than a local basis.
After these two recommendations, the ATV Stakeholder Committee
was largely unable to reach a consensus on other trail planning
issues. About half of the group was ready to terminate their service
thinking that they had fulflled the original mandate. The other half
were willing to continue meeting and to consider a wider range of
trail planning issues that went beyond the original mandate of simply
2. Introduction
2.1 History of Trail Planning in
Kodiak
The history of trail planning on Kodiak likely goes back to the
aboriginal settlement of the Kodiak Archipelago. This review,
however, will be limited in scope (the Kodiak Road System) and time
frame (roughly 2001 to present).
Trails have always been an essential form of transportation for people
wanting to access the land and resources of Kodiak Island. These
trails also provide access to destinations for the purpose of trans-
porting material and people to and from destination developments
and recreational opportunities located away from the very limited
Kodiak Road System. From an economic standpoint, it makes little
sense to build (and maintain) roads where there are few occupants
and little private land to provide a tax base. As a result, there are
many trails leading from the main roads along the north end of
Kodiak Island. These trails primarily provide access to public lands,
although with the advent of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
(ANSCA) and later the Alaska National Interest Land Act (ANILCA)
these trails act as a bridge to public and private lands that would
otherwise be denied direct access from the road system.
For the most part, the human use of trails on Kodiak Islands
north end stretches back from several hundred to several thousand
years. During the past several decades however, there has been an
increasing concern in the community surrounding the use of road
system trails as the number of trails users has increased over the
years. This use is further complicated by the advent, evolution and
wide spread use of personal motorized vehicles as represented by All
Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and Off Road Vehicles (ORV). As a result
of these two trends, an increasing number of trail users were able
to access the off-road areas of the road system with ever increasing
frequency.
In 2001, it was not uncommon to hear trail issues debated on the
local Hotline call-in radio talk shows on a regular basis. In addi-
tion, concerns about the sustainability and usability of the trails,
trail user conficts, and illegal use of ATVs on roads was occasion-
ally mentioned at borough assembly meetings. In 2002, the assembly
authorized the creation of an ad hoc trail planning advisory body to
study these issues and make recommendations. Although this group
was referred to as the ATV Stakeholder Committee, its composition
included trail users of all persuasions. Its mission was to consider the
full range of trail issues and render certain recommendations back to
the borough assembly for further consideration. After nearly a year
of meetings, the ATV Stakeholder Committee was only able to make
two frm recommendations for which committee resolutions were
adopted. One recommendation dealt with the proposal to create an
educational brochure about the importance of crossing anadromous
streams only at designated crossings. This brochure was created by
one of the committee members and featured the likeness of a new
trail mascot who was named Lester Lightfoot. 5,000 brochures were
printed by the borough based on the camera ready content produced
by this committee member and these were distributed through the
Kodiak Coast Guard Base, local ATV dealerships, and other govern-
mental offces.
Volunteers performtrail assessments in 2004
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
12 | alta planning + design
Chapter 2 - Introduction
addressing the trail controversies of the day. The ATV Stakeholder
Committee continued to meet on a regular basis to consider the pros-
pects of creating a trail plan for the Kodiak Road System. Although it
was not recorded as a formal recommendation, it was conveyed to the
Assembly that a trail plan might be one way to put some perspective
on these issues and that a trail plan might lead to better trail manage-
ment and improve the ability of the community to compete for trail
improvement dollars.
In 2001 in response to agency concerns about grazing and fsh
and wildlife resources and trail conficts, the Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) published a document titled
Assessment of ATV Trails on Kodiak Island. That document
concluded that ATV trails have developed where footpaths previ-
ously existed and in many cases the area that could sustain foot
traffc is not capable of sustaining motorized vehicles. It was recom-
mended that if the trails were to remain in the same location that
they be hardened with webbed geo-block material to minimize
impacts.
After a change of staff in the Community Development Department,
then Director Michelle Stearns was instrumental in phasing out the
ATV Stakeholder Committee with its trail only focus. Due to the
interest expressed by some of the remaining committee members, a
number of remaining ATV Stakeholder Committee members were
rolled into an expanded KIB Parks and Recreation Committee.
The expanded Parks and Recreation Committee is a standing advi-
sory committee of the borough set up to deal with all recreational
issues and considered a more appropriate vehicle to initiate and
sustain an in-depth trail planning process. During this same time,
Director Stearns initiated a number of planning activities aimed at
furthering this process including a community wide trail user survey,
strategic partnership with the National Park Service, and the acquisi-
tion of GPS and Geographic Information System (GIS) hardware and
software.
In 2004, Dr. Doug Whittaker was hired to develop and analyze a
community trails survey in order to gauge the interests and concerns
of the community regarding trail usage (see Appendix E). The Kodiak
Island Borough also hired GIS Analyst Ian Moore to assist with
documenting trail locations and trail conditions. With the use of a
Geographic Positioning System (GPS) he mapped and classifed over
200+ miles of existing trails on the road system.
Unfortunately, Director Stearns left the boroughs employ after less
than two years on the job. In the absence of her vision with regard to
planning projects, and in recognition of the departments diminished
capability with fewer staff members, all of the projects that were
initiated by Ms. Stearns, including the trail plan, were proposed in
the following fscal year budget to be addressed by a single borough
wide comprehensive plan revision process. This process culminated
in the 2008 Kodiak Island Borough Comprehensive Plan Update.
The thought behind the single borough wide comprehensive plan-
ning project was to keep the momentum going on the Womens Bay
Community Plan Update and other plans that had been initiated
by the former Community Development Director Michelle Stearns.
This included additional plan processes that had been initiated for
Chiniak and Larson Bay, in addition to the Road System Trail Plan.
The reality was apparent early on however, that this comprehen-
sive plan process could only address trail issues from an area wide
perspective and that it would not provide the kind of policy develop-
ment or management guidance that a standalone Road System Trail
Plan could. The 2008 comprehensive plan update summarized much
of the prior trail planning work that had been accomplished during
the previous years, but it did little to further the actual trail planning
effort itself. As a result, few conclusions could be drawn from this
work due to the incomplete trail planning process and information.
In the end, it was recognized that the trail planning process for the
road system would have to be re-initiated once the larger area wide
comprehensive plan was completed.
In early 2009 an request for proposals was issued by the borough and
a consultant was selected to begin development of the Kodiak Road
System Trails Master Plan. Work commenced in September 2009 and
began with stakeholder interviews, feld visits, and data transfer. A
second interview period was held in February to catalog existing
winter trail uses. Through the interview process, a broad variety
of stakeholders were given the opportunity to provide information
including native corporations, government entities, and trail user
groups (for a summary, please see Appendix A).
An early goal of the project was to involve the community through a
volunteer trail GPS program however it was quickly realized that a
full trail inventory could not be achieved. The project team contracted
with Island Trails Network to supplement the 2004 trail inventory
with up-to-date conditions to assist with trail planning and project
prioritization.
A public meeting was held in May 2010 to review existing conditions
for summer and winter trail use (for a summary, please see Appendix
B). It is estimated that over 200 individuals have been involved
through the public process.
The borough Parks & Recreation Committee was involved constantly
through the planning process and provided oversight and review to
all materials produced by the consultant team. Through this compre-
hensive involvement it was assured that the evolution of the plan
accurately represented the desires and needs of Kodiak residents, and
provided balanced recommendations for implementation.
2.2 Legacy of Urban and Recreational
trails in Kodiak
The Kodiak Road System Trail Master Plan is a critical document to
ensuring long-term access to sustainable trail recreation and trans-
portation opportunities for future generations. Trails have histori-
cally played a signifcant role to Kodiak Island and its inhabitants.
Erosion, both natural and manmade has taken a toll on Kodiaks
trails over the past two decades. Many Kodiak residents have
expressed concern about the state of trail degradation and the desire
to see a legacy of sustainable trails left to future generations on the
island. The publics desire, not to just limit future damage, but to
rehabilitate trails and make them accessible for multiple users was
The Trails Planning teamwalks a trail on Near Island in 2009
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 13
Chapter 2 - Introduction
a reoccurring theme throughout the planning process. This trail
master plan will be the blueprint for maintaining the quality and
condition of the current trails, improving trails that need rehabili-
tation, and expanding the trail network as funding and resources
permit. Through the implementation of the policies, goals and objec-
tives detailed in this plan, the Borough can guide the development of
the trail network and ensure it remains a lasting community resource
for years to come.
2.3 Sustainable Trails for the Future
Successful sustainable trail systems should protect the environment,
meet the needs of a variety of users, require little maintenance, and
minimize user conficts (IMBA, 2004).
Sustainable trails allow higher numbers of visitors to visit natural
areas with less damage to the ecosystem. While the preferred travel
mode of these users may vary, the principles for designing sustainable
trails are the same (for detailed design guidelines for the implementa-
tion of sustainable trails, please see Appendix I). Trails can provide
improved ftness, community connections, basis for tourism, and
opportunities for economic development. To reap the full beneft of a
trail system, it is important that the system provide access to impor-
tant destinations, provide experiences for users of all abilities, and be
developed through public and private partnerships.
Sustainable trails play an important role in reducing impacts on
sensitive habitat areas. All trail user groups will create the experi-
ence theyre seeking if it is not provided within the trail system
(Umphress, 2009). Balancing conservation needs with important
destinations, such as loved fshing spots and camp sites, may lead to
reduced maintenance costs in the future. Sustainably designed trails
allow greater numbers of users to pass through environmentally
sensitive areas with less impact than user-designed trails. A well
implemented trail system:
Provides reasonably direct access to desired destinations. If
short-cutting the trail is faster, users will take the short cut
rather than following the trail.
Works with the surrounding topography and avoids steep
grades or alignments that can channel water and focus erosion.
Does not pass through excessively muddy or rocky areas. Trail
users will avoid these areas and widen the tread or create new
trails. (Parker, 2004)
Kodiak is in an excellent position to capitalize on the innate benefts
of trails in the area such as access to scenic natural areas and multi-
modal user groups to increase the number of residents and visitors
who use the trail system. Recreational tourism has been growing in
popularity as outdoor sports such as ATV riding, mountain biking,
and birding, continue to gain popularity. There are many long-term
benefts to communities and the environment when trail systems are
sustainably designed.
Successful trail systems can have benefts to communities beyond
tourism. Local residents have the opportunity to experience enjoy-
able and high quality trails in their own backyard. Trail activities
have been shown to improve health in as little as 30 minutes three
times per week. Improved health benefts not only the individual
and benefts society as a whole through reduced healthcare costs
(Indiana, 2000).
Community moral is often improved through trail projects. Trails
build partnerships between landowners, government, and advo-
cacy groups. Residents involved in working on trail projects feel
more connected to their community (Warren, 1997). Trail systems
are places for entire families, friends, and neighbors to gather and
recreate together. In Anchorage, motorized trail users have played
an active part in maintenance, building and advocacy and helped
forge public and private partnerships to improve the Anchorage Trail
(Madden, 1997).
Through successful implementation of the trail maintenance projects
recommended as part of this Plan, Kodiak can restore many of its
damaged environmental areas while preserving access opportunities
by all trail user groups. Only an involved and concerned community
can affect signifcant, long-lasting change. For partnering strategies,
please see Chapter 7.
Volunteers install Geoblock trail surfacing on the Lake MiamTrail in 2009
References:
IMBA, 2004. Trail Solutions: IMBAs Guide to Building Sweet Singletrack. International
Mountain Bicycling Association.
Umphress, Karen, 2009. Why do People Leave the Trails? National Trails Training
Partnership.
Parker, T.S. 2004. Natural Surface Trails by Design: Physical and Human Design
Essentials of Sustainable, Enjoyable Trails
State of Indiana, 2000. Indiana Trails Plan 2000.
Warren, N., 1998. Nova Scotia Hiking Trails Study. Nova Scotia Federation.
Madden, J., 1997. Anchorage Trails SystemAdds to Quality of Life. American Pathways:
Case Studies in Successful Trails and Greenways. The American Hiking Society and the
National Parks Service.
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
14 | alta planning + design
2.4 Visions, Goals and Objectives of
the Plan
2.4.1 Introduction
The Vision, Goals, and Objectives of the study are principles that
will guide the development and implementation of the Kodiak
Island Borough Road System Master Plan for years to come. Goals
and objectives direct the way the public improvements are made,
where resources are allocated, how programs are operated, and how
Borough priorities are determined. This plan lays out a framework
for creating and expanding programs and improvements to trails in
Kodiak now and in the future.
A vision statement outlines the intent of the planning process. It
concentrates on the ideal of the project and is a source of inspira-
tion. Goals help guide the Borough towards fulflling that vision.
Objectives are more specifc statements under each goal that defne
how each goal will be achieved. Objectives are measurable and
allow tracking and benchmarking to demonstrate the extent of the
Boroughs progress towards achieving the goals and overall vision.
The vision, goals, objectives and policies have been based on national
best practices, interviews with project stakeholders and discussions
with the Parks & Recreation Committee and Borough staff.
Project Vision
The purpose of the Kodiak Road System Trails Plan is to ensure
continued access and maximum use of trails by all citizens.
2.4.2 Goals & Objectives
The Kodiak Road System Master Plan will be implemented through a
comprehensive program of activities based on the following goals:
1. Trail Sustainability
2. Respect of Private Property
3. Preserve and Expand the Trail Network
4. Trail Confict Management
5. Health & Safety
6. Enforcement
1. Trail Sustainability
Goal: Ensure that Kodiak road system trails remain usable and free from permanent damage so that future residents can enjoy the same or
a better quality experience than today.
Objectives: 1A: Reroute, harden, or otherwise improve portions of existing trails with severe erosion or trail braiding issues.
1B: Prevent trail degradation resulting from inappropriate trail use.
1C: Pursue funding through various means for trail rehabilitation and hardening.
1D: Form Public/Private Partnerships with local organizations and non-profts to perform trail maintenance and seek grant
funding opportunities.
1E: Protect anadromous creeks and streams from user damage through the use of designated stream crossings.
1F: Decommission trails that have been rerouted and are no longer in use.
2. Respect of Private Property
Goal: Provide a trail network that respects the rights of private property owners and native corporations while preserving access to key
destinations and public lands.
Objectives: 2A: Establish easements across private and native corporation lands for trails identifed in the plan as grants and funding be-
comes available.
2B: Minimize the impact of existing and proposed trails to private property owners.
2C: Avoid private property as a means of avoiding conficts with private property owners.
2D: Provide signage and more intense management of trails in areas where legal trails cross private lands.
2E: Minimize negative impacts on surrounding private property owners by attempting to modify trail user behavior through
education and other programs outlined in this plan.
2F: Consider trail relocation if an equal or better alternative route is readily available or on existing public lands.
2G: Reduce the likelihood of inadvertent trespass by installing signage near areas of private property directing people to stay
on the trail.
2H: Work with native corporations and other private land owners to publicize procedures for gaining legal or permitted access
to private lands.
2I: Increase public knowledge of legal public trails on Kodiak Island.
2J: Incorporate the Road System Trails Master Plan into the Kodiak Island Boroughs development review process.
Chapter 2 - Introduction
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 15
3. Preserve and Expand the Trail Network
Goal: Provide a network of recreational trails suitable for all varieties of trail users including: hikers, skiers, mountain bikers, equestrians and All-
Terrain Vehicle (ATV) users.
Objectives: 3A: Work with public and private landowners to obtain more dedicated trails.
3B: Develop an urban network of improvements for pedestrians and bicycles which connect residential areas to activity centers such as
schools and commercial areas.
3C: Provide Improvements for pedestrians and bicycles along all arterial roads within the Borough.
3D: Develop extensions of the urban trail network which connect the Kodiak urban area to nearby destinations.
3E: Promote trail recreational opportunities to residents and visitors.
3F: Minimize the expense of purchasing private lands for trailheads by using available public right of way where possible.
3G: Encourage volunteer efforts for trail development and maintenance.
3H: Obtain funding sources for trail development and maintenance costs without passing the burden directly onto the Borough taxpayer.
3I: Actively pursue all applicable grant funding for trail easement acquisition, trail development, and maintenance for Kodiak trails as well
as the public acquisition of key destinations areas.
3J: Support and promote a Safe Routes to School Program.
3K: Support winter activity in Kodiak.
3L: Ensure that construction projects taking place on existing roads include improvements for non-motorized transportation use where
none presently exist or include upgrades to existing non-motorized facilities.
3M: Identify missing links in an effort to create a connective trail network
4. Trail Confict Management
Goal: Minimize conficts between different types of trail users and avoid trail degradation due to improper use.
Objectives: 4A: Develop suffcient trail opportunities for all user groups so that groups need not rely on trails ill-suited for their trail use.
4B: Encourage the formation and continued growth of trail user groups such as the Snow Bruins, Emerald Isle Off Road Club, ATV Club,
Audubon Society, and Island Trails Network.
4C: Develop and distribute a Trail User Guide to promote maximum public knowledge of the trail system, trail uses, and to reduce user
conficts.
4D: Install signage promoting rules of the trails at trailheads and along trails.
4E: Consider dual use or seasonal use trails where there is high demand and conficting uses.
Chapter 2 - Introduction
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
16 | alta planning + design
5. Health & Safety
Goal: Reduce the risk of trail related injury and rescue through effective informational programs.
Objectives: 5A: Decrease the likelihood of visitors and residents getting lost by providing adequate marking along popular routes and signage at junctions with other trails.
Work with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to develop uniform signage for trails.
5B: Install signage with important safety information where applicable at trailhead kiosks.
5C: Post bear warnings and avoidance strategies at all trailheads.
6. Enforcement
Goal: Provide effective enforcement to existing trail use restrictions and trespassing on private property.
Objectives: 6A: Work with Alaska State Troopers, Native Corporations, Alaska Department of Fish &Game, Alaska Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Coast
Guard to enforce existing trail restrictions, trespassing on private property, and responsible trail use.
6B: Promote peer enforcement through existing and future trail user groups to self-enforce improper trail behavior that could lead to trail damage or con-
ficts with other users.
6C: Install appropriate signage that encourages proper use of trails.
Chapter 2 - Introduction
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 17
Chapter 3 - Public Involvement Summary
3. Public Involvement
Summary
The Borough and project team have used a variety of methods to
ensure that Borough residents, trail users and others have had an
opportunity to learn about and have a voice in shaping the Trails
Master Plan. These activities have included the following which are
described in more detail in the following pages.
Parks and Recreation Committee meetings
Stakeholder interviews and meetings with Summer and Winter
trail users
Public meetings and workshops
Project Web site
E-mail announcements and updates to interested parties
Additional notifcation and information via:
Coordination with the Kodiak Daily Mirror and local radio
stations (KMXT, KVOK and KRXX)
Meeting fyers posted in local businesses and other gath-
ering places
Public notices
3.1 Parks and Recreation Committee
Meetings
The Boroughs Parks and Recreation Commission has acted as the
primary advisory group for this Planning project. The committee is
made up of people who represent a variety of public agencies, trail
advocacy groups and other interests. A list of PRC members is found
in the front of the Plan (see Acknowledgements page). The committee
was responsible for providing guidance on nearly all aspects of the
Trails Master Plan, including the following:
Goals, objectives and evaluation criteria
Trail planning issues, priorities and improvements
Approaches to resolving conficts among trail users
Locations for future trails or trail improvements
Approaches for implementing key trail planning
recommendations
Review and comments of all sections of the plan
All meetings of the PRC were open to the general public and several
meetings were very well attended by citizens. For example, over 100
people attended the February 9, 2010 PRC meeting. The PRC met
to review, discuss and provide guidance on trails planning elements
monthly during the summer months and bi-monthly during the other
seasons.
In addition to providing guidance on key trails planning issues, the
PRC assisted with community outreach activities, including acting
as hosts for community meetings, encouraged other KIB residents to
participate in those events, and helped encourage local volunteers to
assist with trail inventory activities.
3.2 Stakeholder Interviews
Consulting team members conducted several groups of stakeholder
interviews and meetings. At the outset of the project, Alta and APG
personnel held a series of 14 interviews and small group meetings
with people and groups with a strong interest and involvement in
trails planning. Over 30 people participated in these interviews
which were conducted over a two-day period on September 1 and
2, 2009. In addition, on February 9th, 2010 representatives of Alta
conducted fve interviews and small group meetings with people and
groups with a strong interest and involvement in winter recreational
use in Kodiak. Over 15 people participated in the winter interviews,
including snowmachiners, ATV users, cross country skiers, back
country skiers, skate skiers, snow boarders, and snowshoers. Project
team members also conducted follow-up interviews with several
Native groups in May, 2010 to begin discussing potential strategies to
address trail access and other issues.
Over 100 Kodiak residents attended the May 19th, 2010 Publie Workshop
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
18 | alta planning + design
Chapter 3 - Public Involvement Summary
Stakeholder groups who participated in one or more of the interviews
described above included:
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
ATV Club and ATV users
Chiniak residents
City of Kodiak
Cross-country skiers
Emerald Isle Off Road Club
Equestrian users
58 degrees North
Grazing leaseholders
Island Trails Network
Natives of Kodiak
KIB Park and Recreation Committee members
Kodiak Audubon
Kodiak College
Kodiak Island Borough School District
Kodiak Soil and Water Conservation District
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi Native Corporation
Orions Sporting Goods
Ouzinkie Natives Association
Snow Bruins
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Resource
Conservation Service
Warner Motors
Womens Bay residents
The primary objective of these meetings was to identify a full range
of trail planning issues, concerns and ideas. In many cases, multiple
members of these groups (e.g., ATV users) participated. A complete
list of individuals who participated in these interviews is found in
Appendix A of the Plan.
3.3 Public meetings and workshops
The project team conducted two community-wide meetings to
provide opportunities for KIB residents to learn more about the trails
planning process and help shape its outcome. In addition, one of the
PRC meetings essentially served as a community-wide meeting, with
over 100 people in attendance. These meetings were held on February
9th and May 19th, 2010 and June 1st, 2011. Each of these meetings
included a presentation of planning results to date and next steps,
and opportunities to comment and ask questions about the planning
process. The May, 2010 meeting also included interactive exercises
to identify location-specifc trails planning issues, needs or proposed
improvement projects, as well as feedback on trail user confict
management strategies. The following methods were used to adver-
tise the meetings:
Announcements and news stories in Kodiak Daily Mirror and
on local radio stations (e.g., KMXT, KVOK and KRXX)
Announcements on the project Web site
Meeting fyers posted in local businesses, churches and gath-
ering places
E-mails announcements sent directly to people who expressed
an interest in the planning process and/or had attended a
