fairbanks north star borough trails advisory...

FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH TRAILS ADVISORY COMMISSION (TAC) MEETING AGENDA BLUE ROOM, AK CENTENNIAL ARTS BUILDING, PIONEER PARK

2300 AIRPORT WAY, FAIRBANKS, ALASKA AGENDA 6:00 P.M.

May 14, 2019

A. ROLL CALL

B. MESSAGES 1. Citizen’s Comments – limited to three (3) minutes 2. Disclosure & Statement of Conflict of Interest

C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

D. MINUTES

1. Minutes from April 9, 2019

E. PRESENTATIONS None.

F. COMMUNICATIONS FROM BOROUGH

G. ACTION ITEMS 1. TAC recommendations for establishing objectives for trail program priorities. 2. TAC recommendations regarding the State of Alaska’s refocusing of Recreational

Trails Program funds.

H. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 1. None.

I. COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Report from Trail Plan Revision Working Group—Jamie Hansen J. COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS K. AGENDA SETTING / NEXT MEETING

To be determined. L. ADJOURNMENT

Fairbanks North Star Borough 11920 Lathrop Street • PO Box 71267 • Fairbanks, Alaska 99707-1267 • (907)459-1070 FAX459-1072

FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH TRAILS ADVISORY COMMISSION

MINUTES April 9, 2019

A regular meeting of the Fairbanks North Star Borough (Borough) Trails Advisory Commission (TAC) was held in the Blue Room on the third floor of the Centennial Center for the Arts at Pioneer Park, 2300 Airport Way, Fairbanks, Alaska. In the absence of Chair Carol Kaynor, the meeting was called to order at 6:07pm by Vice Chair Richard Shideler. A. ROLL CALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Seth Adams Jerry Rafson Richard Shideler Helyn Lefgren Jamie Hansen John Morack Leslie Kitchin MEMBERS ABSENT: Carol Kaynor Geoffrey Orth Brian Accola OTHERS PRESENT: Bryant Wright, Trails Coordinator, FNSB Parks & Recreation Liz Lyke, Assembly Liaison, FNSB Assembly B. MESSAGES

1. Citizen’s Comments – limited to three (3) minutes • Stan Justice said the proposed rezone of the Shuros subdivision from rural residential to

outdoor recreation was heard by the Assembly. He was pleased to see it defeated by a 7-0 vote. The applicant intended to access the Jeff Studdert Sled Dog trails from this subdivision in order to conduct snowmachine tours on the trail system. The trails are designated “non-motorized” in the Trail Plan. He added that the report from the Community Planning department failed to mention the Trail Plan and its proposed use designation for this trail.

2. Disclosure and Statement of Conflict of Interest

• None. C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION to approve the agenda made by Commissioner Rafson and seconded by Commissioner Lefgren. Motion carried without objection. MOTION ADOPTED D. MINUTES Minutes from November 13, 2018. MOTION to approve minutes made by Commissioner Lefgren and seconded by Commissioner Kitchin.

MOTION ADOPTED

TAC Meeting Minutes April 9, 2019 P a g e | 2

E. PRESENTATIONS None. F. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE BOROUGH Mr. Wright provided updates on the following topics:

1. Proposed North College Road Subdivision

Staff has not yet received word from UA Land Management about their preferred route for the subdivision’s trail.

2. Fairbanks Winter Trails Challenge

The Winter Trails Challenge began on December 20 and ended April 1. This winter the program recorded a very high participation and completion rate: 255 people participated in the Challenge, logging 1,525 visits to the trails over the winter. Eagle Trail was the most-visited trail with 185 visits and Wickersham Dome trail in the White Mountains was the least visited with 44 visits. A total of 105 people finished the entire challenge by finding 10 or more trails. This more than doubles last winter’s number (41 finishers) and nearly matches last summer’s number (114 finishers). Warm weather, improved mapping and trail guide products, and a couple years of exposure under the belt have helped the program grow.

