National Park Service Issues Finding of No Significant Impact on Herman Leirer Multi-Modal Trail Feasibility EA

Date: August 13, 2013
Contact: Sharon Kim, [phone]

The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Herman Leirer Road interagency multi-modal trail feasibility EA.Alternative B, the preferred alternative, was selected.This alternative for a meandering separated trail will allow NPS and other agencies to work toward a non-motorized trail designed and constructed for use by pedestrians, mountain bikes (bicycles), skiers and mushers.The trail will be a 10 to 12 foot wide soft surface pathway meandering farther from the road with a number of new trail bridges separated from the road.The approximately 8.2 mile trail will pass through public lands and right-of-ways managed by the State of Alaska, United States Forest Service, and National Park Service.

The purpose of the project is to increase the recreational opportunities and public safety along Herman Leirer Road.Project goals are to provide increased safety and a more enjoyable recreational experience for both trail users and road users by separating conflicting uses. This FONSI will serve as a common vision for state, federal, and local agencies as well as organizations to pursue funding for such a project by any number of sources. Funding the entire trail through a single funded project may not be possible and each agency may need to seek funding for their respective segments over a period of several years. The goal of this multi-modal trail which traverses across a variety of public lands and right-of-ways is to offer an outstanding visitor experience while protecting the resources over which each agency has responsibility. 

For additional information or to request a hard copy of the FONSI, please contact Sharon Kim at [phone] or [e-mail].