previous meeting
Direct communication with potentially interested residents by
Park and Recreation Committee members, District staff and
other community members
Summaries of public meetings are found in Appendix B and C.
3.4 Project Web site
Alta Planning created a project Web site to help provide people with
information about the Trails Master Planning process, comment on
draft work products and announce upcoming meetings and other
opportunities to participate in the planning process. The Web site
included information related to the following topics:
Overview of the planning process and objectives
Frequently asked questions about the Master Plan
Related trail planning resources or documents, including
information about 17b easements and existing stream crossing
locations
Draft project reports and maps
Announcements, agendas and summaries of public, stakeholder
and other meetings
Contact information for planning team members
Opportunity to be added to the project contact list and/or
provide comments
The Web site was updated regularly to provide access to draft maps
and other work products, announce upcoming meetings and provide
information in response to public comments and concerns about
specifc trail planning issues.
3.5 Email list and updates
As noted above, the project team created, maintained and used a list
of people who expressed an interest in the trails planning process to
provide updates and announcements about upcoming meetings and
other activities. The list included people who participated in stake-
holder interviews, attended public meetings, submitted comments via
the project Web site, or otherwise contacted the Borough and asked
to be added to the list or informed about the process. By the end of
the planning process, the list included over 200 people.
Over 100 Kodiak residents attended the February 9th, 2010 P&RCommittee Meeting
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 19
4. Existing Trail
Conditions
Providing up-to-date trail inventory information for the produc-
tion of the Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan was a priority
from the beginning of the project. A signifcant GPS survey effort
was conducted in 2004 that inventoried 207 miles of trail. Since
that time a signifcant amount of new erosion has occurred, most
notably through the winter of 2009-2010. It was determined that a
more comprehensive trail inventory be undertaken to catalogue these
changes, increase the amount of trail related information collected,
and to survey trails not previously surveyed. The borough contracted
with Island Trails Network to conduct the feld survey.
4.1 Trail Users and Classifcation in
Kodiak
There are many different types of anticipated trail users within the
KIB trail network. Trails attract all types of users including the
different types addressed below. Trail width, vertical clearance,
surface type and trailhead amenities should be designed to accommo-
date the expected range of users.
4.1.1 Hikers
Hikers are the most fexible trail users, requiring the least specifc
trail designs (also in this group, joggers/runners, bird watchers
and hunters). Traveling by foot allows hikers to adjust to varying
trail conditions. However, considerations must be made about the
expected trail user. Hikers are the most versatile of users and are
able to travel over trails that are extremely steep or barely evident.
Hikers generally prefer trails that offer wide paths of travel, moderate
vertical clearances, minimal grades, and non-slip walking surfaces
such as decomposed granite or compacted earth. This user group
prefers trails with scenic opportunities that provide visual interest
with varied terrain.
4.1.2 Bicyclists
The needs of trail bicyclists vary based on their experience and
familiarity of the trail network. Casual trail bikers might prefer a
wide trail that allows passing and side-by-side riding. Bicyclists
may also prefer smooth, compact surfaces or paved surfaces with
gentle to minimal slopes. Aggressive trail bikers, on the other hand,
might enjoy more challenging trail experiences including the thrill
of a narrow, single track trail, just wide enough to allow passage of
one bicycle. These bikers might also seek rougher, more steep and
challenging surfaces to ride on. Most trails that hikers prefer are also
suitable for bicyclists.
4.1.3 Equestrians
Equestrians require specifc trail characteristics, including, stable
surfaces that allow a horse to maintain its footing, easy trail access
with space for horse stalling or a parking area with suffcient space
for trailers. Equestrians prefer safe roadway crossings and whenever
possible, maintaining separation between the horses and the other
trail users. Much of the equestrian activity in Kodiak occurs at the
Bells Flats/Jack Lakes area.
4.1.4 Cross Country Skiers
There are two types of cross country skiing. Classic or traditional,
and Skate-skiing. Classic skiers can typically ski wherever snow
exists, but most avoid steep terrain. Skate skiers typically require
groomed trails, however on Kodiak they have taken advantage of
frozen lakes and ponds when conditions are ideal. Trails groomed
specifcally for cross-country skiing typically address both disci-
plines, a wide compacted surface with a corrugated surface typically
six to twelve feet wide . Classic skiers quickly produce a set of tracks
that other skiers can utilize. Cross country skiers typically look for
loop trails of four to six miles in distance. The most common loca-
tions for cross country skiing in Kodiak are on the Coast Guard Base
around Buskin Lake and the Golf Course.
4.1.5 Snowshoers
Snowshoers typically prefer to walk on snow with at least an 8
base. Snowshoers often travel off trail for a more primitive expe-
rience however they also use existing trails to gain access to the
backcountry. Snowshoers prefer loop trails of two to eight miles
in distance. Snowshoes perform poorly on ice and steep terrain.
Therefore, most snowshoers will prefer to walk along trails that have
minimal changes in grade or go off-trail to maintain level elevations
and avoid ice.
4.1.6 Snowmachiners
While snowmachines technically do not require actual trails to
operate, many snowmachiners prefer to operate along trails for orien-
tation and familiarity. It is preferable for snowmachines to operate
along trails, minimizing the potential damage to vegetation with
thin snow cover. Snowmachine trails consist of heavily compacted
snow and are typically 10-15 in width. From public and stakeholder
meetings with snowmachiners any snow covered accessible terrain
is currently utilized. General routes have been developed over time,
though these routes change frequently due to conditions.
4.1.7 Off-Road Vehicles
While this user category can include snowmachines and full sized
four wheel drive vehicles, for the purposes of this trails plan this
category is most often applied to All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), three
wheelers, and motorcycles not licensed for use upon the highways. In
Kodiak, the 4-wheel version of the ATV is the predominant off-road
vehicle used. Over the years ATV technology has advanced dramati-
cally. The older three-wheeled versions with wide low pressure tires
have been superseded with models designed to overcome obstacles
with higher clearances, better suspension, increased horsepower,
wider track, more drive wheels and more aggressive high pressure
Hikers are the most versatile of user grioups in Kodiak
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
20 | alta planning + design
tires. ATV models now also vary by purpose with utility
based vehicles designed to carry heavy loads and reach back-
country locations. Performance models have also evolved
and can specialize in climbing steep slopes and traveling
at high-speed. With this performance evolution has come
a greater capability to cause environmental damage. The
majority of Kodiak is covered in a thin layer of volcanic
ash deposited by the 1912 eruption of Novarupta. In most
areas this material is generally 6-12 inches thick and acts
as topsoil, beneath which lies a rocky base. ATV riders on
Kodiak frequent the Jack Lakes trails, Lake Miam Trail,
Saltry Cove Road and an assortment of lesser used corridors.
Due to their contribution to erosion and effect on plant life,
trails supporting ATV use can most beneft from mainte-
nance and rehabilitation features that help the trail main-
tain its longevity, while minimizing impacts on surrounding
natural resources. The 2004 Kodiak Trails Survey noted
that 47 percent of trail enthusiasts and 30 percent of the
general public use off road vehicles.
4.2 Trail Classifcation System
For the Kodiak Island trails the United States Forest Service
Trail Classifcation System is applied as a basis. Additional
factors unique to Kodiak Island and its trail users have been
taken into account and incorporated into the recommended
classifcation system. At the most basic level, any trail on
Kodiak Island can be matched to the following:
Trail Attributes Trail Class 1
Minimal/
Undeveloped
Trail Class 2
Simple / Minor
Development
Trail Class 3
Developed / Improved
Trail Class 4
Highly Developed
Trail Class 5
Fully Developed
Sustainable
Uses
Hiking only Hiking
Of-road bicycles
Equestrians
Motorcycles
Class 3A Class 3B Class 4A Class 4B Hikers / Fitness
Bicyclists Hiking
Of-road
bicycles
Equestrians
ATVs &
Motorcycles
Hiking
Of-road
bicycles
Hiking
Of-road
bicycles
Equestrians
ATVs &
Mwotorcycles
Hiking
Of-road
bicycles
Typical Trail
Experience
Natural, unmodifed
Primitive setting
Natural, essentially
unmodifed
Primitive to Semi- primitive
Natural, may be modifed in
some areas
Semi-primitive
May be modifed
Typically roaded natural to rural
setting
Transition, rarely present in
wilderness
Can be highly modifed
Typically rural to urban
setting
Commonly associated
with transportation
related trails that can also
attract recreational /ftness
users
Not present in wilderness
Tread & Traffc
Flow
Tread intermittent &
often indistinct
May require route fnding
Native materials only
Tread discernible &
continuous, but narrow
and rough
Few or no allowances
constructed for passing
Native materials
Tread obvious & continuous
Width accommodates
unhindered one-lane travel,
occasional allowances
constructed for passing
Typically native materials
Tread wide & relatively smooth
with few irregularities
Width may consistently
accommodate two-lane travel
Native or imported materials
May be hardened
Width generally
accommodates two-lane
and two-directional travel,
or provides frequent
passing turnarounds
Commonly hardened with
asphalt or other imported
material
Obstacles Obstacles common
Narrow passages; brush,
steep grades, rocks and
logs present
Obstacles occasionally
present
Blockages cleared to defne
route and protect resources
Vegetation may encroach
into trailway
Obstacles infrequent
Vegetation cleared outside of
trailway
Few or no obstacles exist
Grades typically <12%
Vegetation cleared outside of
trailway
No obstacles
Grades typically <8%
Constructed
Features &
Trail Elements
Minimal to non-existent
Drainage is functional
No constructed bridges
or foot crossings
Structures are of limited
size, scale and number
Drainage is functional
Structures adequate to
protect trail infrastructure
and resources
Primitive foot crossings and
fords where sustainable
Trail structures (walls, steps,
drainage, raised trail) may be
common & substantial
Trail bridges as needed for
resources protection and
appropriate access
Generally native materials
Structures frequent and
substantial
Substantial trail bridges are
appropriate at water crossings
Trailside amenities may be
present
Structures frequent or
continuous; may include
curbs, handrails, trailside
amenities and boardwalks
Drainage structures
frequent; may include
culverts and road-like
designs
ATVs are a popular means of transport and recreation in Kodiak
Table 1: General Trail Criteria
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 21
Trail Class 1: Minimal/Undeveloped Trail.
Trail Class 2: Simple/Minor Development Trail.
Trail Class 3: Developed/Improved Trail.
Trail Class 4: Highly Developed Trail.
Trail Class 5: Fully Developed Trail.
4.3 Trail Inventory
Methodology and Classifcation
The consultant team conducted a feld survey of over
354 miles of existing trails within the Kodiak road
system utilizing GPS technology and a pre-defned set
of existing conditions descriptors shown. The following
section describes the data gathering in greater detail.
The consultant team used one data logger, a 2005
Trimble GeoXT owned by the Kodiak Island Borough,
and one consistent data dictionary throughout the
assessment The teams goal was to assess no less than one
mile of trail per hour including data collection and post-
processing, and to obtain position accuracy of one meter
or less. This necessarily involved reducing the accuracy
and precision requirements of what the Trimble Data
logger was capable of, and creating reasonable number of
attributes to be simultaneously tracked by one assessor
at a reasonable speed. Our minimum requirements for
the data logger were 4 satellites with a maximum of 2.0
Horizontal Dilution Of Precision (HDOP) rating.
The data received a differential GPS correction in post-
processing, which discarded outliers caused by false
echoes. After differential correction, data was cataloged
and a comprehensive GIS-compatible summary database
was created.
Trail Attributes Trail Class 1
Minimal/
Undeveloped
Trail Class 2
Simple / Minor
Development
Trail Class 3
Developed / Improved
Trail Class 4
Highly Developed
Trail Class 5
Fully Developed
Trail Signage None, to the minimum
required -Generally
limited to regulation and
resource protection
No destination signs
present
Minimum required for basic
direction
Generally limited to
regulation and resource
protection
Typically very few or no
destination signs present
Regulation, resource
protection, user reassurance
Directional signs at junctions,
or when confusion is likely
Informational and
interpretative signs may be
present
Wide variety of signs likely and
present
Informational signs likely
Interpretive signs possible
Wide variety of signage is
present
Information and
interpretive signs likely
Trail
Management
Low level use
Highly skilled users,
comfortable of trail
Users with high degree
of orienteering skill
Some travel modes &
ability levels may be
impractical or impossible
Low-to-moderate use levels
Mid-to-highly skilled users,
capable of traveling over
awkward conditions/
obstacles
Users with moderate
orienteering skill
Trail Suitable for many user
types but challenging and
involves advanced skills
Moderate to heavy use
Users with intermediate skill
level and experience
Users with minimal
orienteering skills
Moderately easy travel by
managed use types
Random potential for
accessible use
Very heavy use
Users with minimal skills and
experience
Users with minimal to no
orienteering skills
Easy/ comfortable travel by
managed use types
Maybe or has the potential to
be made accessible
Intensive use
Users with limited trail
skills and experience
Trail typically meets
agency requirements for
accessibility
Maintenance
Indicators &
Intensity
Resource protection or
safety commensurate
with targeted
recreational experience
Infrequent or no
scheduled maintenance,
usually in response
to reports of unusual
resource problems
requiring repair
Resource protection or
safety commensurate
with targeted recreational
experience
Maintenance scheduled
to preserve trail facility
& route location or in
response to reports of
unusual resource problems
User convenience
Resource protection or safety
commensurate with targeted
recreational experience
Trail cleared to make available
for use early in use season and
to preserve trail integrity
Maintenance typically in
response to trail or resource
damage or signifcant
obstacles to managed use
type and experience level
User comfort and ease
Resource protection or safety
commensurate with targeted
recreational experience
Trail cleared to make available
for use at earliest opportunity
in use season
Maintenance typically
performed at least annually
User comfort and ease
Targeted high level
of accessibility to key
recreational opportunities
Safety commensurate
with targeted recreational
experience
Maintenance performed
at least annually or as
needed to meet posted
conditions, major damage
or safety concerns
typically corrected or
posted within 24 hours of
notice
Snow removal within 24
hours of signifcant snow
accumulations (greater
than 3 inches)
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
22 | alta planning + design
Surface Type
Vegetated
Used if any part of the tread surface was actively supporting vegeta-
tion, even if only the center hump between wheel ruts. This generally
included grasses and shrubs in sunny areas and mosses in forested
areas.
Gravel
Imported gravel, usually D-1. Often described urban area trails built
and maintained for recreational purposes or old military roadbeds.
Loose Rock
Often used on rocky beaches or on high alpine slopes to charac-
terize scree felds. This was generally naturally-occurring rock, not
imported.
Bedrock (or rock)
Intact, exposed bedrock that was not fragmented into use rock from
heavy use. This condition often appeared on steep trail sections
with shallow bedrock where the existing topsoil was eroded away.
This category was often used to document conditions on ridges and
mountaintops.
Bridge
Any structure, regardless of construction style (e.g., professional or
unprofessional), which crossed a stream or chasm.
Geoblock
A porous pavement made of plastic that is often used to repair
degraded motorized trails.
Sand
Usually found on beaches. This category was also be used to charac-
terize fnely crushed rock that shares many of the same properties as
sand.
Boardwalk
Boardwalks are found on moderately improved trails class III or
higher, and used to span a wetland or marshy area. These are usually
several inches off the ground and supported by sills at regular inter-
vals of 3-6.
Stairs
These may be of natural materials such as logs or fagstone or of more
modern construction such as milled wood, concrete or galvanized
grating. Stairs were included as linear features to capture their
length.
4.3.1 Linear Features
This section describes in greater detail the cataloged features of each
trail segment
Trail Classifcation
Trail classifcation was based on the US Forest Service classifca-
tion system that is commonly used and accepted throughout the
Alaska trails community and summarized above. Trails were given
a rating of I-V based on certain characteristics including diffculty,
tread width, grade, obstacles, and the number and frequency of trail
improvements. Categories are defned in the following manner:
Class I: Minimal/undeveloped
Class II: Simple/minor developed
Class III: Moderately developed
Class IV: Developed/improved
Class V: Highly Developed.
This rubric was originally applied to trails for a number of uses,
though characteristics needed to optimize the experience of various
modes may differ. For instance, the description of Class III trail for
motorized use would differ from a Class III trail for hiking/running.
For the purposes of this one classifcation system was used for all
trail user groups, with Class III being broken down into 3a designa-
tors for motorized trails and 3b for non-motorized trails. Since any
class IV trail is generally wide enough to accommodate motorized
use, and a class II trail is too narrow for such uses, the designator is
limited to Class III only.
The trail assessment team made classifcation assignments based
on current conditions. In practice, a trails classifcation is a trail
managers tool, refecting desired trail characteristics and not actual
conditions. Therefore the actual trail classifcation may change from
the assessors assignment based on the trail management objective
written for that trail.
Complete descriptions of trail classifcations are included in
Chapter 5, Trail Management Objectives. Specifc Trail Management
Objectives for each trail accessible from the Kodiak road system will
be developed in partnership with the Kodiak Island Borough at the
semi-annual trail summit recommended in Chapter 6. Geoblock being installed near Lake Miam
Island Lake Trail boardwalk
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 23
Braiding
This attribute was recorded as a binary Yes/No feld, and indicates
whether alternate and/or parallel routes had appeared to avoid obsta-
cles, impacted soils, or steep areas. This attribute was also used to
indicate areas where recreationists have created a racetrack or terrain
park. In severe enough cases where multiple braids have dramati-
cally changed the landscape, a negative control point was also nested
into the fle labeled severely impacted area. This attribute is subject
to error in unfamiliar territory, as long segments of braided trail may
be confused with and intersection with an entirely new trail.
4.3.2 Point Features
Structures
All major structures along the trail were nested as point features into
the fle. These included signs, water bars, garbage cans, benches,
culverts, gates, restrooms, campsites, and an other category
allowing manual text entry. When possible, the actual location of the
object was obtained, even if it was only a few feet off the trail.
Signs
Signs in particular were given special attention, with the content
of the sign as well as the agency or landowner who posted it listed.
Gates were categorized as locked or open. Campsites were marked
wherever evidence could be found that a party had camped overnight,
usually identifed by a fre ring, suitable shelter, and sometimes by
litter.
Impact
Null
No visible impact.
Eroded
Used to note locations where the trail had experienced signifcant
erosion, usually caused by natural forces of wind, water, or landslide.
As a general rule, this attribute is used when the impact was perpen-
dicular to the direction of travel, or across the trail.
Incised
This notation was used when the trail was rutted by foot or wheeled
traffc to the point where deep scarring or incisions have formed (6
or more). This condition was usually found on motorized trails and
less frequently on hiking trails that also serve as big game and stock
trails. In less-impacted areas this usually involved two parallel inci-
sions, with un-impacted soil between the wheel ruts. In severe cases,
where these parallel ruts deepen, the center hump is worn down as
well. As a general rule, this attribute was used when the impact is
parallel to the direction of travel, or along the trail.
Submerged
Indicated the trail was crossing a stream or intertidal area that is not
bridged. This attribute is not to be confused with ponded.
Muddy/ponded
On natural surface trails, this indicated wet, smeary soil that cannot
support vegetation and is vulnerable to erosion. This condition also
includes standing water caused by poor percolation of impacted soil
and usually occurs in areas of negligible grade. Locations may be
adjacent to or bracketed by steep, incised trail segments channeling
surface water down the trail toward a low point. On imported gravel
surface trails, these are often large puddles formed in depressions in
the trail and are relatively benign.
Collapsed
Was used to note a uniform collapse of the trail surface and vegeta-
tive layer.
Landslide
An area where run-out from nearby landslide has blocked or
completely covered the trail. This attribute should not be confused
the Eroded notation which may mark the disappearance of the
trail downhill. Many of these occurred during the record rainfalls of
October, 2009.
Grade
Measurements of grade help a land manager to identify large areas
where erosion is likely to be a concern, and where re-routes may be
desired. Assessors either estimated or hung surveyors tape at eye-
level and shot grades with a clinometer to evaluate trail grade. For
effciency, grades were divided into four categories.
Negligible (less than 6%)
Moderate (6-15%)
Steep (16-30%)
Very Steep (>30%)
Generally, grade changes were only recorded if they span ten feet
or more except in cases of extreme change, such as steep stream
banks where erosion was a concern. This included the crests of short
hills, where a moderate climb may quickly transition to a moderate
descent. In this case, the entire segment of moderately rolling terrain
was labeled as moderate.
Very steep grade
Braided trail through a ponded area
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
24 | alta planning + design
Process Challenges
The section below describes challenges that complicated the data
gathering process and offers recommendations to partially or
completely mitigate these challenges next time a comprehensive trail
inventory is completed.
Satellite availability
Tree cover, particularly when wet, combined with constantly
changing satellite geometry made positioning very diffcult on
segments of the assessment. Densely forested areas such as Ft.
Abercrombie State Park, Near Island Termination Point and Boy
Scout lake area were particularly diffcult. Trail assessors followed
the rule of thumb that if satellite coverage was lost, wait up to fve
minutes for satellite geometry to improve, then to gradually move in
a zigzag direction down the general trail alignment in the hopes of
regaining satellite coverage. Future efforts at trails assessment may
choose to start with these areas and equip themselves with external
antennae and the most advanced receivers available.
Snow cover
The trails assessment was delayed at times because of snow cover
at high elevations. Because of above-average snowfall and a cool
summer in 2010 it took ten months from the beginning of the survey
in November 2009 to August 2010 for the highest elevation trail at
Center Mountain to become accessible.
Battery life
The Trimble GeoXT has an internal battery that lasts about 8 hours, a
separate cradle that is almost as bulky as the unit itself and requires
a 110-volt AC outlet for charging. This made charging in the feld
impossible, and prevented multi-day treks. This may be accom-
plished with smaller, more advanced data loggers that are friendlier
to feld work.
Trail conditions
Although some trails were assessed by all-terrain vehicle, the
majority of motorized trails were assessed on foot as many trails were
either too narrow for the Polaris Ranger or had impacted areas that
were impassible or too risky to negotiate without a second vehicle for
towing and/or winching. A smaller ATV with a single rider would
have been able to negotiate these trails, but simultaneously collecting
data in this way would have been impractical.
4.4 Existing Trails
Based on the 2009-2010 Trail Inventory and the methodology noted
in the previous section, more than 350 miles of trail were inventoried.
Table 2 above summarizes the miles of trail inventoried by landowner
on the Kodiak road system. Maps 1 through 9 on the following pages
visually summarize the existing road system trail conditions on
Kodiak Island as of early 2011. Maps 1, 4 and 5 provide numbering
symbology for the existing trails. Please see Tables 3 and 6 on pages
34 and 35 for the corresponding names for the numbered trails.
Control Points
A control point was noted anywhere a trail must or should go (a
positive control point) and anywhere a trail should avoid (a negative
control point). Positive control points usually involve an intersection
with another trail, trailhead or overlook. Negative control points
include graffti or dumping areas, or hazards such as abandoned
vehicles. These features are often accompanied by manual text entry
with additional comments.
4.3.3 Post Processing and Data Compilation
The trail inventory process was completed after the fnal installa-
tion of survey data was delivered by the trail assessment team. Data
installments were aggregated into a single GIS-compatible shape fle
which was double checked for completeness against a master list of
trails targeted for survey. The data was visually inspected to confrm
that attributes had been correctly matched to each trail and the
results were mapped for review and analysis by the project team.
Canopied trails such as Termination Point presented challenges for satallite reception
Table 2: 2010 Trail Inventory by Landowner
Landowner Miles of Trails by Landowner
Federal 62.64
State 71.99
Borough 50.36
City 15.02
17b Easement 20.03
Native Corporations
Koniag 4.74
Leisnoi 44.95
Ouzinkie 21.02
NOK 8.98
2004 GPS inventory near Womens Bay
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
!N
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REZANOF DRIVE
MISSION ROAD
MONASHKA BAY ROAD
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Map 1. Existing Conditions - Urban System, Trail Classifications
I
0 0.5 0.25
Miles