3. State Recreational Trails Program Funds Refocused

Mr. Wright shared a public notice from the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources stating that Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds will no longer be distributed to local governments and nonprofits for trail projects. Funds will instead be refocused solely to address trail needs within state parks. The State receives funds annually from the US Federal Highway Administration to spend on recreational trail development. The State allocates the funds statewide to projects selected through a matching grant program. Historically the grant program has been open to all providers of public trails, such as nonprofit organizations, local government and municipal park parks departments, and Alaska State Parks. Over about a decade the Borough’s Parks and Recreation Department has successfully implemented 10 RTP-funded projects on Borough trail systems at Tanana Lakes Recreation Area, Isberg Recreation Area, Skyline Ridge Park, and along the Chena Hot Springs Road Trail. Projects are typically in the $50,000-$100,000 cost range. The Parks Department has a steady annual rhythm of applying for funds to tackle a priority project. In the absence of a departmental budget to address major trail issues, this RTP grant has been the “bread and butter” of major trail rehabilitation and development for the Borough. The Parks Department will continue to pursue trail development and rehabilitation projects, but will have to look for others sources of funding. Other grant programs, such as those from the Rasmuson Foundation and State Department of Transportation, have been utilized successfully for local park projects. But these are not trail-specific, so the pool of competition is much larger and the likelihood of success smaller. This funding change does not appear to affect already-awarded projects that have yet to be completed. The Borough has received funds for additional work at Tanana Lakes Eagle Trail, which will commence this summer. Last year’s application for new hardened trail at Isberg Recreation Area has also been approved and will hopefully begin this fall.

Mr. Wright asked if the TAC would consider whether they had any recommendation to the administration regarding this funding change. Commissioners asked if this change was being considered or already in effect. Mr. Wright said the notice is definitively written.


Also, the State Trails Coordinator positions have been reduced. One coordinator has already left the State office and another is expected to retire at the end of the fiscal year. The decreased capacity in positions to coordinate the grant is possibly part of the reason for consolidating the program to within State agencies. Commissioner Adams serves on the State Parks Outdoor Recreation Trails Advisory Board that adjudicates the grant applications. He confirmed that reduced coordinating capacity is a likely reason for refocusing funds. He expressed concern about the department’s ability to even administer the funds throughout State Parks. He mentioned that while the State Parks trails are in need of maintenance, they are in much better condition than trails in the community. He preferred to see assistance go to trails near where people live rather than more distant state parks like Chena Rec Area. Commissioner Shideler recommended that someone from the commission pen a recommendation to urge the State to allocate funds to organizations outside of state parks.

FNSB Assembly Liaison Liz Lyke asked how this would affect planned projects and which projects would now not get done due to this fund reallocation. Mr. Wright said that two upcoming projects, the reroute of the Goldstream Connector between Skyline Ridge and the Goldstream Public Use Area, and the Farmer Mine trail connection of the Equinox Trail on Ester Dome, are now less likely to be funded in the near future. Applications to fund these projects were being prepared for the upcoming grant fund cycle.

G. ACTION ITEMS

1. New Business a. TAC trail recommendations regarding the proposed North College Road

Subdivision and associated reroute and dedication of the Jeff Studdert Sled Dog Trails—Carol Kaynor

MOTION to postpone the item made by Commissioner Shideler and seconded by Commissioner Lefgren. Motion carried without objection. MOTION ADOPTED

H. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS

1. Review Trail Plan Revision Working Group’s recommended updates to the Trail Plan—Jamie Hansen

Discussion: Commissioner Hansen gave an update on the working group, saying they had been meeting regularly through the spring. The small group operates efficiently. Commissioner Kaynor made further edits of those suggested by Tom Hancock’s past edits. The working group would now like the TAC’s input on those edits. Commissioner Lefgren added that the edits were mainly to get rid of old, out-of-date, or useless information. Commissioner Hansen said they want to add information about the TAC and the reason for its genesis. She highlighted a number of changes while reviewing the document with the commission. The goal is to make a more useful document with more operational instructions that can facilitate trail progress without having to change the Trail Plan again and again. They wanted to address barriers to progress, such as an existing requirement that a new trail’s inclusion in the Plan must be preceded by a formal user agreement for the proposed trail’s maintenance. They also suggested softening the language on rights-of-way acquisition. Ultimately, they thought the Plan could be a higher-level document and that details about


