1. MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

 

2. SECRETARY’S ADMINISTRATIVE     RESPONSIBILITIES

-- Functioning as liaison between the land managers, private trail organization(s) and trail managers by maintaining an information network, including, when appropriate, acting as media contact on National Trail matters.--Providing administrative support for the Iditarod NHT Advisory Council until 1991

--Preparing and assisting in preparation of cooperative agreements as needed.

--Reviewing and processing of applications for certification of non-Federal Trail sites or segments subsequent to the recommendation of the Advisory Council.

--Selecting and publishing in the Federal Register rights-of-way for the Trail after obtaining advice and assistance from the State of Alaska, local governments, private organizations, trail users, and the Advisory Council.

--Providing uniform trail markers to cooperating non-Federal agencies, in accordance with written agreements. Cooperators then erect and maintain them in accordance with standards established.

--Coordinating efforts to prepare thematic nomination for inclusion of sites and segments into National Register of Historic Places.

--Coordinating efforts to initiate an information/interpretation program for the Trail.

3. MANAGEMENT ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

a. Federal Land Management Agencies

Department of Agriculture

• Forest Service, Chugach National Forest

Department of Interior

• Bureau of Land Management
  
  • Anchorage District Office
  • Fairbanks District Office
    
    
    

Fish and Wildlife Service

• Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge
• Innoko National Wildlife Refuge

Department of Defense

• U.S. Army, Fort Richardson
• U.S. Air Force, Elmendorf Air Force Base

b. The Volunteer Trail Organization

--Coordinating the volunteer services of individuals and member clubs to assist in fulfilling the goals and objectives of this plan.

--Assisting land managers in clearing, placing signs, and marking Trail segments designated for active management.

--Assisting the Federal and cooperating land managers in constructing and maintaining approved shelters.

--Assisting the land managers in problems related to visitor use or resource damage, including scheduling and monitoring of competitive events on the Trail.

--Assisting in maintaining, patrolling, and placing signs for historic structures along the Trail.

c. Non-Federal Land Managers

Cooperative agreements will define actions which are consistent with the management on a segment-by-segment or site-by-site basis and may cover one or more of the following areas: public access, National Register nominations, certification for inclusion into the National Trail System, interpretive programs, and Federal revenues or incentives for actions taken on historic and non-federally owned properties.

d. Private Landowners

Private landowners, including Native villages and regional corporations, owning portions of Trail segments identified for active management or owning historic sites are encouraged to enter into cooperative agreements with the Federal government.

Cooperative agreements would formally recognize Trail sites and segments as components of the National Trails System. Agreements concerning segments which currently have public rights-of-way or easements would detail standards for marking and maintaining specific Trail segments, and would discuss use of those segments.

Trail segments on private land without public rights-of-way or easements can also be recognized as having historic, cultural, or natural significance and/or potential for future inclusion into the National Historic Trail system when the landowner desires.

e. Iditarod National Historic Trail Advisory Council

The Secretary of the Interior has appointed an Advisory Council to consult about matters relating to the Trail, including selecting rights-of-way, setting standards for erecting and maintaining markers, and administering the Trail. The original Advisory Council reviewed and approved the management concepts of this comprehensive plan. A newly appointed Advisory Council’s critique and advice will be given to all National Trail land managers during the implementation of the plan. The original Advisory Council membership is shown in Appendix 1.

4. COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS

Once the Iditarod NHT Comprehensive Management Plan is submitted to Congress, Federal land management agencies may sign a Memorandum of Understanding which would formally bind the Federal agencies as Trail management partners. A Memorandum of Understanding will commit agency heads to the cooperative management philosophy and the specific objective of the Iditarod NHT Comprehensive Management Plan.

Non-Federal land managers and land owners, and the volunteer trail organization may become Trail management partners by entering into Cooperative Agreements with the Secretary of Interior, or his designee. The cooperative agreements will commit non-Federal partners to the cooperative management philosophy.

The Memorandum of Understanding and each Cooperative Agreement will contain general language which will address the cooperative management philosophy, the management objectives, and the Comprehensive Management Plan for the Trail.