!
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K Voros
Date: October, 2011
A
1
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17B Reserved Easement
Road
Trails Classification
1
2
3a
3b
4
5
Land Ownership
Private or Unknown Ownership
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
0 2 1
Miles
Map 4. Existing Conditions - Road System, Trail Classifications North
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K. Voros
Date: October, 2011
64
1
5
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Q 17B Reserved Easement

!
Map 5. Existing Conditions - Road System, Trail Classifications South
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K. Voros
Date: October, 2011
9
57
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Q 17B Reserved Easement

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17B Reserved Easement
Road
Trail Classification
1
2
3a
3b
4
5
Planned Bike Path
Private Trail No Public Access
The maps in this plan refect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Land Ownership
Private, Unknown or Other
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 29
Trail Number Index
is available in Table 6
on page 35
!N
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CHINIAK HIGHWAY
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K. Voros
Date: October, 2011
Map 6. Existing Conditions - Road System, Trail Grade North
I
0 2 1
Miles
Planned Bike Path
Trail Grade
Grade Less Than 15%
Grade Over 15%
Data Not Available
Private Trail No Public Access
Q 17B Reserved Easement
!N ADFG Approved Stream Crossing
17B Reserved Easement
Road
Land Ownership
Private, Other or Unknown
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
The maps in this plan reflect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Mental
Health
Assn.
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
30 | alta planning + design
!N
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Saltery Cove
Portage Bay
Pasagshak Bay
Kalsin Bay
Middle Bay CHINIAK HIGHWAY
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K, Voros
Date: October, 2011
Map 7. Existing Conditions - Road System, Trail Grade South
I
0 2 1
Miles
Existing Trail
Grade Less Than 15%
Grade Over 15%
Data Not Available
Private Trail No Public Access
Q 17B Reserved Easement
!N ADFG Approved Stream Crossing
17B Reserved Easement
Road
Land Ownership
Private, Unknown or Other
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
The maps in this plan reflect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 31
!N
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Womens Bay
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MONASHKA BAY ROAD
MISSION ROAD
REZANOF DR
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K. Voros
Date: October, 2011
Map 8. Existing Conditions - Road System, Impacted Trails North
I
0 2 1
Miles
Planned Bike Path
Impacted Trails
Existing Trail
Existing Impacted Trail
Data Not Available
Private Trail No Public Access
Q 17B Reserved Easement
!N ADFG Approved Stream Crossing
17B Reserved Easement
Road
Land Ownership
Private, Other or Unknown
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
The maps in this plan reflect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Mental
Health
Assn.
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
32 | alta planning + design
!N
!N
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Saltery Cove
Portage Bay
Pasagshak Bay
Kalsin Bay
Middle Bay CHINIAK HIGHWAY
P
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D
Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K, Voros
Date: September, 2011
Map 9. Existing Conditions - Road System, Impacted Trails South
I
0 2 1
Miles
Impacted Trails
Existing Trail
Existing Impacted Trail
Data not available
Private Trail No Public Access
Q 17B Reserved Easement
!N ADFG Approved Stream Crossing
17B Reserved Easement
Road
Land Ownership
Private, Other or Unknown
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
The maps in this plan reflect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 33
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
34 | alta planning + design
4.5 Trail Condition Summary
4.5.1 Introduction
This trail plan is a policy document and references to urban and
road system trails may not match up exactly with similar refer-
ences in other plans and codes adopted by the Kodiak Island Borough
referencing urban, suburban and rural geographic areas. While this
document is intended to conform to other Borough plans and codes
generally, in those exceptional instances where that is not the case,
the intent of this trail plan should be followed regardless of these
potential mismatches in terminology.
4.5.2 Urban trails
Urban trails in and around Kodiak offer close-to-home opportuni-
ties for healthy exercise, transportation connections, and improved
safety over streets. Urban trails in Kodiak currently range from
primitive foot paths within forested areas to hard surface corridors
like the Rezanof Drive Bike Path, which is suitable for use by many
non-motorized uses, and to steep rocky trails leading to the summit
of Pillar Mountain. Throughout the public process urban trails were
a widely supported and requested as priorities for network expansion
in the future.
Summary of system by miles of trail
The urban trail system includes approximately 28 miles of existing
trails and sidewalks, with nearly 23 miles surveyed during the 2010
effort. As shown in Table 3 and Maps 1 and 2, most trails in the
urban area are part of a network within a larger area such as Spruce
Cape Trail system or the trails within Fort Abercrombie. These trail
systems account for most of the mileage within the urban area and
serve a dual recreation and transportation purpose. Other trails that
connect destinations to surrounding areas (e.g., the East Elementary
Path) are typically shorter and are primarily used for transportation.
Trail Types within the Urban Area
As shown in Table 4, approximately forty percent of the urban trail
system is comprised of class 3a facilities. These soft surface trails
will generally accommodate most user types, though they may be
impacted by higher use in winter weather months when many other
trail options are unavailable, which can lead to substantial wear in
the trail tread as well as braiding where users detour around wet,
muddy patches. These trails provide a hiking and semi-primitive
experience near homes and other urban destinations.
Many trails within the urban trail system offer several types of expe-
riences. For example the Island Lake Creek Trail is paved in some
locations while in other locations the tread is natural and essentially
unmodifed.
Primary Impacts Observed in Urban Area
As shown in Table 5 and Map 3, some sort of trail impact or mainte-
nance need was observed on approximately 25 percent of the urban
trail system surveyed in 2010. These observed trail impacts indicated
a different level of severity. For example, encroaching vegetation
next to a trail simply requires brush removal while a submerged trail
may require modifcation to drainage or complete reconstruction. A
typical factor that contributes to impacted segments is the facilitys
grade. By acting as a convenient channel for run-off, the trail can
become muddy, eroded, or submerged. Map 2 provides an overview of
steep trail segments in the urban area.
Opportunities and Constraints
During the feld survey a number of opportunities and constraints
were cataloged. In the urban area opportunities include picnic sites,
overlook platforms, formalized road crossings, fence, gates, existing
parking locations and intersections with other trails. These posi-
tive trail features have been considered as potential destinations and
opportunities in developing project recommendations (see Chapter
6). Negative points that were cataloged include trail segments that
are most signifcantly impacted and locations with litter, or other
types of damage. These locations also have been considered in
develop short and long term project prioritization.
Table 3: Summary of Existing Urban Trails
ID # Trail Name Classifcation Length
2 Boatyard Path 3b 0.16
3 Chichenof Trace and ROW 1, 4 1.68
4 North Star Elementary Path 4 0.10
5 Eli Waselie Trail 4 0.22
6 Fort Abercrombie S.P. Trails 2, 3a, 3b 7.03
7 Island Lake Creek Trail 2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5 1.62
8 North End Park 2, 3a, 3b 1.71
9 Perenosa Trail 1, 2 0.48
10 Rezanof Bike Path 5 2.48
11 Russian Ridge Trails 2, 3a, 3b 10.06
1 & 12 Spruce Cape Trails 1,3a, 3b, 4 2.36
68 South End Park 2 1.20
Table 4: Trail Classifcation by Facility Length
Trail Classifcation Length (Miles) Percent of Total
1 1.9 7%
2 2.3 8%
3a 11.8 42%
3b 7.0 25%
4 0.3 1%
4b 2.4 9%
5 2.5 9%
The Rezanof bike path is an urban trail
Table 5: Observed Impact of Urban Trail
Observed Impact Length Percent of Total
None 16.90 73%
Encroach Vegetation 0.07 0%
Eroded Trail 2.47 11%
Incised Trail 1.78 8%
Muddy/puddled Trail 1.78 8%
Submerged Trail 0.15 1%
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 35
4.5.3 Road system trails
The road system trails serve as primary transportation network
for visitors and residents of Kodiak Island. The road system trails
augment the existing roadway network by connecting sparsely
settled areas to the paved roadway network and providing access to
large swaths of public land. The road system trails provide a diverse
set of experiences, ranging from the primitive conditions at Sequel
Point to the heavy use of Saltery Cove Road. Like the urban trails
system, many of these trails and trail networks serve both a trans-
portation and recreation function, though user types tend to be more
diverse and cater to a larger variety of modes including ATVs and
equestrians.
Summary of system by miles of trail
The road system trails, which is exclusive of the urban trails system,
is comprised of approximately 368 miles and 82 trails or trail systems,
shown on Maps 4 and 5 and in Table 6. Approximately 330 miles were
surveyed during the 2010 survey effort. The system is comprised of
both short trails providing access to viewpoints and other attrac-
tions and long trails that provide access to more distant and inacces-
sible locations. The longest facility in the system, Saltery Cove Road,
provides access for all types of users, including ATVs, to more remote
portions of Kodiak, while shorter trails such as the Black Canyon
Creek Trail and the Mayfower Beach Trails provide access to the
shoreline and viewpoints.
The Cape Chiniak bunkers are accessed fromthe road system
Table 6: Road System Trails
ID # Trail Name Classifcation
Length
(Miles)
1 Anton Larsen Bay to Three Pillar Point Trail 3a 3.97
2 Anton Larson Pass Loop 3a 0.28
3 Barometer Mountain 2 and 3a 1.96
4 Barry/Sacramento Trail 2 and 3a 0.61
5 Bells Flats Trails 3a and 4 1.10
6 Black Canyon Creek Trail 3a 0.41
7 Boyscout Lake Trails 1 thru 4 6.74
8 Burma Road/Burton Blvd 3a 6.77
9 Burton Ranch Trails 2 to 3b, 5 7.62
10 Buskin Beach Trails 1 thru 2, 3b 1.11
11 Buskin Lake Trails 1 thru 3a 11.29
12 Buskin Valley Trails 3a-b 4.36
13 Cape Chiniak Trails 3a and 4 8.97
14 Caroline Lake Trail 3a 0.32
15 Cascade Lake Trail 2 3.42
16 Center Mountain Trail 1 and 3a 8.95
17 Cliff Point Trails 3a thru 4a 15.61
18 Coplee Ranch Trails 4a 2.91
19 Cross Fox Lake Trail 1 1.30
20 Deadman Creek Trail 1 2.21
21 Frank Creek Trails 4a 1.37
22 Heitman Mountain to Raymond Peak 1 thru 2 4.80
23 Hidden Lakes Trail 4 0.33
24 Jacks Lakes Trails 2 and 3a 15.01
25 Kalsin Bay to Summit Lake Trails 3a 11.41
26 Kalsin Beach Trails 4 3.17
27 Kashevarof Mountain Trail 3a 3.54
28 Lake Miam New Trail 3a 10.89
29 Lefty Lake Trail 3a 3.28
30 Long Island 2 and 3a 6.65
31 Mayower Beach Trails 4a 0.46
32 Middle Bay Trails 3a-b and 4 2.08
33 Mike Milligans Trail 1 3.84
34 Monashka Bay Viewpoint Trail 3a 0.35
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
36 | alta planning + design
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
ID # Trail Name Classifcation
Length
(Miles)
35 Monashka Mountain Loop 1 thru 3b 6.78
37 Monashka Range Trail 3a 0.77
38 Myrtle Creek Trails 4a 1.06
39 Narrow Cape Loop 2 and 4-4a 4.60
40 Near Island South End 2 0.55
41 North Sister 1 thru 3a 0.82
42 North Sister North Side 1 0.36
43 Old Woman Mountain 3a-b 4.66
44 Pasagshak Bay to Portage Bay Trail 3a 11.44
45 Pasagshak Pass Trail 2 0.50
46 Pasagshak Point Trail 3a 3.37
47 Pillar Creek Bench Trail 3a-b 1.91
48 Pillar Mountain Ridge Trail 1 and 3a 2.82
49 Powerline Loop 3a 0.85
50 Pyramid Mountain 1 thru 3a 2.82
51 Pyramid Mountain South 1 and 3a 1.20
52 Roslyn Creek Trail 1 and 3a 1.25
53 Rotary Park Trails 3b and 5 0.51
54 Russian Ridge Trails 3a 2.48
55 Sacramento River Trail 3a 6.26
56 Salonie Creek Trail 1, 3a, 5 8.75
57 Saltery Cove Road 4 thru 4a 18.29
58 Saltery Cove to Lake Miam Trails 3a 8.12
59 Saltery Cove Trails 3a and 4 1.17
60 Saltery Lake Trails 3a and 4-4a 7.02
61 Saltery to Lake Miam Trails 3a 5.34
62 Sargent Creek to Ski Chalet Trail 1 and 3a-b 8.89
63 Sequel Point Trail 3, 3a, 4, 4a 9.19
64 Sharatin Mountain Trail 1 and 2 3.74
65 Signal Hill Trails 3a 3.51
66 Ski Chalet Bowls 3a 5.68
67 Small Creek Trail 3a 0.29
69 Surfers Beach 3a 1.73
70 Swampy Acres 3a and 4a 0.18
71 Swampy Acres to Pillar Mountain Trail 3a 1.84
ID # Trail Name Classifcation
Length
(Miles)
72 Swampy Acres Trails 1, 3a, 4a 11.74
73 Termination Point ATV Route 2 0.25
74 Termination Point Inland Trail 3a 0.68
75 Termination Point Loop 2 thru 3b 4.15
76 Three Pillar Point Trail 3a 0.38
77 Two Bear Cove Trail 2, 3a 4.37
78 Wild Creek Trail 1 and 3a 8.71
79 Womens Bay Trails 2, 3a, 5 7.93
80 Woody Island 1 thru 3b 6.98
81 Zentner Creek Spur 3a 1.77
Table 7 summarizes trails within the system by classifcation. Type
Table 6: Road System Trails (continued)
3a trails account for about 60 percent of system miles, followed by Class 4 facilities (13.8 percent),
which are more developed and accessible by most user types and which generally exist at the
transition of natural to rural settings. Class 1 and 2 trails make up a combined 17.5% of trails in the
inventory.
Primary Impacts observed in road system trails
Table 8 summarizes the impacts commonly seen on the road system trails, shown on Maps 8 and 9.
Similar to the distribution of conditions observed on urban trails, impacts were observed on approx-
imately 23 percent of the road trail system surveyed in 2010. The most common impacts are incised
trails and stretches of muddy/puddled trail. These impacts were observed throughout the system
and do not appear to be associated with either a geographic pattern or a facility type. These impacts
are more likely associated with trail use, surface material and topography. Maps 6 and 7 show steep
trail segments in the road system trail network.
Table 7: Trail Mileage by Classifcation
Classifcation
Length
(Miles) Percent
1 32.4 8.8%
2 32.0 8.7%
3 0.9 0.2%
3a 217.2 59.0%
3b 20.6 5.6%
4 7.0 1.9%
4a 50.7 13.8%
5 7.0 2.0%
Table 8: Observed Impact on Road System Trails
Observed Impact Length Percent of Total
None 241.55 78%
Collapsed 0.04 0%
Encroach Vegetation 2.69 1%
Eroded 3.37 1%
Incised 39.12 13%
Landslide 0.17 0%
Muddy 0.53 0%
Muddy/puddled 18.69 6%
Other 0.09 0%
Submerged 3.33 1%
Note: Impacted trail information is only available for 2010 trail survey data
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 37
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
Summary of Opportunities and Constraints
Positive and negative points were cataloged for the road system trail
network. Noted opportunities include views of streams and rivers,
trail and roadway intersections, waterfalls, natural bridges, ponds,
recreation opportunities and access to wildfowers. Neutral points
included spur trails that could provide access to new locations, or
unsustainable demand trails where closure should be considered.
Negative points included litter, portions of trail that have been most
signifcantly impacted, abandoned vehicles, and potential hazards
such as barbed wire. Both positive and negative points are a critical
resource used to develop a list of recommended trail improvements
and maintenance projects in Chapter 6.
4.5.4 Winter Trail Use
During the winter months the conditions in Kodiak change dramati-
cally from the summer. Daylight is in short supply and variable and
dynamic weather patterns bring snow to the mountain peaks and
alternating snow and melt to the coastal elevations. Not surprisingly,
Kodiak residents adjust their recreational habits and take full advan-
tage of the different activities that the winter season affords. Skiing
(downhill and cross-country), snowshoeing, and showmachining are
popular winter activities. Because of the freedom of movement that
snow provides, recreational routes are harder to defne as they are not
bound by the tread of the trail as with conventional trails.
The project team met with winter stakeholder groups in February
2010 to determine the existing locations of winter trail use (please
see Appendix A for a full summary). Most notable from the winter
stakeholder interviews and public workshop is the current state
of cooperation between winter users at Pyramid Mountain. Skiers
mostly use the terrain to the east of Anton Larsen Road while
snowmachiners generally use the terrain to the west. Based on the
winter stakeholder and public interviews existing winter trail use is
summarized in Map 10.
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author:
Date: November 2009
Map 10. Existing Winter Recreational Use
0 4 2
Miles
Legend
Land Ownership
Private or Unknown Ownership
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
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Snow Machine Route
The Pyramid Mountain Ski Chalet is a popular destination
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
38 | alta planning + design
Chapter 4 - Existing Trail Conditions
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Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 39
Chapter 5 - Trail Management Objectives
5. Trail Management
Objectives
Trail Management Objectives (TMOs) help defne how an individual
trail functions, its level of development, its intended user groups,
maintenance, and the range of experiences it provides. The overall
goal of the TMOs is to provide a framework that can eventually
be applied to existing and future trails accessible from the Kodiak
Island road system. By matching these TMOs to Kodiaks existing
and future trails a range of trail experiences that cater to all trail
user groups can be provided. Over time, the Kodiak Island Borough
Parks & Recreation Committee should identify specifc TMOs for
popular trails accessible from the Kodiak road system. As noted in
Chapter 6, some of the recommended projects may vary in complexity
and cost according to the standard to which the trail is developed or
maintained.
As an output to the TMO process, the physical characteristics of a
trail and its intended experience must be tied to the trail classifca-
tion system and maintenance standards introduced in Chapter 4. To
summarize, the trail classifcations are as follows:
Trail Class 1: Minimal/Undeveloped Trail.
Trail Class 2: Simple/Minor Development Trail.
Trail Class 3: Developed/Improved Trail.
3A: Suitable for Equestrians, ATVs and Motorcycles
3B: Hiking and Bicycling only
Trail Class 4: Highly Developed Trail.
4A: Suitable for Equestrians, ATVs and Motorcycles
4B: Hiking and Bicycling only
Trail Class 5: Fully Developed Trail.
Table 1: General Trail Criteria in chapter 4 summarizes Kodiak trail
classifcations and characteristics.
5.1 Trail Purpose
Perhaps one of the most important pieces of information to consider
when defning a TMO for a particular trail is the nature of its
intended use. A trail that provides access to public lands via a 17b
easement will have a much different user group than a paved trail
in Kodiak that links schools to neighborhoods. A trails intended
purpose can also provide insight into what user groups use the trail.
Trails can have multiple purposes that provide a variety of functions
and benefts to the community. Examples of trail purpose categories
can include the following:
Access to Public Lands
Access to Fishing
Access to Hunting
Recreational/Camping/Cabin Access
Scenic/Historical
Fitness
Transportation (between communities, schools, parks)
5.1.1 Trail Activities
Once the purpose of a trail is determined, the activities that may suit
the trails purpose can be identifed. As the chart below illustrates,
Kodiak Island has a diverse and active population that partakes
heavily in a variety of activities that each have their own needs and
constraints.
Each of the above trail activities should be considered when estab-
lishing the TMOs for existing and future trails. Allowed uses for
trails must not be determined solely based on desired activities, but
with consideration of additional factors as discussed below:
5.1.2 Location Appropriateness
Each desired or traditional activity for a particular trail should be
considered, but all trail activities may not always be appropriate for
all trails. For example, trails close to urban areas that experience
heavy recreational and ftness activities may not be compatible with
motorized use. Similarly, some trails with steep gradients on poor
soils will not hold up well to equestrian, bicycle, or ATV use without
extensive modifcations. Such trails should be managed in certain
cases based on the desired trail experience or purpose, as well as the
activities that can sustainably use the trail.
5.1.3 Other Factors
Because of the unique demands and requirements that each activity
places on a trail, each trail should be designed, or reconfgured to
be sustainable to that activity. For example, a trail that is intended
for equestrian use should have vegetation cleared for greater height
clearance than one designated just for hiking. Similarly, a trail that
experiences frequent use by ATVs should have grades, switchbacks,
trail hardening, and a trail tread that supports such use over the long
term.
Percent of trail users reporting participation in specifc trail activities.
Source: Kodiak Island road-accessible trails: A survey of residents and trail enthusiasts,
Whitaker, 2004 This geoblock installation has rendered this trail more sustainable for ATVtraffc
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
40 | alta planning + design
Chapter 5 - Trail Management Objectives
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Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 41
6. Recommendations
This chapter outlines proposed new trails, and trail maintenance/
rehabilitation projects identifed throughout the trails planning
process. The projects identifed in this chapter are a culmination
of public feedback through the frst public workshop and multiple
Kodiak Island Borough Parks & Recreation Committee meetings,
feld work conducted during the trail condition inventory, and
consultation with project stakeholders. Planning level cost estimates
are provided for each recommendation in Appendix F. Planning
level cost estimates are not exact estimates, however they should be
suffcient to guide the Borough in making decisions and pursuing
external funding sources for project development. All cost estimates
presented involve design and construction by professionals. If volun-
teer labor, or donated materials are utilized associated project costs
will decline substantially. More detailed cost estimates should be
calculated with individual project development.
6.1 New Trail Connections
6.1.1 Trail Selection Criteria
The development of the proposed system of trail routes took into
account the Plans Project Vision, Goals & Objectives. In particular,
the purpose of the Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan is to
ensure continue access and maximum use of trails by all citizens. In
particular, goals of the project that were considered during develop-
ment of the proposed trails system map include:
Trail Sustainability
Trails should be free from permanent damage so future residents
can enjoy the same or an improved quality of experience compared
to residents today. Specifc objectives include improving portions of
existing trails with severe erosion or trail braiding; preventing trail
degradation resulting from inappropriate trail use; installing design
stream crossings to protect anadromous creeks and streams; and
decommissioning trails that are no longer in use.
Respect Private Property
The proposed trails system should balance access to key destina-
tions and public lands with the rights of private property owners,
including native corporations. In general, the impact of existing and
proposed trails should not adversely affect private property owners.
Connectivity
The network of recreational trails should be preserved and expanded.
The trails should be suitable for all varieties of trail users including:
hikers, skiers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and All Terrain Vehicle
(ATV) users. The proposed system provides connections between
urban areas and nearby destinations. Further, an urban network of
improvements will help connect pedestrians and bicycles in residen-
tial areas to activity centers such as schools and commercial areas.
Pedestrian and bicycle route conditions should be improved along
arterial roads within the Borough. Missing links were identifed and
specifc projects have been recommended to close these gaps in an
effort to create a connective trail network.
Trail Confict Management
Conficts between different trail user groups can be partially
managed through upgrades to the existing trail network. Suffcient
trail opportunities for all user groups should be developed so groups
do not rely on trails ill-suited for their use.
6.2 Urban Trails
This section describes the proposed urban trails recommended in
and around the City of Kodiak. The proposed system was developed
based on the public outreach efforts and feld observation. These
recommendations include a comprehensive and diverse set of urban
multi-use trail and sidewalk facilities connecting to key destinations
in and around Kodiaks urban area. System improvements are aimed
at closing network gaps and upgrading existing trails to a higher-
level classifcation, as described in Chapter 5 - Trail Management
Objectives. All of these recommendations are aimed at creating a
system that is both fscally and environmentally sustainable, while
meeting the needs of users.
The following criteria and design parameters were used in developing
the proposed system of urban trails and the priority list of urban
trails projects.
6.2.1 Urban Trails
As shown in Table 9, this Plan proposes approximately 15 miles trail
improvements and upgrades in the urban area. The recommended
network of urban trails connects residential areas to nearby destina-
tions. Pedestrians and bicyclists will use the network to connect to
schools, the library, and commercial areas.
The majority of new facilities and proposed upgrades are on public
land, or within the existing right-of-way as shown on Map 11. Notable
exceptions (proposed facilities longer than 1,000 feet) include:
A system of Class 3b and 5 trails that provide access to Spruce
Cape.
A portion of the proposed pathway under Alimaq Drive.
Project details are included in Table 10; nearly 9 miles of recommen-
dations represent new projects, while approximately fve miles repre-
sent trail upgrades. These trail upgrades are proposed mainly within
the Russian Ridge Forest, in order to improve connectivity between
the City of Kodiak and Monashka Bay (Map 12). Proposed projects
range in complexity and scale from small projects such as the Von
Scheele safety upgrades to the half mile long proposed North Star
Elementary connection along Antone Way. Several projects cross land
in private ownership and may require coordination with affected
landowners to develop and plan for project completion. Some projects
are fairly straightforward and may require smaller planning efforts
(e.g., the sidewalk rehabilitation along Powell Avenue while several
projects may require additional study prior to implementation (e.g.,
portions of the Russian Ridge Trail System). Strategies for project and
plan implementation can be found in Chapter 7.
Table 9: Proposed Facilities by Type
Trail Class Length (Mi.)
Class 3a trail 0.43
Class 3b trail 1.83
Class 4 or 5 trail 1.40
Class 4 trail 6.01
Class 5 trail 4.00
Sidewalk 1.25
Grand Total 14.92
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
42 | alta planning + design
Table 10: Project Improvement Details
Street From To
Length
(Feet) Class Ownership Comment
New Sidewalk
Library Access Rezanof Dr Egan Way 1,170 Sidewalk Public
Access to proposed library
from Rezanof
Mission Kashevaroff Ave Erskine Ave 284 Sidewalk Public
Need pedestrian access to
Senior Center
Selief Ln City limits Von Scheele 6,464 Sidewalk Public
Signicant east-west route
through Kodiak
New Trail
Antone Rezanof Dr Lilly Dr 2,627 4 Public
Connection to North Star
Elementary
Benny Benson Rezanof Dr
Spruce Cape
Rd 390 5 Public
Spruce Cape Road to
Rezanof
KANA Connector Rezanof Dr
Benny
Benson 1,485 4/5 Public Civic amenity connector
KANA Connector Rezanof Dr
Benny
Benson 1,859 4/5 Public Civic amenity connector
Mallard Otmeloi Way Antone Way 24 4 Public
Connection to North Star
Elementary
Mallard Otmeloi Way Antone Way 1,346 4 Public
Connection to North Star
Elementary
Marine Tagura Rd
Mission
Beach 30 5 Private
Need ped trail along
Mission to Mission Beach
Mission Rd Tagura Rd
Mission
Beach 5,850 5 Public
need ped trail along
Mission to Mission Beach
Mission Road
Connector Coastal Footpath Mission Rd 117 3b Private
Connection between
Coastal Footpath and
Mission Rd
Mission Road
Connector Coastal Footpath Mission Rd 89 3b Native
Connection between
Coastal Footpath and
Mission Rd
Mission Road
Connector Coastal Footpath Mission Rd 198 3b Public
Connection between
Coastal Footpath and
Mission Rd
Monashka Bay Otmeloi Way Abercrombie 3,480 5 Public add bike lanes
Rezanof Dr
Connector Rezanof Dr Boatyard Path 130 3b Public
Connection between
Rezanof Drive and
Boatyard Path
Rezanof Dr
Connector Rezanof Dr Boatyard Path 127 3b Native
Connection between
Rezanof Drive and
Boatyard Path
Rezanof Dr
Connector Rezanof Dr Boatyard Path 1,813 3b Public
Connection between
Rezanof Drive and
Boatyard Path
Street From To
Length
(Feet) Class Ownership Comment
Russian Ridge
Connector
Monashka Bay
Rd
Russian Ridge
Connector 157 4 Private
Alignment needs to be
conrmed
Russian Ridge
Connector
Monashka Bay
Rd
Russian Ridge
Connector 8,901 4 Public
Alignment needs to be
conrmed
Russian Ridge
Connector
Monashka Bay
Rd
Russian Ridge
Connector 36 4 Public
Alignment needs to be
conrmed
Selief Connector Selief Ct
Larch St
cul-de-sac 366 4 Private
Alignment needs to be
conrmed
Spruce Cape Benny Benson Mill Bay Rd 8,366 5 Public Path along roadway
Spruce Cape
Trails Benny Benson Mill Bay Rd 2,719 5 Native Path along roadway
Spruce Cape
Trails Spruce Cape Rd Woodland Dr 2,564 3b Native Natives need access
Spruce Cape
Trails Spruce Cape Rd Woodland Dr 321 3b Private Provides connectivity
Spruce Cape
Trails Spruce Cape Rd Woodland Dr 4,349 3b Native Provides connectivity
Spruce Cape
Trails Spruce Cape Rd Woodland Dr 12 3b Public Provides connectivity
Under Island
Bridge Mission Rd Marine Way 79 4 Public
Trail b/w Mission and
Marine/Tagura
Under Island
Bridge Mission Rd Marine Way 132 4 Native
Trail b/w Mission and
Marine/Tagura
Under Island
Bridge Mission Rd Marine Way 136 4 Public
Trail b/w Mission and
Marine/Tagura
Von Scheele Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake
LP 287 5 Public Safe way
Upgrade Existing Sidewalk
Powell Mill Bay Rd Rezanof Dr 964 Sidewalk Public
Rehab sidewalks near MS
and HS
Upgrade Existing Trail
Dog Salmon Bay Rotary Bay Park
South End
Park 1,928 4 Public
Swampy trail needs
boardwalks
Russian Ridge
Trail
Russian Ridge
Trails Hillside Dr 4,085 4/5 Public
Part of Russian Ridge trail
system
Russian Ridge
Trails
Monashka Bay
Rd
Monashka-
Pillar Mtn 2,272 3a Public Repair ATV damage
Russian Ridge
Trails
Monashka Bay
Rd
Monashka-
Pillar Mtn 16 3a Public Repair ATV damage
Russian Ridge
Trails
Monashka Bay
Rd
Pillar
Mountain 8,204 4 Public
Monashka Road to town;
improve existing trails
Russian Ridge
Trails
Monashka Bay
Rd
Pillar
Mountain 9 4 Public
Monashka Road to town;
improve existing trails
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 43
Street From To
Length
(Feet) Class Ownership Comment
Russian Ridge
Trails
Monashka-Pillar
Mtn Lakeview 1,774 4 Public
Monashka Road to town;
improve existing trails
Russian Ridge
Trails
Monashka-Pillar
Mtn Lakeview 91 4 Public
Monashka Road to town;
improve existing trails
Russian Ridge
Trails
Monashka-Pillar
Mtn Beaver Lake 2,325 4 Public
Monashka Road to town;
improve existing trails
Russian Ridge
Trails
Russian Ridge
Trails
Beaver Loop
Ln 2,250 4 Public
Part of Russian Ridge trail
system
Russian Ridge
Trails
Russian Ridge
Trails
Beaver Loop
Ln 7 4 Public
Part of Russian Ridge trail
system
Russian Ridge
Trails
Russian Ridge
Trails
Beaver Loop
Ln 1,275 4 Public
Part of Russian Ridge trail
system
6.3 Road system trails
As mentioned in Chapter 2, many of the road system trails within
the Kodiak area have served the transportation and recreation need
of area residents for thousands of years. As a result, the Kodiak Island
Borough already has a robust network of trails that serve a variety
of purposes and the need for new trails is relatively minimal in