specific protocols (such as the Adopt-a-Trail program) could be developed in more specific companion documents. Commissioner Hansen said the working group addressed Commissioner Shideler’s concerns and request for clarity about rights-of-way acquisition and the Borough’s Title XVII subdivision code. When asked about Title XVII, Mr. Wright described some of the requirements of the Borough’s subdivision code. He noted that Borough code requires any public dedication, such as for a public trail, to go through the subdivision process and be recorded by plat. As this often requires surveying, it comes at quite a cost of time and money for the applicant. He said that other commonly used methods of providing public easements may conflict with Borough requirements. Commissioner Adams described the relatively easy process of providing a trail easement through a State of Alaska form, although it does not meet the requirement of the Borough who is the platting authority. Mr. Wright commented that the State and Borough’s lawyers are currently sorting through such inconsistencies in the dedication processes, but he is not aware of any resolution. Commissioner Hansen synthesized the issue as needing to remove barriers and make it easier to acquire or provide easements. Commissioner Shideler asked what the next steps are. Commissioner Hansen said the working group will approach the rest of the plan issue by issue, bringing in TAC feedback for each topic. Commissioner Shideler suggested members send their ideas to Mr. Wright, who reminded the TAC to work directly with him between meetings in order to comply with the Open Meetings Act.

2. Discuss TAC Priorities for FNSB Trails Program—TAC Members

Discussion: Commissioner Shideler read from the last meeting’s minutes that the three priorities for the trails program are: Securing public access, managing and maintaining public trails, and providing outreach and promoting proper trail use to help people use them. He focused on the first priority of getting public access to trails. Commissioner Lefgren suggested talking with the Planning Commission to come up with an easier way to dedicate trails to the public. Commissioner Rafson added that it should be easier to add trails to the Trail Plan so they can be protected in the subdivision process. Commissioner Shideler said the priority would be Category B trails. He thought nominating a new trail and pursuing its dedication would be a good case study in how feasible the process is now. Assembly Liaison Lyke suggested reading the Borough’s subdivision code closely to understand what the requirements are and where changes may need to be made to accommodate trail needs. Commissioner Kitchin highlighted the lack of any kind of “road map” on how to get trails dedicated or included in the Trail Plan. Commissioner Lefgren said that the three priorities are our goals and will help keep the TAC focused. Commissioner Shideler added that to move forward, the next step will be to establish objectives for each of the goals. That could be done by having working groups to address issues related to each of the priorities.

3. Discuss process for inviting trail user groups to Adopt-a-Trail—TAC Members

Discussion: Commissioner Lefgren suggested tabling this topic until the TAC is ready to discuss. It was agreed on by other Commissioners present to postpone discussing this topic.

I. COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Report from Trail Plan Rewrite Working Group—Jamie Hansen

Discussion: Commissioner Hansen said that most of the updates were addressed in Informational Item 1.


J. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

Commissioner Kitchin had no comment. Commissioner Lefgren had no comment. Commissioner Morack suggested that the “nonmotorized” signs at Skyline Ridge be removed. He wondered why the signs were installed and why the trail had not been changed from nonmotorized designation to a seasonal use designation. Commissioner Rafson thanked the working group for their efforts and Assembly Liaison Lyke for attending the meeting. Commissioner Adams thanked the working group for their efforts and Assembly Liaison Lyke for attending. He said he is on the board of the Interior Alaska Land Trust. He noted that Chinook Conservation Park off Chena Pump Road is still under development. The IALT is hoping to use Pittman-Robertson funds to purchase a lot across from the Ballaine Road pullout that will facilitate access to the Goldstream Valley trails including the Tanana Valley Railroad trail. Commissioner Hansen thanked the TAC for their comments on the proposed Trail Plan changes. She also thanked Assembly Liaison Lyke for attending the meeting. Commissioner Shideler was appreciative of the Trails Challenge event. He thanked Assembly Liaison Lyke for attending.

K. AGENDA SETTING May 14, 2019, meeting:

• Presentations: None. • Action Items:

• 1. TAC recommendations for establishing objectives for program priorities. • 2. TAC recommendations regarding the State of Alaska’s refocusing of

Recreational Trails Program funds. • Committee Meetings: Next Trail Plan Rewrite Working Group meeting April 30.

L. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Submitted by, R. Bryant Wright, Trails Coordinator FNSB Parks & Recreation

COMPREHENSIVE RECREATIONAL TRAIL PLAN

Adopted June 13, 1985 Ordinance 85-053

Revised March 26, 1987 Ordinance 87-021



Revised August 11, 1995 Ordinance 95-025

Revised January 28, 1999 Ordinance 99-002

Revised April 13, 2000 Ordinance 2000-22

Revised October 23, 2003 Ordinance 2003-73

Revised April 13, 2006 Ordinance 2006-24

FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH

Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan

I. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1

II. BACKGROUND AND TRAIL PLAN DEVELOPMENT ............................................................... 1

III. THE RECREATIONAL TRAIL PROGRAM................................................................................. 2

A. MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE TRAIL PROGRAM ............................................................ 2

1. Three-Category System of Trails ............................................................................................. 3

2. Adopt-A-Trail Program .......................................................................................................... 10

3. Trail Dedication Authority ..................................................................................................... 11

Figure 1: Summary of Recreational Trail Categories ............................................................................. 9

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I. INTRODUCTION

The Fairbanks North Star Borough (Borough) Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan (Trail Plan) assists the Borough and other public agencies in identifying and preserving recreational trail corridors within the Borough. and is an element of the Borough’s Comprehensive Plan. Trail related to outdoor recreation activities are particularly important to residents of interior Alaska. Some historic trails, originally used for hunting and mining, are now primarily used for recreation. Although the purposes and uses of some trail corridors may have changed over the years, the basic concept of traveling from one point to another in a relatively natural setting remains much the same. Trail recreation provides Alaska residents and visitors the opportunity to experience the outdoors as well as our frontier history. The recreational trails program is a cost-effective recreation investment for the Borough. By working with both public and private land developers to reserve existing trails and establishing an active volunteer program, costs of the program are minimal. As the recreational trails program continues to see more trails dedicated and identified for public use, the program increases year-round recreational benefits for the community. Key elements of the trail plan include: a three-category system of trails, an “Adopt-a-Trail Program,” and trail right-of-way dedication as provided by the Borough’s subdivision development ordinance. The Trail Plan also identifies priority trail corridors and a process by which additional trails can be added to the Trail Plan at the request of citizen groups. At the same time, because Eminent Domain powers cannot be used per Borough ordinance and circumstances surrounding trails may change with time, there is no guarantee that all trails included in the Trail Plan will become dedicated to the public in their entirety. For this reason, the Trail Plan should be considered a dynamic document which may change due to changing circumstances. Trail systems such as the existing Birch Hill Recreation Area that lie on dedicated public park land are included primarily to document existing available public trail systems. For any trails within the Trail Plan that have been adjudicated by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities as RS 2477 trails, the Borough will continue to secure agreements that recognize recreation and access as a co-use.

II. BACKGROUND AND TRAIL PLAN DEVELOPMENT Trail-oriented recreation in interior Alaska embodies the history and spirit of the Alaskan lifestyle and is well suited to the arctic environment. Trails that were originally established for mining access, logging roads, traplines, and other purposes have become natural corridors for trail recreation. Many of these routes remain cleared and useable because of their continued recreational use.1 During the planning process, trail recreation was continually identified in public meetings as a major concern. The public involvement processes for the Trail Plan, the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, and the State of Alaska Tanana Basin Area Plan all indicated very strong support for the preservation of recreational trails.

1 Tom’s comment: Note: See Dr Fix / SCORP for statistics.

Deleted: The Trail Plan has three

Deleted: k

Deleted: reason

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The Borough’s recreational trails program was formally initiated in February 1980 with the adoption of Resolution 80-9. This resolution established the policy for creation and management of a recreational trail system within the Borough. The adoption of this resolution was partly the result of continued public concern that recreational trails were continually being displaced in State and Borough land disposals. In the fall of 1981, a temporary trails planner was hired under a grant from the State of Alaska to work on the Circle–Fairbanks Trail project. In addition, a report was prepared that strongly recommended the creation of a comprehensive recreational trail plan to focus efforts on trails of community-wide importance and to more clearly define mechanisms needed to make the trails program effective. The Borough Planning Commission, Platting Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, and Trails Advisory Commission all submitted resolutions to the Mayor and Assembly stating their support for preparation of a trail plan. In May 1983, the Borough Assembly adopted an ordinance that provided funding for the Borough to prepare a comprehensive trail plan. The Trail Plan was prepared in-house with the assistance of the Borough Trails Advisory Commission and various Borough departments. The Trails Advisory Commission acted as the principal review committee throughout the planning process. Many public agencies and trail organizations participated in the Trail Plan review; see Table 1 for participating agencies and organizations. The Trail Plan is closely related to several other land-use plans and studies conducted with the Borough and is consistent with these plans; see Table 2 for related plans. Compatibility of the Trail Plan with other planning projects is key to its long-range success. The development of this plan included public review through the Borough’s Trails Advisory Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Planning Commission, and Borough Assembly. In June 1985 the Borough Assembly adopted Ordinance 85-053 approving the “Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.” Since the adoption of the Trail Plan there have been eight (8) adopted ordinances amending the Trails Plan by adding new trails through the trail nomination process.