In addition, specific details unique to each particular situation may be addressed as an addendum to each agreement if necessary. These specific details may include, but are not limited to:

--Protective Status of each Specific Trail Segment
--Trail Markers Purchase, Installation, and Maintenance
--Maintenance Standards and Cooperation
--Reconstruction of Trail Segments or Side Trails
--Information/Interpretation Cooperation
--National Register of Historic Places Nomination
--Research Cooperation
--Preservation/Stabilization Cooperation
--Type of Use allowed on specific Trail Segments

B. Trail Management Guidelines

Guidelines regarding traditional, existing, and future uses of the historic Trail system need to be clearly defined and understood by all partners of the cooperative management system, by users, and by the public-at-large.

1. PROTECTION OF OPTIONS FOR TRAIL SEGMENTS

When the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation recommended amending the National Trails System Act by including a category of national historic trails, the primary purpose was to protect historic values and trail segments for potential future recreational trail development and to insure continued public travel along the various segments.

Section 7(a) of the National Trails System Act states that:

the appropriate Secretary shall select the rights-of-way for national scenic and historic trails and shall publish notice thereof in the Federal Register, together with appropriate maps and descriptions; Provided, that in selecting the rights-of-way, full considerations shall be given to minimizing the adverse effects upon the adjacent landowner or user and his operation. Development and management of each segment of the National Trails System shall be designed to harmonize with and complement any established multiple use plans for that specific area in order to ensure continued maximum benefits from the land. The location and width of such rights-of-way across Federal lands under the jurisdiction of another Federal agency shall be by agreement between the head of that agency and the appropriate Secretary. In selecting rights-of-way for trail purposes, the Secretary shall obtain the advice and assistance of the States, local government, private organizations, and landowners and lands users concerned.

Section 7(c) of the National Trails System Act also states:

When a national historic trail follows existing public roads, developed rights-of-way or waterways, and similar features of man’s non-historically related development, approximating the original historic location of a historic route, such segments may be marked to facilitate retracement of the historic route, and where national historic trail parallels an existing public road, such road may be marked to commemorate the historic route.

Because of the complex land patterns and conveyance actions occurring in Alaska at the present time, protection of the various segments of the Iditarod NHT Segments can be accomplished by various legal and cooperative methods:

a. National Trail Withdrawal

The strongest protection of the Iditarod Trail system on Federal lands is through a formal withdrawal of a specific trail corridor for the specific purpose of preserving the historic values and ensuring continued public travel.

Each Department of the Federal Government can withdraw from other forms of land use, such as settlement or mining, a reasonable trail corridor along their respective Trail Segments.

b. Administrative Trail Corridor

Agencies may also protect the historic resources and ensure public travel along the trail by administratively designating the particular trail route. Protection and management of the historic trail corridor can be assured by recognizing the specific trail corridor in land use plans, recreation and cultural resource plans, and other management standards and guidelines.

If further protection of the historic resources is needed within the specific corridor, each agency can withdraw the corridor from mineral entry to protect against new mining operations.

c. Federal Trail Reservation

A trail reservation or right-of-way of specific location and width can be established on Federal land, and will be done in any area where the surrounding land will pass from Federal to State or private ownership.

A trail reservation ensures the public travel along the segment, but may not protect the historic resources along the trail segment. However, prior to taking historic and other cultural resources from Federal ownership, procedures would be followed as required by laws and regulations (mentioned earlier) mandating consideration of such resources, including potential nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

d. State Trail Right-of-Way

Similarly to the Federal Government, the State has provisions to establish a “dedicated” right-of-way along portions of the Iditarod Trail. This has been done already on most of the Knik-to-Susitna River Trail Segment where a trail corridor of specific width has been surveyed and noted on status plats as the Iditarod Trail. Within State lands, this is the strongest protection of the Iditarod Trail which can be applied currently.

The State may claim portions of the Iditarod Trail system as a public right-of-way under Revised Statute 2477. On any segment where the State perfects as RS 2477 assertion, only public travel, not protection of the historic resources, is assured. Additional protective measures would then have to be taken by the State if the trail is to be managed as an historic resource. A proposed State trails bill would enable State officials to recognize and protect the Iditarod Trail as a “State Historic Trail.”