comparison to many other areas without such systems. This observa-
tion is supported by the recommendations received during the public
involvement process, which focused primarily on maintenance and
user conficts.
Despite the preexisting trail network system, there are several loca-
tions where new trails could beneft and enhance the existing system.
Circumstances that may have precluded development of these trails
in the past include land ownership issues, a lack of necessary ease-
ments, lack of available resources, and/or changes in user needs and
trends.
6.3.1 New Trail Recommendations
Many of the existing Kodiak Road System trails have been developed
over an extended period of time, with a large portion dating to the
1940s and before. Community trail needs seem to be largely met by
the existing road system trail network with a few notable exceptions.
The bulk of community comments received during the planning
process regarding the road system trails dealt with trail access, main-
tenance and rehabilitation issues. These issues are addressed through
the following recommendations.
6.3.2 17b Easements
Within the Kodiak Island Borough and in other parts of Alaska, the
Bureau of Land Management has established 17b easements across
land owned by native corporations as part of the Alaska Native
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) (PL 92-203 - 85 Stat. 688). These
easements allow people to use the easements for travel or short-
term camping (depending on the type of easement). No permit is
required to use a 17b easement but there are restrictions on the use
of such easements, depending on the type and width of the ease-
ment. Several of the existing 17b easements accessible from the
Kodiak road system are listed as proposed trails with no visible trail
development. Others are listed as existing trail even though the feld
inventory found either no such trail, or a trail in a nearby location.
The BLM which manages these easements has provided the following
information about them:
All 17b easements recorded in the Kodiak Island Borough Public
Access Atlas convey a public right to access.
17b easements were defned before GPS was available and may
not accurately describe the location of the existing trail. If a
nearby inventoried trail (within the same section of land) is
present, the empty 17b easement may be describing this trail.
If a 17b easement does not correspond to an existing trail or a
nearby trail, one may be established. BLM would prefer to visit
the location and mark the trail corridor before establishing the
Table 10: Project Improvement Detail (continued)
fnal trail. Trails should follow sustainable alignments.
If a 17b easement is desired to be relocated to better serve the
public, a dedication and relinquishment process can be initi-
ated with BLM. The applicant should work with the applicable
native corporation (whose land the easement crosses) and BLM.
New 17b easements can be established with letter from Native
Corporation requesting dedication and relinquishment. This
process may involve a public meeting. BLM would prefer to visit
the location and mark the trail corridor before establishing the
fnal trail. Trails should follow sustainable alignments.
The above information suggests that the Kodiak Island Borough,
Native Corporations and BLM must work together closely to either
establish new, relocate existing, or to provide a new trail within an
existing 17b easement. Early and persistent communication should be
attempted with Native Corporations where these types of actions are
recommended. Table 11 summarizes recommendations for existing
17b easements accessible from the Kodiak Road System.
Saltery Cove Road is a 17b easement through native corporation land
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
44 | alta planning + design
6.3.3 Proposed Bicycle Path
Strong public support was shown during the trails planning process
for the development of an 8 to 10 foot wide paved (class 5) bicycle
path paralleling Rezanof Drive and Monashka Bay Road. This project
will serve many purposes including providing a separated trail
facility connecting the City of Kodiak and the community of Womens
Bay with the US Coast Guard Base, Boy Scout and Buskin River
Recreation areas, and White Sands Beach. The project is envisioned
to be split into three phases and total approximately 19.4 miles when
fully developed.
Phase 1A: Pier 2 in Kodiak to Deadmans Curve (1.3 miles)
Phase 1B: Deadmans Curve to USCG Main gate (6.0 miles)
Phase 2: USCG Main Gate to Panamarof Creek (4.7 miles)
Phase 3: Otmeloi Road to White Sands Beach (7.4 miles)
Phase 1A of the project (that within the Kodiak city limit) has been
integrated into the 2010 City of Kodiak Capital Improvement Project
list and Phase 1B within Kodiak Island Borough was also included in
the 2010 Borough CIP list to extend the trail to the USCG main gate.
Phase 1A may be under development at the time of this Plans adop-
tion. The entire 7.3 mile Phase 1 is also rated high with the Alaska
State Transportation Improvement Project list and is gaining support
at the state administrative and legislative levels of government.
6.3.4 Other Road System Trails
In addition to the bicycle path project and 17b related projects several
trail corridors were noted during the stakeholder and public outreach
that may warrant future development. Table 12 summarizes these
recommendations.
6.3.5 Trail Rehabilitation & Area Improvements
As described in Chapter 3, approximately 23 percent of the road
system trails are presently heavily impacted in one way or another.
That represents approximately 68 miles of trail that could be in need
of some level of rehabilitation. Recent history has proven that a large
amount of environmental change can occur in a short amount of
time as evidenced between the 2004 and 2009-2010 trail condition
inventory efforts. Table 13 contains a list of 11 trail rehabilitation/
maintenance projects that are likely to have the greatest impact to
the road system trails and to the residents of Kodiak. These projects
address the most popular and sensitive trails on the road system.
The Kodiak Island Borough can act as a partner to help secure grant
funding, acquire or trade lands with Native Corporations for public
trail access, and/or procure trail construction equipment that can be
utilized by the full spectrum of trail user groups to assist with main-
tenance of the road system trails. To do this, the Borough will need to
consult and partner with multiple entities to help achieve many of the
recommended improvements. For specifc implementation strategies
related to these efforts, please see Chapter 7. Table 13 summarizes
impacts for the recommended trail rehabilitation and area improve-
ments. A description of each area and some recommended actions
follows.
Table 11: 17b Easement Recommendations
ID# From To Length Easement type Ownership Recommendation
EIN 31 Neva Cove
North edge of
KIB Lands 20,500 25 foot trail Ouzinkie
Trail surveyors could not locate this trail. Public comment
during the planning process indicates a desire to see this trail
developed. Borough should work with BLM and Ouzinkie Native
Corporation (Ouzinkie) to develop trail.
EIN 108
Chiniak Road
at Isthmus Bay
South to State
Land 17,000 25 foot trail Leisnoi
Noted as existing and proposed by the BLM, though the trail
could not be located. A nearby trail to the north that does not
reach state land is a possible candidate. Public support for
this connection was strong during the planning process. The
Borough should work with BLM and Leisnoi Native Corporation
(Leisnoi) to develop the trail.
EIN 48a
Pasagshak
Point Road
State Land
at top of
Sacramento
River Valley 6,000 25 foot trail Leisnoi
Noted as existing by the BLM but could not be identied during
the eld inventory. This easement was not commented on by
the public during the planning process, but may still provide
utility. The Borough should further explore interest for developing
as a trail and coordinate with Leisnoi as needed.
EIN 106
Saltery Cove
Road
State land to
the north 6,000 25 foot trail Leisnoi
Noted as proposed trail by the BLM. This easement was not
commented on by the public during the planning process, but
may still provide utility. The Borough should further explore
interest for developing as a trail and coordinate with Leisnoi as
needed.
Table 12: Proposed Road System Trails
Trail From To Length (Feet) Class Ownership Comment
Broad Point Trails Chiniak Hwy Broad Point Unk 3b Leisnoi
High number of public comments requesting
trails
Sacramento Trail Narrow Cape Sequel Point 16,000 3a State
Project will formalize trail along the coast
over the Sacramento River. Trail will have
environmental challenges, but will focus use
in one location and prevent wider damage.
North Kalsin Bay Trail
Chiniak Hwy (from
existing inventoried
trail)
Summit of
mountain 10,000 3b Leisnoi
Public interest in seeing this trail developed. A
small portion of it currently exists
This trail requires improved drainage and trail hardening to be sustainable
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 45
area supported motorized use for many years prior to closure by the
Leisnoi Native Corporation. Its unique location on a peninsula and
away from anadromous streams makes it a desirable location for a
trail system managed exclusively for motorized use.
Recommended Actions:
Borough should facilitate discussions with the Coast Guard
and Leisnoi to establish a designated motorized recreation
area. Easements, purchase of land, or other strategies may be
employed.
Make the following minimal improvements if motorized use is
to be allowed:
A designated loading/parking area.
Trailhead signage or kiosk explaining permitted uses.
Construction of any necessary bridges or other
improvements.
Relocate trails away from archeological sites.
Burma Road Trail:
This trail is an old Military road that connects the Buskin River
Valley trails to Old Woman Mountain and the Womens Bay
Community . The Trail runs through land owned by the Borough,
Leisnoi and the US Coast Guard. It saw extensive damage in the 2009
rains. Like Saltery Cove Road, this trail has a wide and sturdy enough
tread surface to support heavy equipment.
Recommended Actions:
Coordinate a large scale volunteer effort to perform much
needed spot improvements and repairs. This effort (organized
or coordinated by the Borough) could encompass multiple user
groups.
Consider re-grading with a bulldozer to address general
ponding and grade issues along its length.
Coordinate efforts with the Coast Guard Base.
Cliff Point:
This trail network encompasses an extensive system of trails
bridging Coast Guard and Leisnoi lands. ATVs are prohibited on
Leisnoi land. The main routes of this trail system are WWII era roads
that have narrowed over time to be suitable for Class 3a trails. This
Jack Lakes Area:
Used primarily by Womens Bay residents, this trail system is also
critical to recreational needs of the community. There is currently
extensive damage to this trail system. This trail system lies mostly
on Borough land and as such is not eligible for the same Natural
Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) funding that has been
applied to the Summit Lake and Anton-Sharatin easement trails.
Recommended Actions:
Borough Revisit the Womens Bay comprehensive plan
(2007/2008) to clarify the community intent for management of
these trails.
Fund trail hardening activities / rerouting in impacted areas (6.1
miles or approximately 38 percent of the total trail length).
Limit trail improvements to previously impacted areas.
Lake Miam/Summit Lakes Area:
This is one of the most heavily impacted trail systems in the Kodiak
road system. The trails are more diffcult, and attract many more
sport ATV riders than other trails such as Saltery Cove Road.
Although the entire 17b easement segment (Leisnoi owned segment)
is scheduled to be hardened by geoblock by 2011, this also will
likely succeed in attracting more traffc to the public lands beyond
the 17-b easementthose lands between Summit Lake, Lake Miam
and Portage Bay. Previous efforts by the Kodiak Soil and Water
Conservation District (KSWCD) to improve the trail between
Summit Lake and Lake Miam have been successful (with several
Table 13: Trail Impacts by Area Improvement Location (miles)
Area Name:
E
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Burma Road Trail: 0.1 0.78 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.02 4.3 5.72
Cliff Point: 3.50 1.4 0.11 10.6 15.6
Jack Lakes Area: 0.39 0.3 3.22 1.8 0.18 11.4 17.4
Lake Miam/Summit Lakes Area 5.72 2.5 0.48 13.7 22.4
Old Woman Trail (North): 0.3 0.61 0.03 3.6 4.58
Russian Ridge Trail System: 0.07 2.8 1.76 1.1 0.07 8.91 14.7
Saltery Cove Road: 1.36 1.7 0.23 14.6 17.8
Sequel Point to Sacramento River Trail: 1.14 0.4 0.03 6.12 7.74
Swampy Acres / Boy Scout Lake: 0.05 0.6 1.82 0.1 0.6 0.51 26.1 29.7
Termination Point: 0.46 0.4 0.16 5.92 6.93
The Jack Lakes area has eroded trails and other impacted areas like this one with an
abandoned vehicle
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
46 | alta planning + design
bridges built), but more impacted areas have appeared and some
bridges in the area are in need of repair.
Recommended Actions:
Continue to involve local trail user groups to continue main-
taining this trail system.
Focus impacts by establishing designated camping sites &
encouraging groups to use them on state land.
Install limited signage along trail including Wetland Do Not
Disturb signs in impacted wetlands
Improve signage at stream crossings.
Pursue maximum funding available for trail hardening.
Hardening should be focused on previously impacted segments
of trail.
Old Woman Trail (North):
This trail was constructed during WWII by the military and runs
from the Aviation Hill Coast Guard housing subdivision and ascends
northeast to the ridge of Old Woman Mountain. This trail also
suffered signifcant damage in the 2009 storms. Landslides rendered
this trail impassible for some time afterwards. Extreme water borne
erosion has so badly incised this trail that it will be diffcult to repair
without mechanized equipment.
Recommended Actions:
Parks & Recreation Committee should develop a Trail
Management Objective for this trail
Coordinate trail repair using mechanized equipment. Native
materials are available on site.
Abandon braided trail sections in middle section of trail. There
is one to each side of the main trail.
Coordinate efforts with the Coast Guard and Leisnoi Native
Corporation.
Russian Ridge Trail System:
This area has been discussed for future park designation by the
Kodiak Island Borough Parks & Recreation Committee and mostly
lies within existing Borough lands. The Russian Ridge trails provide
access to Pillar Mountain from neighborhoods north of the city of
Kodiak. Adjacent city-owned lands on Russian Ridge ban motor-
ized access by city ordinance; the section on Borough land carries
no explicit restriction. There is a large perceived user confict here
between motorized and non-motorized users. New social trails have
recently been formed in previously pristine areas. Public and stake-
holder comments indicate that the majority of impacts in this area are
caused by a minority of users.
Recommended Actions:
Trail Management Objective should be developed for this trail
during the biannual Trails Summit
Close and re-vegetate unsustainable spur trails .
Clarify Borough policies related to trail use and land boundaries
in this area.
Work with City of Kodiak Police to enforce existing city
ordinance.
Further develop and sign urban trails that provide access to
Russian Ridge trails (see Urban Trail Recommendations for
additional information).
Saltery Cove Road:
This corridor is one of the most popular and heavily used routes for
ATVs and ORVs on the Kodiak road system. This corridor is also used
by residents of Saltery Cove and is seeing increased commercial use
by several commercial lodges at Saltery Cove. This is one of the few
trails that could be successfully managed as a Class 4 trail in Kodak.
The popularity and success of this trail goes back to its original
construction by the military which included numerous built-in
drainage features and imported rock and gravel.
The US Coast Guard was a partner in the Lake MiamTrail hardening in 2010. The
geoblock used was airlifted by this MH-60J/T: Jayhawk
Trails on Pillar Mountain have spur trails that could be re-vegetated
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 47
Recommended Actions:
Trail user groups should work with the State of Alaska to
schedule and fund periodic grading and repair of Saltery Cove
Road by heavy equipment (excavator and bulldozer).
Consider installation of drainage features to reduce instances
of standing water and erosion on the trail surface along lower
elevation segments of the trail (near Saltery). Porous pavement
at impacted areas may be effective.
Improve signage pertaining to stream crossings.
Form group of stakeholders specifc to Saltery Cove Road
including residents, lodge owners, ATV enthusiasts and outft-
ters/commercial operators.
Sequel Point to Sacramento River Trail:
This trail has impacts related to sensitive wetlands, trail braiding
and submerged areas. It is mostly within existing 17b easements
and on state lands. Approximately 0.8 miles or 5 percent of the 13.8
mile trail system were cataloged as muddy, submerged or braided.
This trail has fewer users and less environmental impacts than other
areas of the island. However increased use and the attention given
to this link during the public process have elevated the need for trail
rehabilitation.
Recommended Actions:
Install geoblock trail hardening in muddy or frequently ponded
sections of trail.
Replace log stringer bridges with sturdier bridges of treated
wood
Prevent trail from impacting the Sacramento River as it is an
anadromous stream.
Provide trailhead and other limited signage along the trail
including Wetland Do Not Disturb carsonite signs in
impacted wetlands.
Swampy Acres / Boy Scout Lake:
This trail system is currently on both Coast Guard and Natives of
Kodiak (NOK) lands. Nearly all of this trail system is currently
closed to ATV use with the exception of the 17 (B) easements. Main
trail routes consist of WWII era roads that have narrowed over time
to become suitable class 3a trails. This area also sees a large amount of
winter recreation use.
Recommended Actions
Trail Management Objectives for this trail system should be
defned with respect to the uses desired.
If it is desired to allow ATV access to Swampy Acres as a local
option for off-road enthusiasts, bridges need to be constructed
to cross tributary streams of the Buskin River.
If the desire to restore ATV periodic pruning of Alder will be
necessary to keep a wider tread.
An agreement with landowners will need to be reached to open
these trails to ATV access
Termination Point:
This system of trails is historically very popular among Kodiak resi-
dents and convenient to the Kodiak urban area. Most of Termination
Point is now owned by the Leisnoi Native Corporation and although
Leisnoi lands are private property, they can be accessed by obtaining
a permit for access from Leisnoi. Termination Point was noted by
several public workshop participants as a high priority for acquisi-
tion by the Borough. The trailhead area at the end of Monashka Bay
Road requires some maintenance as the restroom structure has been
heavily vandalized. Trails leading from this trailhead need to be
consolidated and revegetated as there is a great deal of braiding.
Recommended Actions:
Borough should work with the Leisnoi Native Corporation to
secure legal non-motorized access to all members of the public.
Repair the restroom structure at the termination of Monashka
Bay Road.
Install trailhead signage to provide user information.
Consolidate braided trails, with damaged areas closed and
revegetated.
Pyramid Mountain Ski Chalet
This winter recreation area once provided a popular focal point
to winter activities near the Anton Larsen Pass. The Coast Guard
Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) unit used to operate the Ski
Chalet with food service and a warming fre. The ski runs behind
the chalet were lit with food lights and there was an operating rope
tow that was used to get skiers and snowboarders up the mountain.
Operation of the chalet was halted after a ski lift was purchased
by MWR and shipped to Kodiak sometime in the mid-1990s. The
MWR desired to expand the operations of the chalet into a more
formalized ski operation, but this was not included in its insurance
policy. As a result the lift was not ultimately installed and its dispo-
sition is not known at this time. The Coast Guard briefy explored
the possibility of having the ski chalet operated by a separate entity;
however no candidates were interested. Re-opening the chalet was
a popular concept with Kodiak residents during the public involve-
ment process.
The chalet was recently handed over to the Chief Petty Offcers
Association (CPOA) by the Base Facilities Department, which could
elect to open it to the public for events or on a limited schedule as
part of its fundraising activities. CPOA has its own insurance policy
that may allow operation of the chalet.
Reinstatement of the ski chalet should be a priority for the Borough.
The land that the chalet resides on serves as the northern boundary
of the US Coast Guard Base and reportedly serves no other military
purpose. It is possible that the land and chalet could be released by
the Coast Guard through a process known as Devestature. This
process can be long and diffcult. Swtrong support from State elected
offcials could help accelerate the process. The Borough should open a
dialogue with the Coast Guard to discuss options.
Termination Point Trails alongisde Monashka Bay
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
48 | alta planning + design
Recommended Actions:
The Borough should approach the Coast Guard base commander
about the issue and determine if there is any interest in a coop-
erative effort to reopen the chalet to the public.
The Snow Bruins could approach the CPOA to open the chalet
on a limited basis (for example, Saturdays from 10am to 2pm).
Grants and/or volunteer labor should be sought to improve the
chalet ski hill.
The Borough could assist in acquiring the chalet and the ski hill
lands to a third party if interest exists (long term).
6.3.6 Stream Crossing Locations
Each year the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G),
Division of Habitat issues stream crossing permits for Kodiak Island.
These permits authorize the movement of wheeled or tracked vehicles
weighing less than 5,000 pounds on the bed and banks of anadro-
mous streams and rivers. As of June 2011, there are 38 approved cross-
ings locations of anadromous streams.
Data points collected during the trail inventory are described in
Chapter 3. Data points collected cataloguing the points of trail cross-
ings of anadromous streams were compared with Alaska Department
of Fish and Game (ADF&G) approved crossing locations. It became
clear that there are many more existing crossing locations than there
are currently approved sites. This assessment was confrmed by
cross-referencing the inventoried ADF&G anadromous streams on
Kodiak with the unpermitted crossings noted on the 2004 and 2010
trail inventory efforts. Approximately 90 locations may exist on trails
accessed from the Kodiak road system.
ADF&G has an interest in the impacts of trail use where they cross
fsh-bearing streams and would like to help reduce these impacts.
They have completed inventory work within the Borough, including
along Saltery Creek and the American River to inventory the condi-
tion of culverts, bridges, fords and other stream crossings and also
have done some inventory work related to presence of anadromous
fsh. ADF&G performed an updated assessment in September and
October 2011 which will help with the re-issue of general permits
for fsh crossings. The general permits are for fsh-bearing streams,
although a fairly limited number of streams have actually been
inventoried and designated as fsh-bearing. Surveys to identify
anadromous streams were predominantly collected by aerial surveys
in Kodiak.
Applicants can apply for new permits on a case-by-case basis.
However ADF&G would prefer to have locations reviewed by staff
personally before issuing a permit. Permits may be denied if signif-
cant damage has occurred.
It is recommended that ADF&G conduct a more thorough survey of
existing ATV trail crossings as they relate to anadromous streams.
ADF&G should partner with the Kodiak Island Borough or other
local entity to procure funding for the survey. Each ATV crossing
location should be evaluated thoroughly and permits issued if needed.
Alternative projects could include new bridges such as aluminum
Baily bridges that may be relatively inexpensive to install.
The Ski Chalet and Pyramid Mountain parking area fromthe summit
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
!N
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K. Voros
Date: October, 2011
Map 11 Proposed Improvements - Urban System, Proposed Trail Classification
I
0 0.5 0.25
Miles
!
Trailhead Improvement
Proposed Trail Class
Class 3a trail
Class 3b trail
Class 4 trail
Class 5 trail
Sidewalk
Planned Bike Path
Existing Inventoried Trail
Private Trail No Public Access
Q
17B Reserved Easement
!N
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17B Reserved Easement
Road
Land Ownership
Private, Other or Unknown
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
The maps in this plan reflect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 49
!N
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K. Voros
Date: October, 2011
Map 12. Proposed Improvements - Urban System, Type of Improvement
I
0 0.5 0.25
Miles
!
Trailhead Improvement
Improvement Type
New Trail
Upgrade Existing Trail
Planned Bike Path
Private Trail No Public Access
Q
17B Reserved Easement
!N
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17B Reserved Easement
Road
Land Ownership
Private, Other or Unknown
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
The maps in this plan reflect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
50 | alta planning + design
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K. Voros
Date: October, 2011
Map 13. Proposed Improvements - Road System, Proposed Trail Classification North
I
0 2 1
Miles
! Trailhead Improvement
Planned Bike Path
Road System Recommendations
3a
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4
5
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Private Trail No Public Access
Q 17B Reserved Easement
!N ADFG Approved Stream Crossing
17B Reserved Easement
Road
Land Ownership
Private, Other or Unknown
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
The maps in this plan reflect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Mental
Health
Assn.
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 51
!N
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K. Voros
Date: October, 2011
Map 14. Proposed Improvements - Road System, Proposed Trail Classification South
I
0 2 1
Miles
! Trailhead Improvement
Planned Bike Path
Road System Trail Classification
3a
3b
4
5
Existing Inventoried Trail
Private Trail No Public Access
Q 17B Reserved Easement
!N ADFG Approved Stream Crossing
17B Reserved Easement
Road
Land Ownership
Private, Other or Unknown
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
The maps in this plan reflect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
52 | alta planning + design
!N
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K, Voros
Date: October, 2011
Map 15. Proposed Improvements - Road System, Type of Improvement North
I
0 3 1.5
Miles
! Trailhead Improvement
Improvement Type
New Trail
Upgrade Existing Trail
Existing Inventoried Trail
Private Trail No Public Access
Q 17B Reserved Easement
!N ADFG Approved Stream Crossing
17B Reserved Easement
Road
Land Ownership
Planned Bike Path
The maps in this plan reflect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Mental
Health
Assn.
Private, Other or Unknown
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 53
!N
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Kodiak Island Borough
Road Trails System Master Plan
Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Kodiak Island Borough
Author: K, Voros
Date: October, 2011
Map 16. Proposed Improvements - Road System, Type of Improvement South
I
0 3 1.5
Miles
! Trailhead Improvement
Improvement Type
New Trail
Upgrade Existing Trail
Existing Inventoried Trail
Private Trail No Public Access
Q 17B Reserved Easement
!N ADFG Approved Stream Crossing
17B Reserved Easement
Road
Land Ownership
Planned Bike Path
The maps in this plan reflect land ownership and trail routes from a
variety of sources and should not be solely relied upon without
verifying land ownership through other public records.
Private, Other or Unknown
State Government
Federal Government
City of Kodiak
Ouzinkie, Inc.
Kodiak Island Borough
Koniag, Inc.
Leisnoi, Inc.
Natives of Kodiak
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
54 | alta planning + design
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 55
6.4 System-Wide Improvements
6.4.1 Signing Recommendations
Landmarks, natural features, civic destinations, and other visual
cues help residents and visitors navigate through Kodiak and its
road system trails. Placing signs throughout the city and out on the
road system indicating to trail users their direction of travel, loca-
tion of destinations, and the distance to those destinations will
increase users comfort, convenience and safety. It should be noted
that trail system signage and wayfnding implementation will need to
occur with the recognition and collaboration of a variety of jurisdic-
tions and in recognition of other signage systems already in place.
Partnering agencies may including the City of Kodiak, the Kodiak
Island Borough, the United States Coast Guard, Native Corporations,
Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Bureau of Land Management
and others.
Information Categories
The wayfnding system needs to convey fve categories of information:
Category 1: Identifcation
Category 2: Orientation
Category 3: Safety and Regulatory
Category 4: Brand Identity
Category 5: Interpretive or Desired
Category 1: Identifcation
Portal and trailhead entrances
Parks that include trail access
Indication of transitions between Borough, city, state, federal
and/or private land ownership
Seasonal trail types
Landmarks, historical sites or other points of interest along the
trail
Category 2: Orientation
You are Here maps placed at trailheads and major entrances to
the trail
Maps placed along the path to help users gauge their progress
along the trails
Signs pointing to major destinations
Distance to and length of trail information
Mile and/or Kilometer markers
Cardinal directions and GPS coordinates
Category 3: Safety and Regulations
Stated rules and regulations
Trail Access Information
Signage on trails warning users of upcoming roadway crossings
Roadway signage to inform drivers of an upcoming trail
crossing (within Kodiak City Limits)
Vehicular guides on surrounding roadways directing to parking
areas
Category 4: Brand Identity
Unifying identity element or elements serve as the brand
Consistent aesthetic standard communicates brand
Private or organizational sponsorship information where
needed
Category 5: Interpretive
Provide visitors with historic, scenic or interesting information along
the trail (may be appropriate at historic WWII, wildlife viewing
areas or at native sites of signifcance).
Design should coordinate visually with the wayfnding signage
Use of Symbols
Throughout the system, many recreational opportunities, ameni-
ties, regulatory messages and safety warnings must be conveyed. A
comprehensive vocabulary of symbols will allow
much of this information to be conveyed through
the use of single images as needed. Symbols offer
quick recognition, are cross-cultural and, when
used throughout the system, will offer character
and consistency. Symbols should be consistent with
The Manual of Uniform Traffc Control Devices
(MUTCD) standards
Distance Markers
Mile markers are important to visitors and residents
as they not only provide distance information, but
aid search and rescue by providing a common frame
of reference. We recommend placing the zero point
(labeled zero) at the main portal or trailhead of
each existing trail, counting upward along the trail; it may be advis-
able to always number trails up heading in a north or east direction,
so users understand that if the numbers are going down, they are
generally headed south or west. Any trails that branch off of the main
trail can be numbered starting at zero as well and working upward
as they progress away from the parent trail, or according to the
cardinal direction. The mile marker system on the connecting loop
should count upward along the trail. A Trail Guide sign would be
positioned at the intersection to identify the loop and provide direc-
tions together with total miles of the loop and other primary destina-
tions from that point.
When new sections of trails are added, mile marking will continue
up the trail in this fashion, or they may need to be readjusted if
existing sections of trail are newly connected.
GIS/GPS
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning
