I recently read with frustration, a letter to the editor calling on citizens to “stop” consideration of a trail to improve access between Northern Lights Boulevard and the Anchorage Coastal Trail along the Fisk Creek Estuary. While the author acknowledged receiving information regarding an open and ongoing public process regarding the proposal, she chose to focus on one route under consideration. There are six possible trail variations, parts of which could be combined to balance access with habitat protection. Information available at fishcreektrail.com highlights that a trail connection in this area was identified in the Anchorage Areawide Trails Plan in 1997. In addition, when two conservation easements created the Fish Creek Estuary in 2004, construction of a future connector trail was specifically authorized. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities and Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Outdoor Recreation Department are now evaluating alternative routes to provide this trail link. It may ultimately be decided that a trail along the edge of the existing Alaska Railroad right-of-way would be the preferred route in this area.
Like the earlier letter writer, I am an avid cyclist and walker in Anchorage; I know the trails like the back of my hand. However, I realize that not every person in the city has the same capabilities when it comes to enjoying the outdoors, whether that be resources, time, or physical ability. By improving Anchorage’s trail connectivity, we can provide better access to the Coastal Trail for multiple neighborhoods and strengthen peoples bond with Alaska’s natural beauty.
The argument that the homeless population in Anchorage is reason enough to halt development of a vital piece of trail infrastructure is aggravating. Yes, there are areas of town where the homeless have taken up refuge, and our greenbelts are part of this system. However, part of this system are our streets, sidewalks, parks, practice fields, and other public facilities. Many of these amenities; Taku Lake, Kincaid Park, Far North Bicentennial Park, Fish Creek Trail, etc., combine public access and responsible environmental stewardship, giving “Anchorites” areas to recreate despite their proximity to fragile ecosystems.
I encourage my fellow Anchorage trail users, and lovers of the outdoors, to help provide access to our world class municipal trail system for more of our neighbors. The blessing of public multi-use trails should continue to be expanded with conservation and public health in mind. These two ideas are not mutually exclusive.
Unlike the previous letter author’s call to stop the public process for the Fish Creek Trail Connection Project, I plan to participate constructively to find a solution that balances habitat protection with sensible public access. I invite her to do the same.
— Justin Therriault
Anchorage
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