Present aerial view: Chilkoot recreation area. Alaska DNR photo
HAINES–Representative Bill Thomas and Alaska Department of Natural Resources representatives discussed proposed changes to the Chilkoot recreation area with a crowd that filled the Assembly chambers on Friday evening. DNR representatives included Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Director James King, Park Superintendent Mike Eberhardt, and Park Ranger Preston Kroes.
Thomas explained to the crowd that the proposals are conceptual at this point. The maps are not drawn with accuracy, and there is not yet any land ownership, archaeological or wildlife data taken into account. The purpose of the meeting is to exchange ideas. Some of the proposals at the start of the meeting included road realignment, changes in public access and parking.
Most folks agree that human-bear interaction will eventually lead to tragedy unless it can be controlled. A proposal to move the road away from the river was made more than three years ago.
The other major issue is ownership of the right-of-way. At present there is no clear authority over the road, with three agencies involved–Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Fish and Game. The result is confusion over the issues of enforcement authority and liability. The proposal includes the Alaska Division of Parks and Recreation taking over the area, with full responsibility and enforcement authority.
The diverse group in attendance presented creative and thoughtful ideas that could result in some positive changes. Although some ideas were in opposition to others, the crowd listened attentively to all suggestions. The following points were discussed during the meeting:
The present situation:
- The present road along the Chilkoot River is narrow, has few parking areas, no shoulder, and no safe bear viewing areas (the bears cross the road to get to the stream.)
- The present road cannot be widened or improved. It travels through an archaeological area and would involve either cutting into a bank that is, in part, a native burial ground; to widen the road away from the bank would involve large amounts of fill, partly in the river. Also there are limited options for parking along the road.
- Traffic congestion is one of the major issues. The narrow road, people stopped to watch bears, and inappropriate parking all add to the problem. It’s not uncommon to wait for extended periods to pass through the area when bears are present.
- Although a few fishermen use the east shore of the river, they have to hike considerable distance to their vehicles with their catch–a safety issue. Development on the east side of the river is not a option due to private native allotments and archaeological sites in the area.
- Bears were not always present in this corridor. The fish weir is an unnatural man-made addition to the stream that collects salmon and creates a feeding area for bears. If a bear mauling occurs this could be part of a liability issue for the state.
- The present volunteer bear monitors are generally effective at keeping people and bears apart, but one monitor is not enough. It takes multiple monitors to be effective when bears and people are present. Most people listen to the bear monitors and follow their suggestions.
- The Park Ranger supervises the bear monitors but he and the volunteers have limited authority since the area is not within a state park area.
- Some folks travel to and from the campground and/or boat launch at the lake, and they are generally not a significant source of the problem.
Re-routing traffic
- Although it was one of the first suggestions, there was general agreement that the present road along the Chilkoot River cannot be abandoned. The drive itself is spectacular, and viewing bears from vehicles is one of the primary reasons people make the drive. Fishermen rely on being able to park their vehicles nearby while they are fishing, partly as a refuge from bears and also as a place to safely store their catch. Handicapped folks can view the bears from their vehicles. The audience was nearly unanimous in their opposition to closing the present road.
- According to ADF&G most bear activity is within 500 meters of the river and there are bear dens on the hillside above the river. Therefore, moving the road a short distance to the brow of the hill is probably a bad solution. Although bears range throughout the area, there appears to be somewhat less bear activity in the tundra areas farther inland, away from the river.
- One new suggestion viewed favorably by most folks was to make the road one-way, with another inland route leading away from the campground to the highway, making the drive a loop. This would cut traffic on the present road in half, eliminating some congestion.
- Another idea was to make the inland route between the highway and the campground two-way, keeping the idea of a one-way route along the river. This would allow Parks and Recreation to regulate traffic and other activities along the river without infringing on public access to the campground and boat launch at the lake.
- A few folks are against any additional roads or further development in the area.
Viewing platforms
- Elevated bear viewing platforms and walkways are used in some places to keep tourists and bears apart. There was no specific plan put forth, though the audience seemed generally receptive to the idea.
- Fishing platforms have worked in some areas of the state, though most folks present did not seem receptive to the idea.
Parking areas
- There is a need for parking areas, though space is limited.
- Handicapped vehicles require the equivalent of two parking spaces to allow wheelchair access to the side of the vehicle.
Conceptual map of the proposed Chilkoot State Recreation Area. Courtesy of Alaska DNR
The bigger picture
After the ideas regarding the Chilkoot River recreation area were discussed, Thomas showed the conceptual map for the entire proposed Chilkoot State Recreation Area. The map shows an outline of the area that includes all of Chilkoot Lake and land in the valley floor up to 6 miles above Chilkoot Lake, including part of the Eagle Preserve holdings, state forest lands in the valley bottom, and Connelly Lake.
Thomas said there are some uses including rights of way, a proposed railroad route, proposed hydropower, private inholdings, Eagle preserve, state forest and other issues that will need to be addressed as this idea is developed.
At the end of the meeting Mayor Jan Hill thanked Thomas and the other presenters. She said she has been to a number of work groups in Haines, and this is probably the most positive and productive meeting she has attended.
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