Example of trail intersection sign with location identifcation
Standard Recreational
Symbols
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
56 | alta planning + design
Systems (GPS) play a central role in the trails planning process and in
the daily life of many Kodiak residents; the possibility of delivering
wayfnding system information to handheld device users on the trail
system should be explored. The GIS department of the Kodiak Island
Borough would be the natural choice to develop or coordinate devel-
opment of these resources as it is currently custodian of the 2004 and
2010 GPS trail surveys.
These systems offer a number of advantages, the foremost being
safety. In the event of an accident or injury, stated GPS coordinates
can allow users to call for help and provide their exact location to
emergency responders.
Trail Naming
Trails are easier to fnd if the name of the trail is carefully defned.
Using trail names that are familiar to and comfortable for people and
tying each name to a nearby road that supports primary access to
the trail or to a famous landmark in or near the trail will help users
develop a mental map of trail locations relative to the surrounding
environment.
Strategic Implementation Plan
To successfully implement the new signing system the Kodiak Island
Borough Parks & Recreation Committee may be the ideal body to
oversee the project with a trail specialist or non-proft group leading
the feld inventory, sign design and bidding process. The following
schedule of activities/tasks should be completed:
Inventory existing and legacy signage systems(s) and evaluate
their desirability for potential inclusion in a new system or
removal from feld.
Confrm access points
Develop a destination list with naming recommendations
Approve of all informational aspects of the program
Develop and review initial design concepts
Select sign designs and further develop the system further
Develop and refne a Sign Message Schedule and Sign Location
Plans
Discuss implementation of the plan with all participating juris-
dictions and agencies
Decisions about signage should be discussed at the annual
Trails Summit to gather public input on signage location and
type.
Once the above actions are complete, the following activities
are required to fnalize the implementation of a comprehensive
wayfnding system:
Document the signage system for pricing and fabrication
Solicit bids for sign fabrication and installation
Fabricate signs
Install signs
Prepare a fnal signage reference document (and update as
needed as the system is enhanced or expanded)
Exact timing would be determined by the progress and complexity of
the project as it develops along with scheduled reviews by the project
team. Typically, the bidding, fabrication and installation activities
take thirteen to ffteen weeks.
Each sign installed on the trail system should have its location
recorded with GPS to manage the inventory and help locate signs in
the future.
6.4.2 Trailhead Improvements
Some formal trailheads currently exist both in the City of Kodiak
and on road system trails. Existing facilities include parking areas,
restrooms, trailhead signage and kiosk signs. Trailheads provide
needed access to the trail system and typically incorporate essential
facilities including parking, restrooms, and orientation and informa-
tion signage for trail users. Trailheads are typically developed on
public lands or within public rights-of-way. A trailhead kiosk is an
informational structure at the entrance to a park or trail. Trailhead
kiosks can vary from a single sign with trail map and rules to a multi-
paneled structure containing a variety of information. Trailhead
kiosks frequently contain a large park(or overall system or larger area
map) and individual trail map, emergency contact information, and
park rules and regulations. They might also have information about
the areas natural and cultural resources, volunteer projects, or a
message board. Trailhead kiosks can also serve as a place for distri-
bution of portable maps or fiers about upcoming events.
Primary trailheads that are the major access points. They
should include all types of signage: informational, regulatory,
and educational. Primary trailheads see users of all abili-
ties, and often those new to the trail system. This provides an
opportunity to educate users not only about trail etiquette,
but also about the history and environment of the site.
Primary trailheads should have a place for portable maps and
information boxes and if possible formal parking areas. If a
Example of Primary Trailhead Sign
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 57
primary trailhead serves equestrians or motorized users, ample
maneuvering space for vehicles with trailers is desirable.
Secondary trailheads are smaller and less developed than
primary trailheads, but serve similar functions. Secondary
trailheads can have parking areas and a kiosk with trail infor-
mation, including: You are here location information, maps,
basic rules and regulations, and emergency contact information.
Access points are lightly devel-
oped locations where users can
enter the trail system. Signs at
access points should include
basic rules/yield information.
Recommended Trailhead
Improvements
Kodiak stakeholder groups and
members of the public repeatedly
suggested trailhead improvements
as a meaningful way to encourage
responsible trail use and to provide
information to users. Several trails
were noted as needing improved parking accommodation, particu-
larly if frequent users include equestrians or motorized vehicles.
The following table summarizes recommended trailhead improve-
ment types by trail. Trailhead recommendations on private lands
will require close cooperation with landowners for development and
access. For Native Corporations that allow public access via permits,
a trailhead provides an opportunity to educate the public about the
process and direct them as to how to obtain or purchase permits.
Table 14 summarizes recommended trailhead improvements on the
Kodiak road system.
Example of Primary Trailhead kiosk at Pasagshak Bay
Example of Secondary Trailhead kiosk at Buskin Lake
Access Point Sign
Table 14: Proposed Trailhead Improvements
Trail
Parking
improvements
Kiosk
needed
Current
Ownership Comment
Cascade Lake Trail No Secondary Ouzinkie Minor improvements recommended
Termination Point No Secondary Leisnoi
This trailhead has ample parking and bathrooms. Kiosk and bathroom
repair needed
Kashevaroff Mountain Yes Secondary KIB Noted numerous times by public
Heitman Lake Yes Secondary KIB Noted by public
Middle Bay Beach Trails Yes Secondary Leisnoi Noted by public
Old Womens Mountain Yes Secondary USCG Noted by public
Barometer Mountain Trail Yes Secondary USCG Noted numerous times by public
Jack Lakes Trails Yes Secondary KIB Trailhead to be located at Birch Circle
Near island Trails Yes Secondary City New trailhead where trails cross Trident Way
Spruce Cape Trails Yes Secondary NOK Popular request for urban trailhead
Chiniak Loop Trail Yes Secondary Leisnoi Historical access to WWII bunkers and vistas
Saltery Cove Road No Secondary Leisnoi
17b easement, large parking area currently. Kiosk and other
formalizing improvements could be benecial
Anton Larsen Pass Yes Secondary Ouzinkie
Snowmachiners use these trails to head west and south from Anton
Larsen Pass. Multiple requests for parking area to load equipment.
Pyramid Mountain No Secondary USCG Kiosk needed to relay information about winter and summer activities.
Lake Miam / Olds
RiverTrail Yes Secondary Leisnoi
17b easement. Parking suitable for loading equipment and trailhead
kiosks needed
Three Pillar Point Trail No Secondary Ouzinkie 17b easement. Kiosk would be benecial.
American River/ Saltery
Cove Trail Yes Secondary Leisnoi
17b easement. Large vehicle & trailer improvements needed.
Triailhead kiosk showing approved stream crossing and other ATV
information would be benecial.
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
58 | alta planning + design
6.4.3 Trail Maintenance
The successful design, construction, and management of natural soft-
surface trails are critical to ensuring the facilities area year-round
recreational amenity to both residents and visitors.
The following guidelines are not a how-to for maintaining trails,
rather they offer a framework for management and decision-making
to help maintain the trail system in and around Kodiak. For more
detailed guidance on trail design to address maintenance issues,
please see Appendix F Trail Design Guidelines.
Maintenance Guidelines
A high level of trail maintenance is critical to the overall success and
safety of the trail system. Maintenance includes such activities as
surface repair, landscape maintenance, facility upkeep, sign replace-
ment, fencing, mowing, snow removal, snow grooming, litter removal,
painting, and pest/weed control. However, the benefts of a good
maintenance program are not limited to the physical and biological
features of the trails:
A high standard of maintenance will help advertise and promote
trails as a regional and state recreational resource;
The psychological effects of good maintenance can be an effec-
tive deterrent to vandalism, litter, and encroachments;
Good maintenance is necessary to preserve positive public rela-
tions between adjacent land owners and government;
Good maintenance can help make enforcement of regulations
on the trails more effcient. Trail users, local organizations and
service groups will take pride in their trail and will be more
apt to assist in protection of the trail system.
A proactive maintenance policy will help improve safety along
the trails.
A successful maintenance program requires continuity and a high
level of citizen involvement. Regular, routine maintenance on at least
a year-round basis will not only improve trail safety, but will also
prolong the life of the trails. Maintenance activities required for safe
trail operations should always receive top priority.
Multi-Use Path Maintenance
Summer / Fall Maintenance
Cracks, ruts and water damage will have to be repaired periodically.
In addition, vegetation control will be necessary on a regular basis.
Where drainage problems exist along the trails, ditches and drainage
structures will need to be cleared of debris to prevent wash outs.
Checks for erosion along the trails should be done immediately after
any storm that brings fooding to the local area.
The trail surface should be kept free of debris, especially broken glass
and other sharp objects, as well as stray branches. Trail surfaces
should be monitored periodically to keep them clear of large debris.
Winter (Snow) Maintenance
Snow maintenance typically takes place after snowstorms and peri-
odically between storms to condition the snow surface for a variety of
winter activities. Snow clearing or grooming machine operators, who
are most familiar with the segments in their care, should identify and
report any additional maintenance needs while they are in the feld.
The decision to clear, groom, or leave a paved multi-use path unmain-
tained should be the result of a public decision making process
involving KIB offcials, residents, and stakeholders. The decision
will be based on the demand for different activities on each segment
and the physical and budgetary constraints associated with winter
pathway maintenance. Any changes to winter maintenance opera-
tions along trails should be made by early spring so that the appro-
priate changes can be made to maps and signage in time for the
upcoming winter season. The following paragraphs describe the
different levels of winter maintenance on multi-use pathways.
Snow Removal or Clearing
After snowfalls, urban pathways may be cleared of most of the snow,
providing a path useable by foot traffc. Cleared pathways may also be
used for winter bicycle use. Snow removal is best for path segments
that provide connections to key pedestrian destinations.
Trail Grooming
Winter trail grooming involves compacting the snow surface so
that it can be more easily used for typical winter activities. Winter
trail grooming typically varies based on the intended use of the trail.
Winter trails intended for both motorized and non-motorized use
generally have a wider groomed area and typically follow an existing
roadway or occur over natural areas such as parks and golf courses.
Non-motorized trails may also have a very wide groomed area if
expected levels of use are high. Groomed winter trails can be used
for a wide variety of winter recreation activities, including winter
walking, snowshoeing, and dog-sledding and to connect facili-
ties to winter vistas, snow play areas, and backcountry activities.
Trails groomed specifcally for cross-country skiing typically have
two elements, a wide compacted surface with a corrugated surface
typically six to twelve feet wide for skate skiers, and a narrow
pressed set of tracks for classic or traditional cross-country skiing.
Typically, grooming equipment is towed behind a wide variety of
vehicles from snow mobiles to full sized tracked vehicles. Grooming
frequency is determined by use and snowfall events. Grooming is
typically carried out after at least four inches of new snowfall.
On Kodiak, the bulk of cross-country skiing activity is focused at
the Buskin lake/Coast Guard Golf Course area. Winter stakeholders
noted that the Coast Guard may be in possession of grooming equip-
ment that has not been used in many years. The Borough should
work with the Snow Bruins to ascertain the current disposition of
this equipment and work with the Coast Guard to allow organized
grooming efforts in the Buskin Lake/ USCG Golf Course area.
Groomed trails for cross country skiers and snow machines
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 59
6.4.4 Issues Related to Use of Off Road Vehicles
(ORVs)
One of the issues identifed earlier in the Trails Planning process, as
well as in previous trails planning processes in the Borough has to
do with conficts between different user groups. Planning partici-
pants say that it is very important to resolve conficts between
users, particularly motorized users (e.g., ATVs, and motorcycles)
and non-motorized users (e.g., hikers and cross-country skiers).
The word conficts is used here in a very broad sense. While few
people reported actual physical conficts between trail users, they
noted that the use and enjoyment of different types of trail users can
be conficting. Non-motorized trail users seeking quiet, solitude
or wildlife viewing experiences can have a diffcult time meeting
these goals in areas where motorized use is prevalent. Similarly,
safety issues can arise when non-motorized and/or motorized users
meet on narrow trails where visibility is limited. Borough residents
have made progress in addressing these issues but more resolution
is needed in order to ensure an inclusive, sustainable trails system
which all users can enjoy.
A second issue associated with motorized trail users is the potential
for environmental degradation. While most motorized trail users
act in a responsible, thoughtful manner, it takes just a few users or
overuse of a specifc area to cause damage to the natural environment,
particularly in stream corridors, wetlands or other wet areas, those
where the topsoil is relatively thin and those where steep grades
exacerbate the potential for erosion. This is particularly problematic
in Kodiak where heavy rains and dynamic hydrological conditions
make it diffcult to maintain trails corridors in the same location over
time. Kodiak trails users have noted that overuse or inappropriate
use of trails has caused damage to natural resources and areas in a
number of places in the Borough, including streams, wetlands, sloped
areas and alpine meadows. Creation, improvement, proper use and
management of trails is needed to reduce these impacts now and in
the future.
A third issue for both motorized and non-motorized use has to do
with access over or trespass on private land. Many trails located
on public land in the Kodiak area can only be accessed via private
property. In many cases a 17b easement provides this access across
private property within a defned corridor. As noted in Chapter
6, these easements are named after the section of the Federal
Regulation, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) (PL
92-203 - 85 Stat. 688). This Federal Regulation allows for reserving
easements on lands which were to be conveyed to Alaska Native
Village and Regional Corporations in order to allow public access to
public land and water. The 17b easements are intended to provide
access across private Native lands and along public waterways. They
are intended to be used primarily for access as opposed to recre-
ational purposes. Because many easements were never marked or
surveyed, over time use has fowed outside of the original easement.
For example, while travel may be permitted within a 25-foot corridor
in a given location, people have ultimately used or impacted an area
much larger than this (e.g., reportedly up to 250 feet wide in some
cases in the Kodiak area). This has resulted in trespass and environ-
mental degradation on privately owned land in a number of areas.
Current ORV Access Limitations and Regulations
Currently ORVs are allowed to use trails in a number of areas but
restricted or prohibited from using or creating trails in other areas.
Access policies include the following.
Native Owned Land
As noted previously, 17b easements provide access across private
property within defned corridors. ORVs are allowed to use these
easements, which were created and are governed by the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) (PL 92-203 - 85 Stat. 688) and
related federal regulations. The right to use the easement is usually
limited to transportation purposes although some easements allow
for loading, parking, short-term camping (no more than one day) or
similar uses. Long-term camping is prohibited within easements.
Outside of the 17b easements, some Native Corporations in the
Borough do not allow ATV use on their land.
The Leisnoi Native Corporation, which is the largest Native
landowner of lands adjacent to the road system, does not allow
for motorized vehicle access (including ATVs) outside of 17b
easements.
The Natives of Kodiak, Afognak Native Corporation and
Ouzinkie Native Corporation have created a consolidated
permit system for access to their lands on Afognak Island,
Kodiak Island, Raspberry Island, and Whale Island. Spruce
Island is off-limits to all non-shareholder activities except
visiting Monks Lagoon for religious purposes. Native share-
holders may access these areas with a valid shareholders card.
Non-shareholders are required to obtain a land use application
to access land in these areas. ATV use is either prohibited in
these areas (Afognak, Raspberry and Whale Islands) or allowed
only for Native shareholders (Native owned areas on Kodiak
Island).
Koniag, Inc., the regional Native Corporation in the Kodiak
area, owns and manages surface land rights within the Borough
primarily in the vicinity of Karluk and Larsen Bay and on the
south side of Womens Bay. Koniag entered into a conservation
easement with the State of Alaska and the US Fish and Wildlife
Service in 2002 along the Karluk River. The conservation ease-
ment provides opportunities for both guided and unguided
users to recreate on KWA lands. The easement does not iden-
tify restrictions on ATV use.
More detailed information about permit systems can be found in
Chapter 7.
Federal and State Land
Access management regulations for ATVs include the following:
17b easements on Native-owned land. As noted above, these
easements have been established by the Bureau of Land
Management as part of the ANCSA process. They allow
people to use the easements for travel or short-term camping
(depending on the type of easement). No permit is required to
use a 17b easement but there are restrictions on the use of such
easements, depending on the type and width of the easement.
ATVs are generally allowed to use these easements.
Federal Land Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Much of the
land in Kodiak (1.9 million acres) is within the Kodiak National
Wildlife Refuge, with access managed by the federal govern-
ment and subject to federal rules and regulations. Permits are
required for commercial operators to access land and trails
within the Refuge, including commercial guiding and outftting
operators (hunting, fshing, wildlife watching, and river trips).
A permit is not required for the general public to visit the wild-
life refuge to engage in wildlife-dependent recreational activi-
ties such as wildlife watching, hunting, fshing, photography,
environmental education, interpretation, hiking, and camping.
Visitors must comply with all pertinent refuge regulations,
State and Federal laws, and State hunting and fshing regula-
tions. The refuge Web site indicates that motorized vehicle use
is restricted in some areas, including some areas designated
as wilderness. While the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge is
accessible by trails originating from the Kodiak road system, it
is considered too remote to be considered as part of the plan-
ning area for this Road System Trails Master Plan.
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
60 | alta planning + design
Federal Land US Coast Guard. The US Coast Guard owns
approximately 26,000 acres of land within the Borough,
including land on the US Coast Guard base itself, as well as
areas surrounding the Buskin Lake and along Anton Larson
Bay Road. This land provides access to a number of popular
trails and other areas used by hikers, cross-country skiers and
four-wheelers, including Old Womans Mountain, Barometer
Mountain and the area near the Coast Guard ski chalet, among
others. The Coast Guard is currently establishing formal public
access policies as there are many areas within base lands that
have unique uses and may require differing access policies. In
general, public ATV access is prohibited.
State of Alaska. Most trails on state owned land in the Borough
are found in state parks such as Fort Abercrombie State Park.
These trails are open to the public with no formal permitting
or access requirements. Trails in state parks are designated
for non-motorized use only. Outside of state parks, the Alaska
Department of Natural Resources generally allows the use
of ATVs and the creation of trails for their use on other state
land that is managed by the State Division of Mining, Land
and Water. In order to reduce impacts on wildlife and fshery
resources in some areas in Kodiak, including the Olds and
American River drainages, the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game has identifed and established specifc locations for
crossing fsh-bearing streams. These locations and associated
restrictions have been established through a series of General
Permits for vehicle stream crossings that pertain to vehicles
weighing less than 10,000 pounds, including ATVs. Vehicles are
required to use these stream crossing locations. Restrictions
and maps of the vehicle crossing locations are specifed in the
General Permits. Beyond these specifc requirements, ATVs
cannot generally be prohibited on state land unless it is desig-
nated as a wilderness or other special use area through an
action by the Alaska State Legislature.
City of Kodiak
The use of ATVs within the city limits of Kodiak is governed
primarily by Title 10 Vehicles and Traffc of Kodiak City Code
(KCC). KCC 10.28.030 states that no person shall operate or ride upon
an off-road vehicle within the city limits within a park or other city
owned property or on private property without the express permis-
sion to do so by the owner or authorized occupant of the property.
KCC 10.28.040 states that ATVs may only be driven on a roadway,
bike trail or highway shoulder if the ATV is crossing the highway or
traversing a bridge or culvert on a highway (the ATV must drive at
the extreme right-hand edge of the bridge or culvert and only when
the traverse can be completed with safety and without interfering
with other traffc on the highway). ATVs may also be operated if use
of the highway by other motor vehicles is impossible because of snow
or ice accumulation or other natural conditions, or when the highway
is posted or otherwise designated as being open to travel by off-road
vehicles. ATVs may be driven on the right-of-way of a highway which
is not a controlled access highway outside of the roadway shoulder,
and no closer than six feet from the nearest edge of the roadway. No
snowmobile or other off-road vehicle may cross or travel on a side-
walk, a location intended for pedestrian or other non-motorized
traffc, an alley or a vehicular way or area which is not open to snow-
mobile. Pillar Mountain Road is considered a road and ATVs may not
be operated on it.
KCC 10.28.100 states that snowmobiles may only be operated in
portions of US Survey 3945 lying northwesterly of Pillar Mountain
Road and southwesterly of the upper reservoir.
Title 18 Public Property also discusses access to public lands within
the City of Kodiak. KCC 18.32.020 states that Pillar Creek, Monashka
Creek, and city reservoir system including the drainage area, catch-
ment area, or basin are all defned as watersheds by the City and KCC
18.32.105 states that no person in a watershed shall operate or have in
their possession a vehicle (including snowmobiles and ATVs).
Kodiak Island Borough Land
Kodiak Island Borough code does not specifcally address ATVs in
its code. However some information is generally available in chapter
18.35 trespass. This section indicates that public lands within the
Borough are open to the public unless posted as being closed. This
policy does not distinguish between uses and applies to ATVs.
Table 15 summarizes information related to ATV access regulations
and restrictions.
Table 15: Summary of Access Requirements and Restrictions
Land Owner Level of
Access
Allowed
Comments
Leisnoi Native Corporation R ATVs are prohibited on Leisnoi land outside of 17b easements
Natives of Kodiak, Ouzinkie and
Afognak Native Corps.
R/P Prohibited on Spruce Afognak, Raspberry and Whale Islands Allowed for shareholders only on Native
owned land on Kodiak Island
Other private lands P Varies by landowner
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge R/P Prohibited in wilderness areas
Allowed subject to permits and/or conditions in other areas
US Coast Guard P Policies related to access under development as of publication of this Plan. The Coast Guard does
have an area of the base open to Public ATV use between Rezanof Drive and the Main Runway of the
Kodiak Airport on the south side. The Burma Road Trail is also open to ATV use. No other portions of
the base are open to ATV use.
State of Alaska, State Parks R Prohibited in State Parks
State of Alaska, other lands A/P Generally allowed but restricted to specic stream crossing locations in some areas
City of Kodiak P Prohibited on roads and highways (except to cross) or in city parkland
Kodiak Island Borough A Allowed unless area is specically posted as being closed
A = Allowed; R= Restricted/prohibited; P = Partially restricted
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 61
Future ATV Access Limitations and Restrictions
The previous section reviewed existing ATV access on a variety of
private and public lands on Kodiak Island. One of the main sources
of concern for ATV users throughout the trails planning process has
been the prospect of new restrictions. Most concerns were focused on
State land accessed by 17b easements and other trails. To restrict ATV
access on state land the Alaska Department of Natural Resources
would have to designate an area a Special Use Area, a process that
would require legislative approval and would require an extensive
public participation process. This process is not considered to be a
likely outcome or recommendation of this trails planning process.
Current and Future Trail Maintenance and Stewardship
ATV users note that they currently assist in maintaining and
improving ATV trails, although the majority of these efforts appear
to be conducted primarily by individuals. They also note that many
ATV users use trails in a responsible and courteous manner, recog-
nizing that the bad behavior of a smaller number of individuals can
result in environmental damage and user conficts. In coordina-
tion with Island Trails Network (ITN), the ATV Club and others,
ATV users can participate in more organized trail maintenance
and improvement efforts, particularly for those trails identifed as
highest priority for restoration or enhancement. ATV users also have
expressed an interest in and will be encouraged to distribute infor-
mation about proper stewardship of trails and surrounding areas.
Such information could be distributed by ATV dealers, guides who
use ATVs to access fshing and hunting areas and lodges, any orga-
nized ATV user groups and others.
Strategies to Address ATV Use Issues
A variety of strategies related to trail access, management, use,
improvement and education are included as a part of this plan. Many
are relevant to ATV use and include:
Support efforts by the Bureau of Land Management and
Native organizations to mark, manage and enforce use of 17b
easements.
Continue to improve trail users awareness of requirements
associated with 17b easements through coordinated distribu-
tion of information from BLM, the Borough, Native property
owners, ATV user groups or clubs, the US Coast Guard and
others.
Continue to support efforts to improve 17b easements through
trail hardening or other projects in coordination with the Island
Trail Network, Kodiak Soil and Water Conservation Service,
NRCS, BLM and others.
Coordinate with Native Groups in providing information about
permitting or other systems for using trails on privately owned
land. Such information could be included on the Boroughs Web
site, in trail users handbook, disseminated to trail user groups
and others.
Continue to update trail maps as information about the loca-
tion and condition of publicly accessible trails is provided,
highlighting information about land ownership associated with
trails and surrounding areas and any restrictions for specifc
types of trail users.
Provide information about permitting processes and use restric-
tions by providing Web site links or contact information for
Native Corporations, state and federal agencies and others.
Continue to work with partnering agencies and groups to
prepare and provide educational materials related to trail
access, private property owner rights and responsible steward-
ship of trails and surrounding areas.
Develop a set of procedures for managing or permitting trail
access or use on any Borough-owned trails.
Coordinate with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources
and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game regarding appro-
priate measures associated with trail access and use on state
lands, including trail routing, permitting, signage and design;
document the results of these efforts; and communicate the
results to trail users and other residents and visitors in Kodiak.
Work closely with ATV users and user groups to encourage
participation in recommended communication and steward-
ship programs identifed in the KIB Trails Plan, including the
following:
Community Trails Summits
Trail Issues Reporting
Trail User Etiquette Guidelines
Share the Trail PSAs
Youth Mentoring Programs
Snowmachine/ATV Safety Class
Tread Trainers Program
Trail Work Days
Work with the US Coast Guard to implement strategies
designed to improve Coast Guard personnel understanding
of trail impacts, regulations and strategies and to reduce their
impact on trails and surrounding areas. This will require
ongoing, annual efforts to inform and educate new Coast Guard
members as they arrive in Kodiak.
Free downloadable posters (www.treadlightly.org)
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
62 | alta planning + design
Confict Management Strategies/Programs
This section contains programs recommendations to support the
Kodiak Island Borough Road System Trails Master Plan (Plan). These
recommendations have been designed to support the following Plan
objectives found on pages 14-16:
1D: Form Public/Private Partnerships with local organizations
and non-profts to perform trail maintenance and seek grant
funding opportunities.
2E: Minimize negative impacts on surrounding private property
owners by attempting to modify trail user behavior through
education and other programs outlined in this plan.
2I: Increase public knowledge of legal public trails on Kodiak
Island.
3E: Promote trail recreational opportunities to residents and
visitors.
3H: Encourage volunteer efforts for trail development and
maintenance.
3K: Support and promote a Safe Routes to School Program.
4B: Encourage the formation and continued growth of trail user
groups such as the Snow Bruins, Emerald Isle Off Road Club,
ATV Club, Audubon Society, and Island Trails Network.
4C: Develop and distribute a Trail User Guide to promote
maximum public knowledge of the trail system and reduce user
conficts.
6B: Promote peer enforcement through existing and future trail
user groups to self-enforce improper trail behavior that could
lead to trail damage or conficts with other users.
Programs were chosen based on input from the community through
the frst public meeting, project stakeholder interviews, and