Description of TAC formation and roles and responsibilities.

III. THE RECREATIONAL TRAIL PROGRAM

The Recreational Trail Program has three main functions: (1) to work with Borough departments and other government agencies to establish trail priorities and responsibilities; (2) to develop and maintain an active volunteer program that allows trail users and user groups to assume certain responsibilities for specific trails to minimize maintenance and operation costs to the Borough; and (3) to continue using the Borough’s Title 17 Subdivision ordinance to dedicate recreational trail rights-of-way for Trail Plan Category A and B trails.

A. MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE TRAIL PROGRAM

Deleted: TABLE 1¶Agencies and organizations that provided comments in the development of the comprehensive recreational trail plan ¶¶Alaska Division of Land and Water Management¶Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation¶Alaska Division of Forestry ¶Alaska Division of Agriculture¶Alaska Division of Minerals and Energy Management¶Fairbanks North Star Borough School District¶Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities¶Alaska Department of Fish and Game¶University of Alaska Statewide Office of Land Management¶Federal Bureau of Land Management¶Alaska District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers¶Facilities Engineer, Ft. Wainwright¶Civil Engineering Squadron, Eielson Air Force Base¶Golden Valley Electric Association¶Glacier State Telephone Company¶Alaska Railroad¶Alaska Dog Mushers Association¶Alaska Miners Association¶Alaska Trappers Association¶Fairbanks Motorcycle Racing Association¶Interior Alaska Trail Riders Association¶Interior Farmers Association¶Interior River Users Group¶Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks¶Northern Alaska Environment Center¶Runner’s Club of Fairbanks¶Salcha Ski Club¶Senior Citizens of Interior Alaska, Inc.¶Tanana–Yukon Historical Society¶Two Rivers Ski Club¶

¶In addition, the following groups attended Trails Advisory Commission meetings and trails workshops and presentations, and received newsletters: Nordic Ski Club of Fairbanks, Interior Trail Riders Association, Alaskan Malamute Club, Tanana-Yukon Historical Society, International Right-of-Way Association, Alaska Society of Professional Engineers, and the Golden Heart Council of Campfire.2¶¶TABLE 2¶List of plans related to the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan¶¶Borough Comprehensive Plan¶Borough Long Range Bicycle Facilities Plan¶Borough Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan¶Borough Industrial Siting Study¶State of Alaska Tanana Basin Area Plan ¶State of Alaska Tanana Valley Forest Management Plan¶State of Alaska Division of Land and Water Local Management Plans¶U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chena Flood Control Project Master Plan¶Federal Bureau of Land Management White Mountains National Recreation Area and Steese National Conservation Area Resource Management Plans ¶

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1. Three-Category System of Trails

The three categories of trails in this system are: Category A, major federal and state recreational trails; Category B, recreational trails described in the Trail Plan; and Category C, neighborhood trail networks. Responsibilities of the Borough, other public agencies and trail user groups are shown in Figure 1.

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Figure 1: Summary of Recreational Trail Categories

Category Primary Management Responsibility

Primary Maintenance Responsibility

Funding Mechanism

Rights-of-Way Acquisition Procedures

Borough Acceptance of Rights-of-Way Dedication

A. Federal and State Recreational Trail Systems

Federal or state agency. May include a cooperative agreement with the Borough.

Maintenance provided through managing agency, agreements, or recreational trail user groups.

Funding provided by federal or state agency.

Borough rights-of-way acquisition procedures apply where these trails cross private lands.

Borough Assembly is not required to formally accept these dedications of rights-of-way unless crossing private lands. Rights-of-way remain available for public use. Borough does not assume primary responsibility for trail.