However, until an RS 2477 is asserted, the Federal government will continue to manage the historic resources and ensure public travel on segments currently under Federal administration.

e. Easements Across Native Conveyed Land

The identification of public access easements as required under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act began in 1971. In the process and prior to the designation of the Iditarod Trail as a National Historic Trail, roads and trails corresponding to most of the trail segments considered to be the “Iditarod Trail” were identified. Proposed easements identified under Sec 17(b) of ANCSA were considered to be “following existing public rights-of-way approximating the original location of an historic route,” as discussed in Section 7(c) of the National Trails System Act. No additional protective status will be sought.

f. Existing Public Roads and Rights-of-Way

On Trail segments corresponding to existing highways and secondary roads, such as the Seward Highway, the Nome-to-Solomon Highway, and a portion of Alaska Railroad between Seward and Girdwood, no additional rights-of-way will be sought since use is established and public access is assured.

Within the Alaska Railroad right-of-way currently under State of Alaska Management, no additional right-of-way will be sought since use is established. However, the State recognizes the historic values of this particular segment, and recognizes the potential for future recreational trail development.

g. Waterways

On Trail segments which follow public waterways, no trail corridor will be established.

Land managers should investigate the possible existence of land-based trail paralleling water routes which may need a protective corridor.

h. Cooperative Agreements On Private Lands

Section 10(c) of the National Trails System Act states that no funds may be expended by the Federal government for acquisition of lands or interest in land. On lands, held in private ownership where no public right-of-way exists, the Secretary may enter into cooperative agreements in regard to the protection of historic trail and public access on any trail segments or properties eligible for inclusion into the National Trails System.

Other public land managers are also encourage to acquire interest or enter into cooperative agreements with private land owners in regard to the protection of historic resources and the assurance of continued public travel on Iditarod NHT segments.

Upon submission of this comprehensive management plan to Congress, Federal agencies should determine on a segment-by-segment basis by what method the Trail segments will be protected or recognized on lands under their respective administration.

Non-Federal land managers, in their application for inclusion of their respective segments into the National Trails System, should describe what protective status will apply to each segment under their respective administration.

The following trail corridor guidelines are recommended and are summarized on a segment –by-segment basis in Table 7.

2. TRAIL CORRIDOR GUILDELINES

a. Federally Managed Lands

National Register Nomination – A 1000-foot corridor will be established on federally managed Trail segment which are recommended for both Active Management and National Register nomination in this plan.

Active Management Lands – A corridor of 100 to 1000 feet will be established on all other Federal lands recommended for active management. On existing Federal highway and road rights-of-way, no additional trail corridor width is recommended.

Minimum Management Lands – A trail corridor of no more than 100 feet, to preserve public access for possible future active management, will be established for approximately 800 miles of the Trail system recommended for minimum management because of remoteness, terrain, and/or relatively low historic, cultural, natural, and recreational significance.

b. State and Local Government Lands

For Trail segments on: 1) State patented lands, 2) lands tentatively approved for patent under the Alaska Statehood Act, or 3) patented local government lands, rights-of-way consistent with those on federally managed lands are recommended.

On lands that have been selected by the State, but not yet conveyed or tentatively approved for conveyance as of the date of passage of the Act (November 10, 1978), it is recommended a Federal right-of-way be retained as provided for in the Act:

whenever the Secretary of the Interior makes any conveyance of land under any of the public land laws, he may reserve a right-of-way for trails to the extent he deems necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

--(Section 7(h), National Trails System    Act, as amended.)

c. Private Lands

Existing and proposed Federal easements through Native lands which overlie or closely parallel the actively managed historic route will be recognized and uniformly marked as the historic Trail after cooperative agreements are consummated. In addition, where no easement overlies or closely parallels the route, cooperative agreements may be executed to recognize Trail segments eligible for inclusion into the National Trail System. Otherwise, no additional easements or restrictions will be sought by the Federal government for national historic trail management purposes unless special circumstances warrant an additional agreement between the Federal government and the private landowner.

