Alaska’s Statewide Trails Investment Strategy

The nonprofit organization, Alaska Trails, recognized that Alaska’s rich natural environment could help improve the health of residents, increase quality of life and further advance the state’s recreation economy. To evolve their vision, Alaska Trails requested assistance from the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) and 41 other public and nonprofit organizations. Together, the partnership developed the Statewide Trails Investment Strategy, a comprehensive strategic plan focused on ways to build on and expand trail infrastructure to help the state make the most of its outdoor recreation economy.

NPS-RTCA worked with Alaska Trails to evolve a statewide planning process. The planning team facilitated the participation of local communities, organizations and land management agencies, including the National Park Service. Together, NPS-RTCA helped partners navigate technical and land use issues.

The Statewide Trails Investment Strategy has been crucial in guiding state legislation, developing bond bills, and establishing community priorities and investments. There are numerous projects underway such as the Antler Ridge Trail which will link Healy, Alaska and Denali National Park to a larger system of trails. Already, $1 million dollars has been invested in the development and infrastructure of the Antler Ridge Trail concept.

With the Statewide Trails Investment Strategy, the network of public and nonprofit partners has a shared path forward and a strategy that can evolve with changing conditions and new visions.

Check us out!

For more than 30 years, the National Park Service – Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program  has been moving the needle on conservation and outdoor recreation in communities across America. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.