B. Borough Recreational Trail Systems

Borough Maintenance agreements established between Borough and recreational trail user groups.

Funding derived from federal or state grant sources and/or Borough Assembly appropriations.

All Borough rights-of-way acquisition procedures apply.

Rights-of-way dedication are formally accepted by the Borough Assembly. Borough assumes primary responsibility for trail.

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C. Neighborhood Recreational Trail Systems

Recreational trail user groups or neighborhood associations.

Maintenance provided by trail user groups.

Funding derived through a service area, user group, or recreational trail user group grant applications.

Rights-of-way are established on a cooperative voluntary basis.

Rights-of-way dedication is not required to be formally accepted by the Borough Assembly. Rights-of-way which are established remain available for noted uses. Borough does not assume primary responsibility for trails.

Deleted: ¶

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Category A. Federal and State Recreational Trail Systems

These trails cross primarily state and federal lands. The agency having authority over the land holds primary management authority and maintenance responsibility for these trails. These agencies will normally be the Federal Bureau of Land Management or the State of Alaska Department of Natural Resources. Maintenance for these trails may include assistance from recreational trail user groups and the Borough by agreement. Trails in this category that cross private lands are subject to Borough trail rights-of-way dedication procedures.

Category B. Borough Recreational Trail Systems

This category comprises trails of Borough-wide significance and for which the Borough has primary management authority and responsibility. Some of these trails may exist within a designated Borough park. Once complete rights-of-way are acquired for these trails, they should be identified and managed as public recreational facilities. When possible, trailheads and parking should be considered as additions to these trails. Primary maintenance responsibility of these trails may be through cooperative agreements with trail user groups through the Adopt-A-Trail Program, described later in this plan. Trails in this category are subject to Borough trail rights-of-dedication procedures.

Category C: Neighborhood Recreational Trail Systems

This category includes trails that may be used by a local neighborhood. Neighborhood recreational trail systems can be added to the Category B recreational trail systems if nominated. The Borough will direct only minimal efforts toward trails in this category. Neighborhoods, use groups, service areas, and homeowner associations are responsible for primary management and maintenance responsibilities. The Borough may assist in identifying these trails in new subdivisions and establishing communication between the land developers and trail users.

2. Adopt-A-Trail Program

The second major component of the Trail Plan is to establish and maintain an active, coordinated volunteer program. Within this program, trail user groups, service areas, homeowners associations, and others assume specified responsibilities by “adopting” certain trails or segments of trails. These organizations enter into cooperative agreements with the Borough that define the organization’s and Borough’s responsibilities. Having agreements in place as part of a formal acceptance and rights-of-way dedication, or when identifying and nominating a new trail for public use, is encouraged. Depending on the conditions and use of a particular trail, cooperative agreements should provide for a level of management and care to help ensure that the recreational trail is in a reasonably safe condition for its intended use. Agreements can range from minimal safety inspections of recreational trail conditions to regular grooming and/or track setting This program will assist the Borough in minimizing Borough maintenance and operations costs.

Deleted: those

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3. Trail Dedication Authority

The third major component of the Trail Plan is the use of the Borough’s Title 17, Subdivision, ordinance. Title 17.56.040, Trail Easements, requires Category A and B trails be platted to the public as part of any subdivision development application submitted to the Borough. On private lands not undergoing the subdivision process, recreational trail rights-of-way will continue to be acquired on a cooperative basis with trail realignment being required if an easement cannot be negotiated. Any new or relocated portions of a trail must maintain connectivity with the existing trail or trail system and should be located on suitable terrain capable of providing for a sustainable trail tread. For recreational trails that cross public lands, the Borough should seek rights-of-way permits, licenses, use agreements, non-objections, or other formal documents from the public managing agency.

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Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan Revisions – DRAFT from Working Group

Background & Issue 1 for Discussion with Trails Advisory Commission – 5.6.19 A. BACKGROUND…

B. ISSUES, GOALS, POLICIES, AND OBJECTIVES

This section outlines several of the main issues involving recreational trails and defines goals, policies, and objectives needed to deal with the issues. Some of the major issue categories include more specific issues within the broader heading. Some specific policy statements are derived from Resolution 80-9, which defines the original Borough Trail Policy.