numerous KIB Parks & Recreation Committee Meetings.
6.4.5 Program Recommendations
Community Trails Summits
The Borough Parks and Recreation Committee should organize
semi-annual Community Trails Summits to allow all trail users to
share ideas, coordinate activities, identify issues, and brainstorm
solutions. The Community Trails Summits will take advantage of the
relationships formed during the writing of this Plan, and will be an
important tool for continued progress on implementing this Plan. All
Kodiak residents should be invited to attend, and trail user groups
(the Snow Bruins, Emerald Isle Off Road Club, ATV Club, Audubon
Society, Island Trails Network and representatives of the Native
Corporations) should attend to promote their group and to develop
work plans and identify grant opportunities. It is envisioned that
the summits would focus on summer and winter trail related activi-
ties and issues in April and October respectively. Summits should be
designed and organized to make progress in addressing and imple-
menting specifc plan recommendations (as opposed to more general
discussion of issues that have already been resolved through this
planning process). Small group work sessions are recommended to
meet this objective.
User Groups Targeted:
All trail users
Trail Issues/Conficts Reporting
Allowing trail users to report problems will help to identify issues
that need further work and resolution. The Kodiak Island Borough
should provide a phone hotline supported by an answering machine
and a web form that is publicized on trailhead signs, in the Trail
User Guide, and through the KIB website. Reported issues should be
reviewed monthly by the Borough Parks & Recreation Committee
and if necessary be shared with appropriate user groups for imme-
diate action (e.g. reports of an abandoned vehicle could be forwarded
to the Emerald Isle Off Road Club with support from the Borough,
locations of trail damage could alert Island Trails Network or other
group to focus the efforts of trail crews and work days). Records
of user conficts should be tracked anonymously and shared with
local user groups. Responsible use of lands (private and public) may
guarantee continued and expanded use, while irresponsible actions
could lead to trail closures by public agency land managers and
private landowners. A summary of issues and conficts should be
reviewed during the Community Trails Summits to identify trends
and develop preferred solutions and partnerships. Large numbers of
similar complaints should be discussed by the Parks & Recreation
committee and a strategy developed for resolution.
User Groups Targeted:
All trail users
Growing Snowmachine and ATV clubs
Snowmachine/ATV clubs are an important voice for motorized trail
users. In Kodiak, the Snow Bruins, the Kodiak ATV club, and the
Emerald Isle Off-road Club would beneft from more members and
volunteers. Clubs have the opportunity to promote responsible trail
use, self-police undesirable trail etiquette, help members understand
and minimize negative environmental outcomes, marshal members
to volunteer at work days, and to reach out to new and potential
members. Common club activities include trail building, grooming
& maintenance; peer outreach and education; youth mentoring
programs; and teaching snowmachine/ATV safety. Club representa-
tives should be invited to become Tread Trainer certifed trainers.
User Groups Targeted:
Winter: Snowmachines
Summer: ATVs, off-road vehicle enthusiasts
Sample Programs:
Anchorage Snowmobile Club
Curry Ridge Riders (South Denali)
Alaska ATV club
Anchorage Snow Machine Club meeting
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 63
Trail User Etiquette Guidelines
Develop trail user etiquette guide-
lines (including skiers, snowmachine
users, ATV riders, mountain bikes,
dog walkers, hikers, etc.) and post on
visible trail locations such as trail-
heads as well as in the Trail User
Guide. Clubs should be encouraged
to share the guidelines with their
members, such as by posting them
on their websites. See Appendix
H for sample Trail User Etiquette
Guidelines that can be modifed for
Kodiak. These etiquette guidelines
could be framed to build on the
Lester Lightfoot materials already in
existence.
User Groups Targeted:
Winter: Skiers, snowshoers,
snowmachine users
Summer: ATVs, hikers, bicy-
clists, equestrians, dog walkers
Sample Programs:
US Forest Service, Central
Oregon
Kodiak Trail User Guide
A Kodiak Trail User Guide will be
developed containing maps, trail user
etiquette guidelines, safety tips, and
a list of resources (such as information
about the Borough Parks and Recreation Committee and the trail
issues reporting hotline). The Trail User Guide should be considered a
living document and should live on the Borough web site. An abbrevi-
ated version of the Trail User Guide should printed and distributed
through snowmachine and hiking clubs, the Coast Guard, schools, at
the Community Trails summit, at snowmachine/ATV safety classes,
through city programs (e.g. at library & city hall), and at retailers
that sell outdoor equipment.
User Groups Targeted:
Winter: Skiers, snowshoers, snowmachines
Summer: ATVs, hikers, bicyclists, equestrians, dog walkers
Share the Trail PSAs
Multiple organizations have created Public Service Announcements
(PSAs) for TV, radio & print that are free and ready for distribu-
tion. Alaska Trails, Tread Lightly, and the International Snowmobile
Manufacturers Association all have many resources that could beneft
Kodiak trail users. Kodiak Borough Parks and Recreation should
consider airing radio PSAs on KMXT, KRXX, and KVOK, TV PSAs
on and KMXT-LP, and print ads in the Kodiak Daily Mirror. Print-
ready posters are also available and should be distributed at city
buildings, at local outdoor recreation shops, and to local clubs.
User Groups Targeted:
Winter: Skiers, snowshoers, snowmachines
Summer: ATVs, hikers, bicyclists
Sample Programs:
Alaska Trails PSAs
Tread Lightly PSAs
Snowmobile.org PSAs
Youth Mentoring Programs
Mentoring programs are an excellent way to model responsible
snowmachine and ATV use through teaching kids. The most likely
groups to implement this will be the Snow Bruins, the Emerald Isle
Off Road Club, and the ATV Club. Clubs should work through youth
clubs and afterschool activities, and should teach children about trail
user codes of conduct, snowmachine/ATV rules and responsibilities,
and safe handling skills, followed by group excursions to practice
skills. Similar mentoring programs can be developed for mountain
biking or skiing if local volunteers are available. Tread Lightly! has
existing youth outreach materials and videos that can be used for
many different activity types. See also Snowmachine/ATV Safety
Class, below.
User Groups Targeted:
Winter: Snowmachines
Summer: ATVs
Snowmachine/ATV Safety Class
Because snowmachines and ATVs are powerful vehicles, it is impor-
tant to teach potential users about how to handle these machines
safely. Snowmachine/ATV safety classes teach participants about
vehicle parts, maintenance and operations; riding skills and risk
avoidance; dealing with emergencies; rules, regulations, trail user
Anchorage Snow Machine Club meeting
Lester Lightfoot brochure in Kodiak
Play Nice PSA Posters downloadable at www.treadlightly.org
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
64 | alta planning + design
codes of conduct; and safe interactions with other trail users. The
International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association also has
created a Safe Riders! campaign that includes a 22-minute safety
training video. Campaign materials can be ordered from the
Snowmobile.org web page. Classes are usually aimed at adults, but
youth classes can be taught as well. The class also should be offered
to Coast Guard personnel.
User Groups Targeted:
Winter: Snowmachines
Summer: ATVs
Sample Programs:
Minnesota State safety class
Wisconsin Snowmobile Safety
certifcation
Snowmobile.org operator education
Coast Guard program
Trail recreation is a popular recreation activity for Coast Guard
personnel stationed in Kodiak. Because the base population changes
over regularly, it is important to ensure that they receive proper
information and training about winter and summer trails recreation.
Kodiak Borough Parks and Recreation should work with the Coast
Guard Morale, Welfare & Recreation (MWR) program to distribute
the Trail User Guide, to publicize Snowmachine/ATV safety classes,
and to share information about existing trail user clubs. This could
be done as part of the welcome packet provided to all new Coast
Guard personnel, as well as at other regular intervals. The Trail User
Etiquette Guidelines should be shared with partners on base, and the
Coast Guard should be invited to develop similar trail user guide-
lines (see Northern Lights Snowmobile Club for an example of Base
Snowmachine Regulations). MWR staff should be invited to partici-
pate in the Tread Trainers program, and to attend the Community
Trails Summits.
User Groups Targeted:
All user groups
Sample Programs:
Northern Lights Snowmobile Club (Eielson AFB)
Tread Trainers Program
Tread Lightly! offers a highly-regarded 8-hour Tread Trainer course
designed to provide a crash course on outdoor ethics focusing on
motorized recreation. Participation in the course qualifes individuals
to present the Tread Lightly! message to others in their state or
region. Participants will work with Master Trainers or Tread Lightly!
staff on understanding the role outdoor ethics plays in the recreation
community, learn the Tread Lightly! principles of responsible recre-
ation, and be provided with the tools to conduct workshops and coor-
dinate community outreach. The Tread Trainer course is designed to
help volunteers promote the message of responsible recreation where
lands are protected, safety is a top priority, and everyone enjoys the
experience of being outdoors. Courses discuss different communica-
tion strategies to spread the message in situations from one-on-one
trail meetings to presentations and promotions at events. There are
seven current Tread Trainers in Alaska. Members of trail user clubs
and Coast Guard MWR representatives should be invited to partici-
pate in the Tread Trainers program.
User Groups Targeted:
All user groups
Sample Programs:
Tread Lightly!
Trail Work Days
Volunteer groups (such as the Snow Bruins, Emerald Isle Off Road
Club, ATV Club, Audubon Society, and Island Trails Network) often
organize trail work days to build and maintain trails, pick up litter,
and check for environmental damage. It may be benefcial to schedule
regular volunteer work days where the whole community is invited to
participate in improving the trails network. These work days would
provide a good opportunity for trail users to get to know each other,
for clubs to publicize their mission and reach potential members,
and for Borough Parks and Recreation to publicize programs and
resources (such as the Trail User Guide or upcoming safety classes).
Partnerships may also be formed with Native Corporations where
trail users could work on trails on privately owned land. Such event
could showcase trails on native lands, and potentially generate
permit sales and more responsible use.
User Groups Targeted:
All user groups
Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School is a national movement that helps children
walk and bicycle to school to improve their health. Kodiak area trails
offer an opportunity for more children to be active through education
and encouragement activities. Statewide funding is available for local
Safe Routes to School efforts.
The Kodiak Borough Parks and Recreation should initiate a project
with the Kodiak Island Borough School District to begin a Safe
Routes to School effort. Suggested next steps include:
Tread Trainer programmaterials available at www.treadlightly.org
Island Trails Network installs geoblock
Patch to signify training in Minnesota
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 65
The Borough should host a Safe Routes to School training and
invite school administrators, staff and teachers; parents and
neighbors; transportation engineers and planners; community
health professionals; and community and nonproft groups
who may be interested. The goal of the training should be to
give participants the knowledge they need to identify school
champions and form school teams who can take the lead on Safe
Routes to Schools planning and implementation at each school.
As school teams mature, the Borough should serve as a resource
to help identify appropriate funding sources and assist in
seeking funding.
The Borough should consider hosting a regular coordina-
tion meeting and/or a steering committee for all parties in the
region who are working on Safe Routes issues. The Borough
could work with the KIB School District to track efforts and
participant contact information and maintain an e-mail list for
dissemination of meeting notices and reports, funding opportu-
nities, event coordination, etc.
Eventually, the Borough should create or assist with the
development of a School Transportation Plan for each school.
A walkabout (also known as a bicycle and pedestrian audit)
should be used to assess walking and biking conditions of
streets adjacent to elementary schools. Parents, students,
neighbors, and city planners and/or traffc engineers should be
invited to join in the walkabout. Safety concerns, issues, and
ideas should be recorded.
After each bicycle and pedestrian audit is conducted, maps for
each elementary school showing recommended routes to reach
school, along with high-traffc intersections and routes to avoid,
should be produced and distributed to students and parents.
As a fnal step, an initial infrastructure improvement plan
should be produced for each elementary school, including cost
estimates and a prioritized project list. This infrastructure
improvement plan will serve as a blueprint for future invest-
ments, and can be used to apply for further grant funding.
User Groups Targeted:
Schoolchildren and their parents
Sample Programs:
Alaska Safe Routes to School Program
6.4.6 Private Property Issues and Acquisition
Opportunities
One of the most important issues to be addressed in implementing
the Trails Master Plan will be how to address issues related to access
via and impacts on private property adjacent to trails. This encom-
passes a number of specifc issues, including:
Access via 17b easements that cross private land
Access across private land where no 17b or other easement
exists
Many trails located on public land in the Kodiak area can only
be accessed via private property. In many cases a 17b easement
provides this access across private property within a defned corridor.
Federal regulations (43 CFR 2650.4-7) describe the guidelines used to
establish the easements which are maintained by the federal govern-
ment (Bureau of Land Management).
17b easements are intended to provide access across private Native
lands and along public waterways. New 17b easements can be created
according to ANILCA SEC 903 (b) ACQUISITION OF FUTURE
EASEMENTS. 17b easement categories include:
25-foot Trail: Uses allowed on a 25-foot wide trail easement are
travel by foot, dogsled, animals, snowmobiles, two and three-
wheel vehicles, and small all-terrain vehicles (under 3,000 lbs.
gross vehicle weight).
50-foot Trail: Uses allowed on a 50 foot wide trail easement
are travel by foot, dogsled, animals, snowmobiles, two and
three-wheel vehicles, small and large all-terrain vehicles, track
vehicles and four-wheel drive vehicles.
60-foot Road: Uses allowed on a 60 foot wide trail easement
are travel by foot, dogsled, animals, snowmobiles, two and
three-wheel vehicles, small and large all-terrain vehicles, track
vehicles, four-wheel drive vehicles, automobiles, and trucks.
1-Acre Site: The uses allowed on a site easement are: vehicle
parking (such as aircraft, boats, all-terrain vehicles, snowmo-
biles, cars, and trucks), temporary camping, and loading or
unloading. Temporary camping and loading or unloading is
limited to 24 hours.
Because many easements were never marked or surveyed, over time
use has fowed outside of the original easement. For example, while
travel may be permitted within a 25-foot corridor in a given location,
people have ultimately used or impacted an area much larger than
this (e.g., reportedly up to 250 feet wide in some cases in the Kodiak
area). Because many easements are located in stream corridors or
other wet areas, this has caused environmental degradation and other
adverse impacts on private land adjacent to the easements (littering,
damage, etc.). Areas with state grazing leases such as Narrow Cape,
Pasagshak, and Saltery Cove also experience erosion from livestock
such as cattle, bison, and horses.
Several strategies are recommended to address the issues associated
with 17b easements described above:
Support efforts by the Bureau of Land Management and
Native organizations to mark, manage and enforce use of 17b
easements.
Continue to improve trail users awareness of requirements
associated with 17b easements through coordinated distribu-
tion of information from BLM, the Borough, Native property
owners, ATV user groups or clubs, the US Coast Guard and
others.
Safe Routes to School programparticipants
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
66 | alta planning + design
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Continue to support efforts to improve 17b easements through
trail hardening or other projects in coordination with the Island
Trail Network, Soil and Water Conservation Service, BLM and
others.
As noted previously, 17b easements were created through the Alaska
Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA). In addition to trails asso-
ciated with 17b easements, there are many other trails within the
Borough located on privately owned land (primarily Native owned
land) that people have historically used for recreational purposes
but which have no public easement. A number of these trails are
located on land owned by the Leisnoi Corporation which has
begun to enforce use of its lands through a permitting, monitoring
and enforcement program, following a recent legal decision that
confrmed Leisnois status as a Native Corporation.
From the publics perspective, these have become commonly used
trails which many people would like to continue to use. From the
landowners perspective, use of these trails represents trespassing
on private property. Some have compared it to walking or driving
through someones front yard. While the Borough does not have any
direct authority or jurisdiction of use of trails on private property,
it can help work with landowners, trail users and others to try to
resolve these issues in a way that strengthens opportunities for trail
use and creation of a trail system in the Borough. These strategies
may include:
Coordinate with Native groups in providing information about
permitting or other systems for using trails on privately owned
land. Such information could be included on the Boroughs
Web site, in the trail users handbook, disseminated to trail user
groups and others.
Pursue Borough acquisition of land or public easements for
high priority trails. During the Trails Master Planning process,
Native groups have expressed a willingness to discuss potential
land sales, easements or land exchanges for trails. For example,
the Borough currently owns land near Chiniak within Leisnoi
land that could be potentially swapped for Leisnoi sites that
have more pressure for public access such as Termination Point.
Decisions about such issues would typically made by the Native
Corporation Board based on a proposal by the Borough. In
general, the decision-making process would entail:
Borough submittal of a proposal for acquisition of land or an
easement over Native-owned land.
Review and discussion by the Native Corporation Board at
its next available meeting (Boards typically meet monthly
or quarterly).
Request for more information about the proposal and
possibly a presentation by or further negotiation with
Borough staff.
Additional discussion and a recommendation by the Native
Corporation Board.
Process to formalize and adopt any resulting agreement
by both the Native Corporation Board and the Borough,
possibly through an action by the Borough Assembly.
To the extent the Borough identifes high priority trails or trail
connection where acquisition of land or a public easement is recom-
mended, the Borough should initiate this process with the relevant
Native Corporation. A similar process could be undertaken with
other non-Native landowners.
Thirteen preliminary private property acquisition sites were identi-
fed by the KIB PRC. Of the 13 sites, only Termination Point (Leisnoi)
was rated a top priority. The remainder should be pursued as interest
and resources allow. The full list includes the following (not currently
listed in order of priority with the exception of Termination Point):
1. Termination Point (Leisnoi)
2. Boy Scout Lake (half way between the City of Kodiak and the
USCG base Natives of Kodiak)
3. Broad Point (the point of land between Middle Bay and Kalsin
Bay- Leisnoi)
4. Cascade Lake (Anton Larson Ouzinkie Native Corp)
5. Chiniak Lake (at the eastern tip of Chiniak - Leisnoi)
6. Cliff Point (just past Womens Bay - Leisnoi)
7. Long Island (off-shore City of Kodiak Leisnoi)
8. Mayfower Beach (in Kalsin Bay Leisnoi)
9. Middle Bay Flats (head of Middle Bay Leisnoi)
10. Penenga Bay (just north of Termination Point - Leisnoi)
11. Salonie Creek (a thin sliver of land just beyond Borough owned
land T29S, R21 W- Leisnoi)
12. Sequel Point (more land around this 17b site easement- Leisnoi)
13. Swampy Acres (between town and Coast Guard Base Natives
of Kodiak)
Working with landowners can help trails continue past land boundaries
Termination Point was listed as a priority for many at the public workshops
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 67
Chapter 6 - Recommendations
6.4.7 Recommended Kodiak Island Borough Code
Changes
The Boroughs Zoning and Subdivision ordinances regulate the use
and division of land within the Borough, including on privately
owned land (including Native Corporation lands), as well as land
owned cities and the Borough. The Boroughs ordinances can support
implementation of the KIB Trails Plan in the following ways:
Recognize the KIB Trails Plan as the operative policy document
associated with construction, improvement and maintenance of
trails in the Borough
Make sure trails are listed as a permitted (or at a minimum
conditional) uses along with parks and open space in all zones
Require proposed trail locations or easements to be shown
on land division plats as part of the subdivision and platting
processes
Refer to the KIB trails plan (or other relevant document) for
design standards and guidelines associated with trail construc-
tion and improvements
Consider requiring trails to be constructed or easements to be
granted as part of the development process, consistent with
proposed trail improvements identifed in the Trails Plan
A number of potential revisions to the ordinances will be needed to
address these objectives, given the degree to which the existing code
language does (or doesnt) already meet them.
Update informational requirements in sections 16.40 and
16.50 to require inclusion of information about the location of
proposed trails and/or easements. These sections currently
require that a variety of types of information be included on
preliminary and fnal plats. While requirements include
information about roads, other rights-of-way and easements
generally, they do not make any mention of trails or easements
for trails. It is recommended that specifc references to trails or
easements for trails be included in these sections (e.g., sections
16.40.040.F, 16.40.040.G, 16.50.020.D). It is also recommended
that trails be included in language related to dedications in
section 16.50.050.
Add trails to the list of potential dedication requirements
in Section 16.40.070. Currently, this section states that the
Borough may require dedication of easements for rights-of-
way and sewer, water, utility and access easements within the
subdivision as a condition of approval. While rights-of-way
would be expected to include roads and trails, we recommend
this section be updated to specifcally list roads, trails and
other public rights-of-way.
Update Section 16.70 to add trails to the list of potential
improvements required. Trails should be added to the list
of potential improvements in 16.70.010. Specifc language
regarding when trails would be required and the extent to
which applicants would be responsible for constructing or
paying for trails also should be addressed in this section. This
language should reference the KIB Trails Plan and address
issues related to the nexus between requirements for trails and
benefts to residents of new subdivisions to ensure that the
Borough addresses potential takings issues.
Update section 16.80 or add a new section to reference or
include design standards for trails. This section currently
includes standards for road improvements. It could be updated
to include standards for construction of new trails or improve-
ments to trails or could simply reference standards in the
KIB Trails Plan. Typically, we would recommend the latter
approach. That way the code will not need to be updated if the
Borough decides to make changes to trail design or construc-
tion standards.
Update lists of permitted and conditional uses within section
17.10 to include trails as permitted uses. Currently many of
these sections list parks and playgrounds as permitted or
conditional uses (e.g., section 17.100.020). These provisions
should be updated to identify parks, trails and playgrounds
as permitted or conditional uses. Generally, it is recommended
that trails be outright permitted uses in all zones (even if parks
and playgrounds are conditional uses in those zones) unless
trails would be considered an incompatible use in any of those
areas.
Update section 17.155 (Additional Setback Requirements) as
needed to identify setbacks for trails. This section of the code
currently applies only to property adjoining Mill Bay Road
between Center Avenue and Rezanof Drive East or Mission
Road between Center Avenue and Benny Benson Drive. If
needed, a new subsection could be added to address any needed
setbacks from trails or trail corridors.
Update Defnitions sections (sections 16.20 and 17.25) to include def-
nitions for trails and any related terms included as part of the code
amendments identifed above. Any new terms not already defned in
these sections should be added.
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68 | alta planning + design
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Chapter 6 - Recommendations
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 69
7. Implementation
Plan
7.1 Roles and Responsibilities
While this Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan has been
prepared with KIB guidance and resources, it cannot be implemented
without the actions of a variety of community partners. The Borough
has limited jurisdiction over the majority of trails used by Borough
residents and visitors and does not have the resources to implement
all of the recommendations in this Plan. The KIB can act in large part
as a coordinator or convener of other trail planning, improvement
and maintenance efforts, but ultimately others in the community
will need to commit to sharing in the implementation of the Plan.
Following is a summary of actions proposed for other agencies and
community groups. Inclusion of these efforts in this plan does not
obligate other entities to complete these actions but serves as a frame-
work and starting point for further discussion between the Borough
and others about how best to implement this Plan.
7.1.1 Trail Planning and Mapping
Having taken the lead in preparing this Plan, the Borough is a logical
choice for coordinating future trail planning and mapping efforts.
While the KIB may be responsible for constructing or maintaining a
fairly limited number of trails (those directly under its jurisdiction),
the Borough should continue to play in a role in coordinating future
trail planning and mapping efforts based on the guidance provided
in this plan. Proposed Borough responsibilities towards this end
include:
Serve as a clearinghouse for information about proposed trail
planning or improvement plans being undertaken by other
entities, including the Island Trails Network, US Coast Guard,
Alaska Department of Natural Resources and Native groups.
The Borough should regularly communicate with these groups,
solicit information about their activities and compile and
communicate them to trail users and partnering groups
Continue to update trail maps as information about the loca-
tion and condition of publicly accessible trails is provided. This
could be done in a variety of ways
Creation and publication of maps by the KIB GIS
department
Creation of a Trail Map and Conditions Web site that incor-
porates mapping data, as well as photos or other informa-
tion uploaded by trail users
Publication of a regular trails planning newsletter (e.g.,
quarterly or semi-annually) that summarizes recent
or proposed upcoming trail planning or improvement
activities
Continue to update the KIB Trails Plan as needed to address
changing conditions, policy refnements, new trail standards,
development of new trail or user confict management strategies
or other development; the Borough should establish a timeline
for minor and major Plan updates.
Other groups in the Borough can support the KIB in these efforts.
Examples include:
The Island Trails Network (ITN) may continue to support the
Borough in trail mapping efforts. Its members also can provide
invaluable help in documenting and describing trail condi-
tions and the need for future trail improvements. As the ITN
completes trail improvement efforts, it can provide relevant
information to the Borough to help improve mapping and
descriptive data about those trails.
The Audubon Society currently publishes one of the most
comprehensive Trails Maps available to Borough residents
and visitors. This map helps inform people about the loca-
tion of trails in Kodiak and is an important source of revenue
for Audubon. Borough trail mapping efforts are not meant to
supplant or replace the Audubon Societys map; however, the
trail location data collected through this Plan is more accu-
rate and may help map users locate trails more effciently. The
Borough and Audubon Society should work together to enhance
the Audubon Societys map where possible (e.g., improving
descriptive information about how to access specifc trailheads,
something that would be particularly useful for visitors to
Kodiak). The Borough can continue to support distribution
of the Audubon Societys map. As with ITN, Audubon Society
members can provide invaluable help in documenting trail
conditions and issues.
7.1.2 Trail Maintenance and Stewardship
While the Borough can help promote and coordinate some main-
tenance and stewardship efforts, it does not have the resources or
the jurisdiction to take the lead in maintaining trails within the
Borough in the absence of a new, dedicated, stable and ongoing source
of funding. As a result, it will have to rely on a variety of trail user
groups and land owners or other public agencies to lead these efforts.
Stewardship and maintenance by these groups will help foster a
sense of ownership and pride in trails in Kodiak, creating an added
incentive for them to continue these efforts.
A number of groups already take an active role in such efforts, regu-
larly organizing members and volunteers to participate in mainte-
nance and improvement projects. These include the Audubon Society,
ATV Club, Island Trails Network, US Coast Guard, Snow Bruins
and the Emerald Isle Off-Road Club. Native groups also are actively
engaged in promoting good stewardship of the 17b easements that
traverse their property and in maintaining or improving these trails.
The US Coast Guard and Alaska DNR and ADF&G should also play a
role in these efforts.
Specifc actions and responsibilities could include:
The ITN should continue to work with other community
partners to plan for and implement trail improvement projects,
consistent with its Strategic Plan, previous and ongoing efforts.
Recent projects have included creation and improvement of
trails on Near Island and trail hardening on the Lake Miam
trail.
The Audubon Society currently organizes regular hikes,
primarily during the summer months during which members
engage in trail maintenance activities. Audubon could continue
to conduct these activities and possibly expand them to orga-
nize some dedicated trail maintenance work parties during the
summer. Audubon also prepares and distributes pamphlets on
stream and wetland impacts from trail use. This is an impor-
tant element of trail stewardship efforts.
ATV users note that they currently assist in maintaining and
improving ATV trails although the majority of these efforts
appear to be conducted primarily by individuals or small
groups. In coordination with ITN and others, ATV users should
participate in more organized trail maintenance and improve-
ment efforts, particularly for those trails identifed as highest
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
70 | alta planning + design
priority for restoration or enhancement. ATV users are also
