Over the last two summers, trail crews have constructed the 2.1 mile Bear Trail system just to the south of this proposed project. The new trails would also be built using sustainable best practices and would be similar in nature to the new Bear Trails (sinuous, undulating singletrack designed to emphasize the great views and glacially deposited terrain). The longest of the two proposed trails would turn the existing Picnic Table Single Track trail into a loop. The shorter of the two would bypass a steep fall-line section of the Long Lake Connector by following the next ridge to the east. Like the Bear Trails, designed use would be intermediate-level mountain bikers but the trails would also be open to hikers, runners, equestrians, and would be good for fat-tired biking, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing in the winter. We’ve seen lots of smiling faces out there, but  If you have not had a chance to check out the new Bear Trails, please do so and let us know what you think.
 
We are requesting public comment or letters of support  to include with the grant application. Last year, we had many letters of support from the trail using public which were instrumental in getting our grant application approved and funded.  Please take the time to write up a short note, letter, or email and send it to my address below (oh, and tell your friends). The grant application is due November 15 so please have them in by Tuesday, November 12 so they can be included in the grant application. Please see the attached public notice and a map of the approximate trail routing. Our trail crews are itching to build some more trails.
 
Thank you for your support of state-of-the-art trails in the Matanuska Susitna Borough!  Please contact me if you have any questions about this project.
 
D. Mark Gronewald
Trails Program Coordinator
Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Department  of Community Development
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
350 E. Dahlia Ave.
Palmer AK 99654
 
Phone: 907-745-2856
Mobile: 907-354-1822