Many planning documents use the terms “goals, policies, and objectives” with slightly different meanings. For this reason, a definition of these terms, as used in this plan, is included below.

Goal a long-range, not necessarily attainable, statement of what the program hopes to accomplish or where the community wants to be.

Policy specific guidance or means to achieve a goal.

Objective a specific action or statement which represents movement toward fulfillment of a goal, and that is consistent with policy statements.

ISSUE 1: Agency Jurisdictional Responsibilities

There are many federal, state and local public agencies which have varying responsibilities with regard to recreational trails. In order for a network of recreational trails to be permanently established for the use of Borough residents and visitors, priorities and responsibilities of the various agencies and departments of the Borough need to be clearly defined. Of primary importance to the Fairbanks North Star Borough is determining where Borough trail efforts should be focused and where the Borough should work cooperatively with other agencies in recreational trail development.

Goal:

Define responsibilities of different departments of the Fairbanks North Star Borough and public agencies within the Borough which are involved with establishing recreational trails for all trails within the Borough that are included in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

Policies: 1. The Borough will focus the primary efforts of its recreational trail plan program

toward trails that are of community-wide importance, and which are identified as proposed or dedicated components of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Recreational Trail System in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

Objectives: a. Establish a defined policy and procedure which delineates the

DRAFT

2

responsibilities of all departments or divisions of the Borough with regard to modifying and updating the Fairbanks North Star Borough Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

b. Define specific responsibilities of each department or division of the Borough prior to initiation of individual trail projects.

2. The Borough will work cooperatively with state and federal agencies to encourage reservation and development of recreational trails which are of statewide or national significance and which are included in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

Objectives: a. Develop agreements with federal, state, or local agencies involved with

establishing recreational trails to define responsibilities of various agencies for establishing specific trails included in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

b. Maintain an active involvement in the planning processes of other agencies to encourage delineation of trails included in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

c. Establish cooperative agreements with other public agencies to define management and maintenance responsibilities and provisions required to coordinate trails with other resource developments when trails included in category A of the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan are formally dedicated for recreational use.

3. The Borough will continue to cooperate with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities in the planning of a Borough-wide system of bicycle paths.

Objectives:

a. Coordinate with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to establish capital improvement priorities for bicycle paths.

b. Encourage provision of dirt pathways for equestrian and other trail uses adjacent to all bikeways.

DRAFT

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Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan Revisions – DRAFT from Working Group

Background & Issue 1 for Discussion with Trails Advisory Commission – 5.6.19 A. BACKGROUND…

B. ISSUES, GOALS, POLICIES, AND OBJECTIVES

This portion of the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plansection outlines several of the main issues which involvinginvolve recreational trails and defines goals, policies, and objectives which are needed to deal with the issues. In some instances, Ssome of the major issue categories will include several more specific issues within the broader heading. Some of the specific policy statements are derived from Resolution 80-9, which defines the original Borough Trail Policy.

Many planning documents use the terms “goals, policies, and objectives” with slightly different meanings. For this reason, a definition of these terms, as used in this reportplan, is included below.

Goal a long-range, not necessarily attainable, statement of what the program hopes to accomplish or where the community wants to be.

Policy specific guidance or means to achieve a goal.

Objective a specific action or statement which represents movement toward fulfillment of a goal, and that is consistent with policy statements.

ISSUE 1: Agency Jurisdictional Responsibilities

There are many federal, state and local public agencies which have varying responsibilities with regard to recreational trails. In order for a network of recreational trails to be permanently established for the use of Borough residents and visitors, priorities, and responsibilities of the various agencies and departments of the Borough need to be more clearly defined. Of primary importance to the Fairbanks North Star Borough is determining where Borough trail efforts should be focused and where the Borough should work cooperatively with other agencies in recreational trail development.

Goal:

Define responsibilities of different departments of the Fairbanks North Star Borough and public agencies within the Borough which are involved with establishing recreational trails for all trails within the Borough which that are included in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

Policies: 1. The Borough will focus the primary efforts of its recreational trail plan program

toward trails which that are of community-wide importance, and which are identified as proposed or dedicated components of the Fairbanks North Star Borough Recreational Trail System in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

DRAFT

2

Objectives: a. Establish a defined policy and procedure which delineates the

responsibilities of all departments or divisions of the Borough with regard to developing modifying and updating the Fairbanks North Star Borough Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

b. Define specific responsibilities of each department or division of the Borough prior to initiation of individual trail projects.