encouraged to distribute information about proper steward-
ship of trails and surrounding areas. Such information could
be distributed by ATV dealers, guides who use ATVs to access
fshing and hunting areas and lodges, any organized ATV
user groups and others. This topic is also addressed in the
Communication section.
The US Coast Guard should be a key player in promoting good
stewardship of trails on the Island. The Coast Guard has a
constantly changing population which accesses trails to desti-
nations all over the island, including from Coast Guard-owned
property near the Coast Guard base. A variety of stakeholders
commented that improving understanding and stewardship
among members of the Coast Guard is one of the most impor-
tant strategies for managing trail use in the Borough. Specifc
opportunities include:
Continue to actively participate on the KIB Park and
Recreation Committee.
Provide information about trail use and management in
Coast Guard welcome packets.
Provide additional information about trail use and steward-
ship during Coast Guard orientation activities.
Provide trail use information as part of the Coast Guards
health and wellness program activities.
Create opportunities for Coast Guard members to partici-
pate in trail maintenance or improvement opportunities
as part of any community service requirements or optional
activities.
Establish a Coast Guard trails advisory committee that
could provide feedback to the Coast Guards PRC represen-
tative regarding other opportunities for the Coast Guard to
participate in trail stewardship, maintenance and educa-
tional activities.
Specifc requests can be made directly (in writing) to the
Base Commander by the Borough or other organizations to
hold events, perform trail maintenance, or other activities.
Native groups have a vested interest in maintaining trails
and surrounding lands. They can be expected to continue
to monitor trail use on and near their lands, particularly in
conjunction with existing 17b easements. They can assist in
stewardship through management and enforcement of trail use
and access requirements, distribution of information about the
importance of trail stewardship and minimizing impacts to
natural resources and private property, and partnering with the
Borough and others to help coordinate trail maintenance activi-
ties as needed.
Kodiak College and Kodiak Island Borough School District.
One of the keys to improving future use and stewardship of
trails is to instill these values in young people. Educational
programs can have a signifcant impact in promoting and
modeling good behavior among young people and their
parents and creating habits and ideals that last into adulthood.
Towards this end, the Borough should encourage the College
and School District to develop educational programs that focus
on the importance of using trails in a sustainable manner and
incorporate opportunities for students to help maintain and
improve trails through feld trips, in-class activities and volun-
teer efforts. Examples could include trash pickup, design of
trailhead signs, student trail maintenance work parties or a
trail ambassador program. All of these efforts will promote a
sense of ownership by young people of Kodiaks trails and help
them encourage their peers and others to treat trails and associ-
ated land and resources in a respectful manner.
The Alaska DNR and ADF&G should continue to help monitor
conditions of trails on state lands and assist in trail mainte-
nance in these areas in coordination with user groups and the
Borough.
7.1.3 Trail Use Management and Permitting
As noted elsewhere in the Trails Master Plan, the majority of trails
in the Borough are not located on Borough-owned land and the
Borough does not have jurisdiction or authority over use or access
to them. More typically, trails are located on privately owned land
(the majority of which is owned by Native corporations) or state or
federally owned land. These entities typically implement some type
of system to allow for the access to and use of trails on their land.
Following is a summary of current programs that govern trail use and
access.
17b easements on Native-owned land. These easements have
been established by the Bureau of Land Management as part of
the ANCSA process. They allow people to use the easements for
travel or short-term camping (depending on the type of ease-
ment). No permit is required to use a 17b easement but there
are restrictions on the use of such easements, depending on
the type and width of the easement as described in Chapter 6
of this Plan. Native land owners typically do not allow use of
areas outside the 17b easement without authorization through a
permitting system or other means.
Other private land. In some cases, Native Corporations or other
private land owners allow for use of trails on their land through
a permitting or other process. Following is a brief summary of
such programs as of the date of preparation of this plan:
The Leisnoi Native Corporation has recently established
a permitting system to use and access its land. Leisnoi
requires preparation and submittal of a permit form (brief,
one-page form), with fees of $5 per day, $15 per quarter or
$60 per year for day use access, and $15 per day for camping
in designated areas only. These permits only cover non-
motorized use outside 17b easement areas. Leisnoi does not
allow for motorized vehicle access (including ATVs) outside
of 17b easements.
Leisnoi signs posted in 2009 along their boundary with the road system
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 71
The Natives of Kodiak, Afognak Native Corporation and
Ouzinkie Native Corporation have created a consolidated
permit system for access to their lands on Afognak Island,
Kodiak Island, Raspberry Island, and Whale Island. Spruce
Island is off-limits to all non-shareholder activities except
visiting Monks Lagoon for religious purposes. Native
shareholders may access these areas with a valid sharehold-
ers card. Non-shareholders are required to obtain a land
use application to access land in these areas. Applications
are available online at the Afognak Native Corporation Web
site at https://www.afognak.com/pages/land_use_applica-
tion.php. The cost of these permits varies by duration,
proposed use of the permit and whether or not the appli-
cant is an Alaska resident. Three-day land use permits
(excluding overnight camping) cost $50 while annual
permits which also allow for overnight camping and deer
hunting cost $125. Elk and or bear hunting permits range
from $150 for an annual elk hunting permits for Alaska
residents to $1,625 per year for permits for bear and elk
hunting for non-residents. Land use permits subject users
to a variety of rules and regulations.
Koniag, Inc., the regional Native Corporation in the Kodiak
area, owns and manages surface land rights within the
Borough primarily in the vicinity of Karluk and Larsen
Bay and on the south side of Womens Bay. Koniag also
owns subsurface rights on a more substantial area within
the Borough generally coincident with local Native
Corporations surface land ownership. Koniag entered into
a conservation easement with the State of Alaska and the
US Fish and Wildlife Service in 2002. Terms of that agree-
ment include development restrictions and use regulations
for Koniag, as well as allowing the US Fish and Wildlife
Service the right to manage all unguided (i.e. private) use
upon the land. The conservation easement provides oppor-
tunities for both guided and unguided users to recreate on
Koniag lands. Koniag charges fees for guided users ranging
from $150 per person for fshing and other recreation
(excluding hunting) to $1,500 per person for guided bear
hunting. For unguided use in the Karluk and Larsen Bay
areas, the US Department of Fish and Wildlife requires
prospective users to complete a permit application form but
there is no charge for the permit.
The Ouzinkie Native Corporation owns and manages a
large area of land including area to the north of Termination
Point, Pyramid Mountain, Anton Larsen Bay and reaching
back to the south near the Jack Lakes Area. Access by non
shareholders or descendents is prohibited on Ouzinkie
lands. The property is patrolled by air and enforced. As
noted above, access to Afognak Island can be granted by
permit.
Federal Land Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge. Much of the
land in Kodiak (1.9 million acres) is within the Kodiak National
Wildlife Refuge, with access managed by the federal govern-
ment and subject to federal rules and regulations. Permits are
required for commercial operators to access land and trails
within the Refuge, including commercial guiding and outftting
operators (hunting, fshing, wildlife watching, river trips). A
permit is not required for the general public to visit the wildlife
refuge to engage in wildlife-dependent recreational activi-
ties such as wildlife watching, hunting, fshing, photography,
environmental education, interpretation, hiking, and camping.
Visitors must comply with all pertinent refuge regulations,
State and Federal laws, and State hunting and fshing regula-
tions. Information about special use permits and regulations
for use of land within the refuge can be found at the Refuges
Web site (http://alaska.fws.gov/nwr/kodiak/index.htm) and at
the Refuge offce at 1390 Buskin River Road. While the Kodiak
National Wildlife Refuge is accessible by trails originating
from the Kodiak road system, it is considered too remote to be
considered as part of the planning area for this Road System
Trails Master Plan.
Federal Land US Coast Guard. USCG-Kodiak Base is the
largest US Coast Guard Base in the United States, encom-
passing approx 22,000 acres spread over non-contiguous
lands that includes Main Base, Aviation Hill, Buskin Lake
area, Spruce Cape, Sergeant Creek aggregate, Russian Creek
aggregate, Happy Beach, Holiday Beach, Narrow Cape, and
some portions of Anton-Larsen area, Buskin Recreation area,
Cliff-Point, Cape Chiniak Cape & Sitkinak Island. This
land provides access to a number of popular trails and other
areas used by hikers, cross-country skiers and four-wheelers,
including Old Womans Mountain, Barometer Mountain and
the area near the Coast Guard ski chalet, among others. The
Coast Guard is currently establishing formal public access poli-
cies as there are many areas within base lands that have unique
uses and may require differing access policies. In general, public
ATV access is prohibited. Hiking, skiing and other non-motor-
ized access may be acceptable uses provided users adhere to
tread lightly ideals and do not enter posted or gated restricted
areas. Hunting and shooting are not permitted on base. The US
Coast Guard also provides their base property at Spruce Cape
to the US NAVY SEALS. Public access is not permitted to this
property.
Koniag sign
The US Coast Guard has a large number of advisory signs along base property
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
72 | alta planning + design
Other Federal Land. The BLM manages approximately 24,000
acres of land within the Borough. There are no access restric-
tions or permitting requirements for BLM lands.
State of Alaska. Most trails on state owned land in the Borough
are found in state parks such as Fort Abercrombie State Park.
These trails are open to the public with no formal permitting
or access requirements. Trails in state parks are designated for
non-motorized use only. The Alaska Department of Natural
Resources also identifes a number of generally allowed uses of
state land in a fact sheet published by the Division of Mining,
Land and Water. Generally allowed uses include hiking,
backpacking, skiing, climbing, and other foot travel; bicycling;
traveling by horse or dogsled or with pack animals. They also
include Using a highway vehicle with a curb weight of up
to 10,000 pounds, including a four-wheel-drive vehicle and a
pickup truck, or using a recreational-type vehicle off-road or
all-terrain vehicle with a curb weight of up to 1,500 pounds,
including a snowmobile(or other tracked vehicle), motorcycle or
ATV, on or off an established road easement, if use off the road
easement does not cause or contribute to water quality degrada-
tion, alteration of drainage systems, signifcant rutting, ground
disturbance, or thermal erosion. (Curb weight means the
weight of a vehicle with a full tank of fuel and all fuids topped
off, but with no one sitting inside or on the vehicle and no cargo
loaded. Most highway rated sport utility vehicles are within the
weight limit as are most small ATVs, including a basic Argo.)
City of Kodiak. The 23 miles of existing Urban trails within
Kodiak City Limits are described in Chapter 3. Trails are open
to the public. The use of Off-road vehicles is prohibited within
City limits on roads, trails and within watershed locations
(including drainage areas, catchment areas and basins).
Kodiak Island Borough. Trails within Borough land are gener-
ally open to the pubic with no restrictions unless posted.
Popular trail areas within Borough lands include the Russian
Ridge area, Jack Lakes and the back end of Womens Bay.
In a number of other areas, public access easements have been created
for trails on state land. These include Saltery Cove Road and trails
in the vicinity of Sequel Point and Kizhuyak Bay, among others.
Requirements associated with public access easements are governed
by Alaska Revised Statutes (RS) 2477 and Alaska Administrative
Code Division 11, Section 51 (11 AAC 51). In addition the Kodiak
Area Plan, adopted by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources
in 2004 includes policies associated with public access and trails
on state land. The Plan includes general policies that apply to all
areas governed by the Plan, as well as policies specifc to geographic
sub-areas.
For example, the Plans general goals related to trails and public
access are:
Trails. Maintain, enhance or provide adequate access within areas of development
and between areas of current or future development.
Public Access. Maintain, enhance, or provide adequate access to public and
private lands and resources. Provide for future trail and access needs. Protect or
establish trail corridors to ensure continued public access.
The Plan also includes a number of more specifc guidelines associ-
ated with trails and public access that are applicable to all areas of
Kodiak. In addition, the Plan describes conditions in and manage-
ment guidelines for specifc areas, including the Pasagshak, Lake
Miam and Saltery Drainages. In describing these areas, the Plan
notes that (this) area has experienced intense dispersed recreation pressure, and
this is expected to worsen over time. Most of this is associated with the use of All
Terrain Vehicles (ATV) trying to access the wildlife and fshery resources of this
area for the purposes of hunting and fshing. Much of this activity occurs along the
old Saltery Cove Road, which traverses areas of private land along the American
River for the frst 4-5 miles before entering state land and then continuing through
a valley before ending at Saltery Cove and Saltery Creek/Lake. Other less intense
areas of ATVuse include the drainage of the Olds River and its extension south-
ward to Lake Miamand Portage Bay. This activity has resulted in increasing pres-
sure for remote recreational cabins, hardened campsites, and various other types
of public recreation facilities. It has also resulted in the development of a multitude
of individual ATVtrails, some of which cross and degrade anadromous fsh stream
spawning and rearing habitat, and in increasing conficts between recreation and
commercial grazing.
The Kodiak Area Plan states that Management units within these drainages
are to be managed to maintain this balance (of dispersed recreation and grazing)
and are co-designated Grazing and Public Recreation Dispersed. Grazing
operations and recreational uses are to be conducted to avoid confict between
recreational uses and livestock operations, and to avoid impacts to wildlife, sensi-
tive fsheries, and habitat. State land is to be retained, land disposals of all types
(residential, commercial, and industrial) are prohibited, and authorizations for
residential, general commercial and industrial uses are considered inappropriate
with certain exceptions. Lakes Pasagshak, Miam, and Saltery, as well as certain
streams, are to be protected through setback and non-disturbance requirements.
In those areas where a recreational use could affect grazing and if the use requires
an authorization fromDNR, such authorizations are to address the actual and/
or potential confict between recreational users and grazing operations. These
authorizations shall include best management practices designed to preclude such
confict or mitigate impacts to levels that permit the existing and reasonable levels
of new recreation uses to continue.
In describing specifc management strategies for these areas, the
Plan also states that Navigation, public safety, some forms of communication
facilities, and materials extraction for the purpose of improving ATVtrails are
permitted. The use of ATVs is recognized as a traditional means of access to and
within this unit and their future use is considered appropriate if consistent with
state regulations and statutes pertaining to their operation. DNRwill coordinate
with the Kodiak Island Borough in the development of a comprehensive trails plan
and should implement those recommendations pertinent to routing, signing, and
design, to the extent consistent with statute and state administrative code. All
other Generally Allowed Uses of state land are authorized.
In order to reduce impacts on wildlife and fshery resources in this
area, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has identifed and
established specifc locations for crossing fsh-bearing streams in
these and other drainages within the Borough. These locations and
associated restrictions have been established through a series of
General Permits for vehicle stream crossings that pertain to vehicles
weighing less than 10,000 pounds, including ATVs. Vehicles are
required to use these stream crossing locations. Restrictions and
maps of the vehicle crossing locations are specifed in the General
Permits. Beyond these restrictions, the state does not currently
provide for any other specifc permitting or access requirements
associated with the use of public access easements within Kodiak.
Existing permitted stream crossings are shown on all maps.
Understanding how to access trails within the Borough and the
limitations on use in certain areas will be extremely important to
trail users including both residents and visitors. While the Borough
generally does not control access to most trails, it can help inform
people about trail access and management issues and help ensure that
people access and use trails and surrounding areas in a responsible
manner. Borough responsibilities could include the following, some
of which are described elsewhere in this plan in more detail.
Continue to update trail maps as information about the loca-
tion and condition of publicly accessible trails is provided,
highlighting information about land ownership associated with
trails and surrounding areas.
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 73
Provide information about permitting processes and use restric-
tions by providing Web site links or contact information for
Native Corporations, state and federal agencies and others.
Continue to work with partnering agencies and groups to
prepare and provide educational materials related to trail
access, private property owner rights and responsible steward-
ship of trails and surrounding areas.
Develop a set of procedures for managing or permitting trail
access or use on any Borough-owned trails.
Coordinate with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources
and the Department of Fish and Game regarding appropriate
measures associated with trail access and use on state lands,
including trail routing, permitting, signage and design; docu-
ment the results of these efforts; and communicate the results to
trail users and other residents and visitors in Kodiak. State land
is going to be where the brunt of the activity will occur. Having
a clear understanding and discussion with the state on issues
of multiple trails, damage to trails and improvement to trails is
needed.
7.1.4 Communication
Communication about trail planning, maintenance and stewardship
activities will be essential to successful implementation of the KIB
Trail Plan. A variety of ideas related to communication have already
been discussed in the preceding section in terms of trail mapping,
public education and stewardship activities. A variety of stake-
holders in the trails planning process recommended that the Borough
take the lead as a convener and communicator in implementing the
Trails Plan. While the Borough may not take the lead in building and
maintaining trails, it makes sense for the Borough to lead communi-
cation efforts as the entity responsible for preparing and ultimately
updating the KIB Trails Plan. Specifc communication strategies may
include:
Continue to maintain a Trails Plan Web site and use it as a
repository of information about trail use and conditions. It
could include updated trails maps prepared by the Borough or
others, photos showing trail conditions or trail use or manage-
ment issues, proposals for new trails or trail improvements,
and links to trail access information or requirements by Native
groups or state or federal agencies. This website should also
link to popular lists, and online forums where current Kodiak
residents are already sharing trail information such as The
Kodiak Snow Report (http://kodiaksnow.proboards.com/)
where forum topics already cover winter trails, summer trails,
and kayak, raft and surf conditions.
Work closely with partnering groups such as ITN, the Audubon
Society, ATV user groups, Native organizations, the Coast
Guard and others to maintain a fle or repository of information
prepared and distributed by those groups which can then be
distributed to other interested parties on request.
Prepare a quarterly or semi-annual electronic newsletter
that summarizes current and future proposed trail planning,
improvement or maintenance activities. Distribute the news-
letter through an interested parties e-mail list and through
liaisons within partnering organizations.
Work with the Kodiak Daily Mirror and local radio stations to
publicize information about trail planning and improvement
issues and activities.
Conduct Trails Summit meetings twice yearly to resolve trail
conficts and make further progress in implementing the Trails
Plan. If a trails confict originated on KIB lands, the problem
will be identifed during the Summit, then taken to the Parks
& Recreation committee, to Planning & Zoning and then on to
the Assembly. Results of the Trails Summits should be distrib-
uted via the Trails Plan Web site, regular newsletters and other
venues discussed above and elsewhere in this Plan.
7.2 Project Prioritization
The project recommendations presented in Chapter 6 represent a
complete and rehabilitated trail network that fulflls the project
vision: The purpose of the Kodiak Road System Trails Plan is to
ensure continued access and maximum use of trails by all citizens.
As noted previously in this chapter, while the Kodiak Island Borough
does not have direct control over trail development on Kodiak, it can
assist in other ways to develop projects.
This section summarizes the methodology for prioritizing recom-
mended improvements to the Kodiak Island Borough urban and
road system trail network. Prioritizing these projects will assist the
community in identifying high priority projects and provide a foun-
dation for implementation phasing. This prioritization methodology
does not constitute a suggested CIP list. Instead, it applies standard-
ized criteria and customized weighting (provided by the KIB Parks
and Recreation Committee) to identify projects that may provide the
most positive impact to Kodiak residents. Actual implementation will
likely vary in priority or timing to some degree as specifc funding
sources or community priorities arise. This prioritization frame-
work relies upon facility-based criteria, i.e. where the trail is and
how it relates to its surroundings . The trail prioritization is broken
The Trails Master Plan Project Website could be a template for the Borough to follow
The trails planning process proved that hundreds of Kodiak residents are interested in
improving the trail system.
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
74 | alta planning + design
down into two main categories: Urban Trails within and nearby the
Kodiak city limits, and Road System Trails. It is important to rank
and score these trail-groups separately because of the intrinsic differ-
ences in how the trails function, are used, and relate to the Kodiak
community.
7.2.1 Scoring Criteria: Urban Trails
Urban trails are the trails that serve the urban core of Kodiak and its
immediate residential and commercial properties.
Proximity to Schools
To encourage more students to walk and bicycle to school, proposed
facilities that connect to/or travel within mile of schools would
qualify for this prioritization criteria.
Connectivity to Existing Facilities
Bicycling, walking/hiking and general recreation is usually greater
along areas where the activity is supported by a formalized trail or
facility. Creating connectivity to an existing trail/ facility enables
more trips to be made and provides multiple routes for reaching their
destination. Facilities that connect to an existing trail will receive
this scoring criterion.
Connectivity to Proposed Facilities
In addition to the existing trail network, the Kodiak Road System
Trails Master Plan will be proposing the addition of many projects
throughout the island (adjacent to the road system). While not as
immediately effective for trail continuity, facilities that connect to
proposed facilities will help create a robust network. Proposed facili-
ties that intersect with other proposed facilities will be awarded this
criterion.
Connections to Activity Centers
Activity centers are the major trip-driving destinations within
Kodiak (e.g. parks, commercial districts, large employment centers,
etc.). By increasing trail accessibility to major activity centers, the
Trail Master Plan can reduce traffc and support residents and visi-
tors who choose to bicycle or walk for transportation. Projects that
connect to these centers qualify for this prioritization criteria.
Level of Effort
Many factors contribute to the overall cost to implement a trail.
Length, materials, topography, natural features, labor and design all
factor into the overall level of effort. Less complicated trail projects
will score higher for this criterion.
Public Input
The Kodiak Trail Master Plan has engaged the public through the
public workshops and mapping exercises. Feasible recommended
projects with demonstrated public endorsement will qualify for these
prioritization criteria.
Use-Intensity
Some road system trails support higher levels of use than others.
Because of their popularity, these trails are a more signifcant compo-
nent of the Kodiak trail system and can serve a greater amount of
people through their improvement. Trails with a projected high use-
intensity will qualify for this scoring criterion.
Land Ownership
The feasibility of developing a trail can vary dramatically depending
on the existing underlying land ownership. Trails within public
lands or within public rights-of-way will generally be easier to imple-
ment than trails over private lands or military lands. Trail projects in
public lands will be rated higher for this criterion.
7.2.2 Scoring Criteria: Road System Trail
Maintenance Recommendations
Road System trails are facilities that branch off of the road network
serving areas of the island not directly connected to the urban core of
Kodiak. Criteria listed below will be used to rank impacted sections
of existing trails for future maintenance and reconstruction.
Excessive Grade
Trails can have a variety of grade changes based on existing and
proposed alignments. Excessive grades can lead to an increased need
for maintenance and diffculties in construction. Trails that do not
feature excessive grade (above 15 percent) will meet this criterion.
Eroded Trail
Some trails are prone to erosion based on layout, design, or frequency
of use. In order to mitigate the adverse impacts of trail use on the
immediate environment, trails must be designed and maintained to
withstand erosion. Trails that have higher levels of erosion will meet
this criterion.
Impacted Wetland
Many of the Road System Trails in Kodiak are located in close prox-
imity or adjacent to Kodiaks wetlands. Wetlands are inherently
sensitive to the environmental impacts of trail use. When a trail is
not maintained or designed to support frequent use, it can have nega-
tive consequences for the surrounding environment. If a Road System
Trails alignment will likely affect a wetland area, it will meet this
criterion.
Muddy/Inundated
Because of Kodiaks unique coastal/tropic climate, trails have a
tendency to become muddy/inundated without proper design and
maintenance. Trails in this condition discourage use and provide less
value to the trail network. Trails that are prone to these conditions
will rate high in this area so that they can be addressed and corrected
to promote active use.
Cost of Effort
Previously discussed in the Urban Trails section same criterion to
be used for Road System Trails.
Public Input
Previously discussed in the Urban Trails section same criterion to
be used for Road System Trails.
Use-Intensity
Previously discussed in the Urban Trails section same criterion to
be used for Road System Trails.
7.2.3 Scoring Measures
The criteria discussed in the previous section will be applied to
each facility based on its trail group. The project will be assigned a
numeric value to the degree it meets the criteria requirements. The
criteria values are outlined in Table 16 and Table 17. The criteria
scoring (multipliers) can be modifed by Borough preference to
emphasize, or de-emphasize its relationship to the overall trail
network. Table 16 and Table 17 show the prioritization ranking
according to the scoring criteria.
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 75
Table 16: New Trail Project Criteria Scoring and Weight
Criteria Score Multiplier Total Description
Proximity to
Schools
2 2 4 Direct access to a Kodiak school.
1 2 2
Secondary access to a Kodiak school (within 1/4
mile).
0 2 0
Does not directly or indirectly access a Kodiak
school.
Connectivity -
Existing
2 3 6 Direct access to an existing trail.
1 3 3 Secondary connectivity to an existing trail.
0 3 0
Does not directly or indirectly access an existing
trail.
Connectivity -
Proposed
2 1 2 Direct access to a proposed trail.
1 1 1 Secondary connectivity to a proposed trail.
0 1 0
Does not directly or indirectly access a proposed
trail.
Connectivity -
Activity Centers
2 3 6
Connects to a major trip-driving destination in
Kodiak.
1 3 3
Secondary connectivity to a major trip-driving
destination in Kodiak.
0 3 0
Does not directly or indirectly connect to a major
trip-driving destination in Kodiak.
Public Input
2 1 2
Trail was identied by the public as desirable for a
future facility (multiple times).
1 1 1
Trail was identied by the public as desirable for a
future facility (once).
0 1 0
Was not identied by the public as desirable for a
future facility.
Level of Effort
2 2 4 Trail will be relatively easy to fund.
1 2 2 Trail will require minor funding.
0 2 0 Trail will require major funding.
Use Intensity
2 3 6 Trail will be heavily used.
1 3 3 Trail will be moderately used.
0 3 0 Trail will be used sparingly.
Land Ownership
2 3 6 Trail lies on Public lands
1 3 3 Trail lies on military (USCG or USN) property
0 3 0 Trail lies on Private land
Table 17: Trail Maintenance Rehabilitation Criteria Scoring and Weight
Criteria Score Multiplier Total Description
Public Input
2 2 4
Trail was identied by the public as desirable for
a future facility (multiple times).
1 2 2
Trail was identied by the public as desirable for
a future facility (once).
0 2 0
Was not identied by the public as desirable for
a future facility.
Excessive Grade
2 2 4 Trail does not have excessive grade.
1 2 2 Trail has minor grade change.
0 2 0 Trail has major grade change.
Eroded Trail
2 2 4 Trail has major portions of erosion.
1 2 2 Trail has minor portions with erosion.
0 2 0 Trail does not have erosion.
Impacted Wetland
2 3 6 Trail will have major impact on wetlands.
1 3 3 Trail will have minor impact on wetlands.
0 3 0 Trail will not impact wetlands.
Muddy/Inundated
2 2 4 Trail is majorly susceptible to muddy conditions
1 2 2 Trail is minimally prone to muddy conditions.
0 2 0 Trail is not prone to muddy conditions.
Cost of Effort
2 1 2 Trail will be relatively easy to fund.
1 1 1 Trail will require minor funding.
0 1 0 Trail will require major funding.
Use Intensity
2 3 6 Trail will be heavily used.
1 3 3 Trail will be moderately used.
0 3 0 Trail will be lightly used.
Connectivity
Existing
2 2 4 Direct access to an existing trail.
1 2 2 Secondary connectivity to an existing trail.
0 2 0
Does not directly or indirectly access an existing
trail.
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
76 | alta planning + design