2. The Borough will work cooperatively with state and federal agencies to encourage reservation and development of recreational trails which are of statewide or national significance and which are included in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

Objectives: a. Develop agreements with federal, state, or local agencies involved with

establishing recreational trails to define responsibilities of various agencies for establishing specific trails included in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

b. Maintain an active involvement in the planning processes of other agencies to encourage delineation of trails included in the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

c. Establish cooperative agreements with other public agencies to define management and maintenance responsibilities and provisions required to coordinate trails with other resource developments when trails included in category A of the Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan are formally dedicated for recreational use.

3. The Borough will continue to cooperate with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities in the planning of a Borough-wide system of bicycle paths.

Objectives:

a. Update the Long Range Bicycle Facilities Plan on a periodic basis in cooperation with ADOT/PF.

b.

c.a. Coordinate with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to establish capital improvement priorities for bicycle paths.

b. Encourage provision of dirt pathways for equestrian and other trail uses adjacent to all bikeways.

DRAFT

Suggested Changes and Discussion for Introduction, Background, and Issue 1 – TAC Working Group 5.6.19

Introduction 1. Question raised over “Acquisition Procedures” noted in Figure 1. What is this referring to exactly

and where are they?

II. BACKGROUND AND TRAIL PLAN DEVELOPMENT 2. Add description of Trails Advisory Commission, creation, and roles and responsibilities (move

from Implementation section to this section.)

3. Remove Tables 1 and 2 and put in appendix. Background

4. Add a goal/issue calling for the addition of trails to the CRTP. Note the need for a clearly laid out process for FNSB residents to follow and that this should be included in a companion document.

5. There needs to be additional terms defined here.

6. Resolution 80-9, which defines the original Borough Trail Policy, should be included in the companion document.

Issue 1: Agency Jurisdictional Responsibilities 7. Policy 1: The question was raised, “how do trails move from proposed components to actual in

the CRTP?” B. Wright said the simple answer is that a trail is proposed until formally dedicated. What exists in the CRTP is what the writers and the current TAC hope will be formally dedicated. To be formally managed (which is different than dedicated) a trail needs to be 1) formally dedicated, 2) have full public access, and 3) be dedicated in a way that allows the FNSB to promote and facilitate use. This would have to mean it is protected from encroachment and is accepted as a recreational facility by FNSB. The CRTP says FNSB accepts them once they are dedicated. Right now, the only responsibility FNSB is taking for these trails is the act of dedicating trails. Not committing to groom or maintain. There is a question of what the CRTP and TAC’s focus is – is it securing and protecting access to trails or is it maintenance of trails? The strongest form of protection is formal dedication and securing easements and public access that would enable a trail to be formally managed. Though this process is not firmly laid out. Title 17 fits into this discussion of protection and access if subdivision occurs. In which case, trails in the CRTP, whether dedicated or not, will have the protections offered by Title 17.

8. A follow-up discussion was held on if/how to include a description of process and protections related to dedication and formal management by FNSB. All of this should be part of a companion document.

9. Policy 1, Objective A: & B “Establish a defined policy and procedure which delineates the responsibilities of all departments or divisions” …. B. Wright will look into what exists with regard to policy and procedure that outlines the responsibilities of all departments or divisions

of the Borough in modifying and updating the Fairbanks North Star Borough Recreational Trail Plan. Whatever does exist would need to be referenced here.

10. B. Wright will look into what exists with regard to a policy and procedure that outlines the responsibilities of all departments or divisions of the Borough on modifying and updating the Fairbanks North Star Borough Comprehensive Recreational Trail Plan.

11. Policy 2, “Maintenance” added to objective C. Discussing the intent of this section, the conclusion was that it is to make sure trails are considered when the State or Federal government are planning for other developments. So FNSB’s role is to lobby for preservation of the trail.

12. Removal of Objective A : Update the Long Range Bicycle Facilities Plan on a periodic basis in cooperation with ADOT/PF was removed. That is not a TAC or CRTP objective, rather it is a general planning objective with the content covered in objective b (now a).

13. On Objective c (now b), this is a key issue in current subarea planning for Badger/Salcha.

fairbanks north star borough trails advisory...

Documents