Table 18: Urban Trails Prioritization
Category Corridor Limit 1 Limit 2
Length
(Ft)
S
c
h
o
o
l
s
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
v
i
t
y

-

E
x
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s
t
i
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g
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
v
i
t
y

-

P
r
o
p
o
s
e
d
A
c
t
i
v
i
t
y

C
e
n
t
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r
s
C
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s
t

o
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f
f
o
r
t
P
u
b
l
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c

I
n
p
u
t
U
s
e
-
I
n
t
e
n
s
i
t
y
S
c
o
r
e

T
o
t
a
l
WEIGHT 2 3 1 3 2 1 3
New Sidewalk Antone Rezanof Lilly 2627 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 23
New Sidewalk KANA Connector Rezanof Benny Benson 1485 1 2 2 1 1 0 2 21
New Trail KANA Connector Rezanof Benny Benson 1859 1 2 2 1 1 0 2 21
New Trail Mallard Otmeloi Antone 24 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 21
New Trail Mallard Otmeloi Antone 1346 2 1 2 1 2 2 1 21
New Trail Spruce Cape Benny Benson Mill Bay 8366 0 1 2 2 1 2 2 21
New Trail Powell Mill Bay Rezanof 964 2 0 1 2 2 0 2 21
New Trail Under Island Bridge Mission Marine 79 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 20
New Trail Under Island Bridge Mission Marine 132 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 20
New Trail Under Island Bridge Mission Marine 136 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 20
New Trail Mission Kashevaroff Erskine 284 1 0 2 1 2 2 2 19
New Trail RezanofDr Connector Rezanof Boatyard Path 130 0 0 2 2 2 1 2 19
New Trail RezanofDr Connector Rezanof Boatyard Path 127 0 0 2 2 2 1 2 19
New Trail RezanofDr Connector Rezanof Boatyard Path 1813 0 0 2 2 2 1 2 19
New Trail Library Access Rezanof Egan 1170 2 0 0 1 2 1 2 18
New Trail Benny Benson Rezanof Spruce Cape 390 0 1 2 2 2 0 1 18
New Trail Marine Tagura Mission Beach 30 1 0 2 2 1 0 2 18
New Trail Marine Tagura Mission Beach 5850 1 0 2 2 1 0 2 18
New Trail Mission Road Connector Coastal Footpath Mission Road 117 0 0 2 2 0 1 2 15
New Trail Mission Road Connector Coastal Footpath Mission Road 89 0 0 2 2 1 2 15
New Trail Mission Road Connector Coastal Footpath Mission Road 198 0 0 2 2 0 1 2 15
New Trail Monashka Bay Otmeloi Abercrombie 3480 0 0 0 2 0 2 2 14
New Trail Spruce Cape Trails Spruce Cape Woodland 12 0 0 2 1 2 1 1 13
New Trail Russian Ridge Trails Monashka Bay Pillar Mountain 8204 0 0 2 1 0 2 2 13
New Trail Russian Ridge Trail Russian Ridge Trails Hillside Drive 4085 0 0 2 1 0 1 2 12
New Trail Russian Ridge Trails Monashka-Pillar Mtn Lakeview 91 0 0 2 1 0 1 2 12
New Trail Russian Ridge Trails Russian Ridge Trails Beaver Loop Ln 2250 0 0 2 1 0 1 2 12
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 77
Category Corridor Limit 1 Limit 2
Length
(Ft)
S
c
h
o
o
l
s
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
v
i
t
y

-

E
x
i
s
t
i
n
g
C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
v
i
t
y

-

P
r
o
p
o
s
e
d
A
c
t
i
v
i
t
y

C
e
n
t
e
r
s
C
o
s
t

o
f

E
f
f
o
r
t
P
u
b
l
i
c

I
n
p
u
t
U
s
e
-
I
n
t
e
n
s
i
t
y
S
c
o
r
e

T
o
t
a
l
WEIGHT 2 3 1 3 2 1 3
New Trail Russian Ridge Trails Russian Ridge Trails Beaver Loop Ln 1275 0 0 2 1 0 1 2 12
New Trail Spruce Cape Trails Spruce Cape Woodland 321 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 11
New Trail Von Scheele Beaver Lake Beaver Lake LP 287 0 0 1 1 2 0 1 11
Upgrade Existing Sidewalk Dog Salmon Bay Rotary Bay Park South End Park 1928 0 0 0 2 1 0 1 11
Upgrade Existing Trail Russian Ridge Trails Monashka-Pillar Mtn Lakeview 1774 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 10
Upgrade Existing Trail Spruce Cape Trails Benny Benson Mill Bay 2719 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 9
Upgrade Existing Trail Spruce Cape Trails Spruce Cape Woodland 2564 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 9
Upgrade Existing Trail Spruce Cape Trails Spruce Cape Woodland 4349 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 9
Upgrade Existing Trail Russian Ridge Trails Monashka Bay Monashka-Pillar Mtn 2272 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 9
Upgrade Existing Trail Russian Ridge Trails Monashka Bay Monashka-Pillar Mtn 16 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 9
Upgrade Existing Trail Russian Ridge Trails Monashka Bay Pillar Mountain 9 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 9
Upgrade Existing Trail Russian Ridge Trails Monashka-Pillar Mtn Beaver Lake 2325 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 9
Upgrade Existing Trail Russian Ridge Trails Russian Ridge Trails Beaver Loop Ln 7 0 0 2 1 0 1 1 9
New Sidewalk Selief Ln City Limits Von Scheele 6400 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 9
Upgrade Existing Trail Russian Ridge Connector Monashka Bay LF Russian Ridge Connector 157 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 8
Upgrade Existing Trail Russian Ridge Connector Monashka Bay LF Russian Ridge Connector 8901 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 7
Upgrade Existing Trail Russian Ridge Connector Monashka Bay LF Russian Ridge Connector 36 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 7
New Trail Selief Connector Selief Ct Larch St cul-de-sac 300 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 5
Table 18: Urban Trails Prioritization (continued)
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan
78 | alta planning + design
Table 19: Road System Trails Prioritization
Project Name

C
o
n
n
e
c
t
i
v
i
t
y

-

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x
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s
t
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e
-

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t
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n
s
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y
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x
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e
s
s
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e

G
r
a
d
e
E
r
o
d
e
d

T
r
a
i
l
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m
p
a
c
t
e
d

W
e
t
l
a
n
d
M
u
d
d
y
/

I
n
u
n
d
a
t
e
d
C
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s
t

o
f

E
f
f
o
r
t
S
c
o
r
e

T
o
t
a
l
WEIGHT 3 1 2 2 2 2 2 3
Sequel Point to
Sacramento River
Trail
0 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 21
Jack Lakes Area 0 0 1 1 2 2 1 1 17
Russian Ridge
Trail System
1 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 17
Swampy Acres/
Boy Scout Lake
0 0 1 1 1 2 2 1 17
Termination Point 0 2 2 1 1 0 1 1 15
Lake Miami/
Summit Lakes
Area
0 2 2 0 2 0 2 0 14
Saltery Cove Rd 0 2 2 0 2 1 1 0 14
Cliff Point 0 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 13
Burma Rd Trail 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 12
Old Woman Trail
(North)
0 0 1 1 2 1 0 0 10
Pyramid Mountain
Ski Chalet
0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 7
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Kodiak Island Borough
alta planning + design | 79
7.3 Potential Funding Sources
Table 20: Potential Funding Sources
Funding Source Information Requirements Deadline Contact
Federal
Forest Legacy Program The Forest Legacy Program protects environmentally important forest lands
threatened with conversion to non-forest use, such as a residential subdivision or
commercial development. Allow continued use of regular forest activities, such as
timber harvesting, hunting, shing, recreation and other traditional uses.
75 percent of the costs associated with acquiring
land. Remaining 25% must come from a non-federal
government source
varies Steve Neel
Alaska State Parks
550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1380
Anchorage, AK 99501-3561
Phone: (907) 269-8709
Fax: (907) 269-8907
Land and Water
Conservation Fund (LWCF)
Provides partial funding for the acquisition of outdoor recreation lands and/
or development of outdoor recreation facilities. LWCF can provide up to 50%
matching assistance for the cost of a project.
applications of no less than $100,000 and no more than
$500,000 federal share will be accepted
End of April Jean Ayers
Alaska State Parks
550 W 7th Ave., Suite 1380
Anchorage AK 99501-3561
phone: (907) 269-8694
fax: (907) 269-8907
State
Recreational Trails Program The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides reimbursable, matching funds
to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both
non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The RTP program also
provides funds for trail related environmental protection, safety and educational
projects.
n/a End of
November
Bill Luck, State Trails Coordinator
Alaska State Parks
550 W 7th Ave Suite 1380
Anchorage AK 99501-3561
907-269-8699; Fax 907-269-8907
[email protected]
Alaska Trails Initiative Senator Stevens brings the Alaska Trails Initiative to Alaska for Trail funding.
Competitive Alaska Trails Initiative grants are available for development and
reconstruction of trails and related facilities.
No funding request limits, requests should be made in
manageable increments of $50,000-$100,000 each.
June of each
year
Grants Administrator
(907) 269-8709
Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor
Recreation
550 W 7th Ave., Suite 1380
Anchorage AK 99501-3561
Fax: (907) 269-8907
Chapter 7 - Implementation
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80 | alta planning + design
Chapter 7 - Implementation
Snowmobile Trails Program Provides matching grant funds for trail easement acquisition, development and
maintenance of trails and trail-related facilities for snowmobile use.
n/a June 10
Due date
for posting
the Public
Notice
July 1, 2010
Grants Administrator
(907) 269-8709
Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor
Recreation
550 W 7th Ave., Suite 1380
Anchorage AK 99501-3561
Fax: (907) 269-8907
Transportation
Enhancement (TE) Program
-Alaska Department of
Transportation & Public
Facilities (ADOTPF)
TE is integrated into the
Statewide Transportation
Improvement Program (STIP)
There is no formal application for TE funds per se. The STIP process includes
nominations for community road and trail projects. The nominations are scored
and the highest ranked projects are included in the STIP. The State looks for
opportunities to use its TE funds on portions of STIP projects that are eligible for
transportation enhancement funding.
Local match is generally 10% but can be up to 20% for
some projects. To be considered for funding, a project
must have a resolution committing to provide the match,
or a match waiver signed by the Commissioner.
Two year
cycle.
Next cycle
2012-2013
Alaska
Peter Christensen
Capital Improvement Manager
Division of Program Development
Dept. of Transportation & Public Facilities
3132 Channel Drive
Suite 220
Juneau, AK 99801-7898
Tel: (907) 465-6988 Fax: 907-465-6984
[email protected]
http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/
cip_stip/index.shtml
Alaska Safe Routes to School SR2S funds can support both infrastructure and noninfrastructure projects in the
vicinity of schools.
Safe Routes to School funding is 100 percent federal
through SAFETEA-LU, SEC 1404; no match is required.
Applications are awarded by Alaska Department of
Transportation & Public Facilities (ADOTPF)
Submissions
accepted in
December
and July
Steve Soenksen
Alaska Safe Routes to School Coordinator:
[email protected]
http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/
saferoutes/grants.shtml
Local
Kodiak Island Borough Parks & Recreation General Fund. $30,000 is available annually. Funds could be
directed to assist with trail maintenance projects.
n/a n/a Bud Cassidy, CDD Director
(907) 486-9360
Kodiak Island Borough
Recreation Tax
Through ballot measures, KIB can pass a recreation tax to help fund the
construction and maintenance of trails
n/a Local
elections
typically
conducted
in March/
April
Alyce Houston
[email protected]
Phone: (907) 465-3021
Toll-Free: (866) 948-8683
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Chapter 7 - Implementation
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Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan

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Kodiak Road System Trails Master Plan

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