On other (non-Native) privately-owned lands where no public rights-of-way or easement exists, cooperative agreements can be made with the Federal government or adjacent non-Federal land manager allowing for public use of the historic route. If private landowners reject public use of the historic route, alternate routes should be explored to provide the public access between Trail segments.

Federal acquisition of any trail segment is currently prohibited in the National Trails System Act. But if the State of Alaska does not assert an RS 2477 claim on private lands between Knik and Susitna River, then State or Borough acquisition of private lands is recommended for approximately 4 miles of private land near Knik which connects the road system with the historic Trail system. In their 1977 report to Congress the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation also recommended a portion of this segment be acquired.

3. UNIFORM TRAIL MARKERS

The Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with appropriate governmental agencies and public and private organizations, shall establish a uniform marker, including thereon an appropriate and distinctive symbol for each national recreation, national scenic, and national historic trail. Where the trails cross lands administered by Federal agencies such markers shall be erected at appropriate points along the trails and maintained by the Federal agency administering the trail in accordance with standards established by the appropriate Secretary. Where the trails cross non-Federal lands, in accordance with written cooperative agreements, the appropriate Secretary shall provide uniform markers to cooperating agencies and shall such agencies to erect and maintain them in accordance with the standards established. (National Trails System Act, as amended. P.L. 90-543; 95-625.)

STANDARD SYMBOL Iditarod National Historic Trail Figure 1

The official marker conforms to the shape established for trails within the National Trails System and will be gold-leaf-on-bright-royal-blue-background marker. It will be made available in three sizes: 3-1/2-inch, 9-incch, and 18-inch. The symbol is a representation of the historic use of the trail—winter travel using sled and dogs by miners, merchants, mailrunners, and residents.

The 3-1/2-inch markers will be used to mark recreation side trails; the 9-inch markers will designate trailheads and/or highway retracement routes off the designated highway route; the 18-inch markers will mark the designated highway route and/or place where the trail crosses a major or secondary highway. Deviations from these standards may be allowed for special conditions. Exceptions to these standards may be made after consultation with the Advisory Council.

4. TRAIL MARKING STANDARDS

Because of the diversity of the country through which the Trail passes (e.g. swamps, riverbeds, sea ice, treeless mountain passes, and areas of cultural modification), trail marking techniques may include Iditarod NHT markers, rock cairns, tripods, blazes, and brands.

These signs and markers would identify the historic Trail at public access points, safely guide travelers along the Trail route, and provide information to visitors (such as distances to features and facilities, and historic significance).

The following general standards will apply to trail segments certified for inclusion into the National Trails System:

a. Highway Segments

The Iditarod NHT marker will be used on segments overlain or crossed by State highways. The symbol may be used as a highway marker or incorporated into interpretive signs at pull-off’s or historic sites. Actual locations of highway markers would be specified in cooperative agreements.

b. Railroad Segments

Trail segments overlain by the Alaska Railroad should be marked with the Iditarod NHT symbol at intersections with other public travel routes or along the State highway system where the highway closely parallels the actual historic route.

c. Forested Areas

Trail segments through forested areas will be marked with the Iditarod NHT symbol at trailheads, intersections, and at intermediate points. In addition, blazes on trees may be used, as well as brands with the Iditarod NHT symbol. Single blazes will assure the traveler of being on the correct course, double blazes—one below the other—will be used when an abrupt change in direction occurs or special attention is required. In areas primarily used where high visibility is especially needed. It will be the responsibility of the individual land manager to select the marking techniques most appropriate for Trail segments.

d. Tundra-Alpine Areas

Trail segments through areas without trees or cultural modifications will be marked with cairns or tripods. The Iditarod NHT symbol may be used in conjunction with cairns and tripods.

e. Historic Sites

The Iditarod NHT symbol should be used on all Levels 1 and 2 historic sites.

f. Trailheads

Signs and bulletin boards should be installed at all major trailheads (entrance, parking areas, etc.) to inform the user of the nature and conditions of the Trail, the history of the Trail, the meaning of different types of trail markings, rules and regulations, emergency procedures, points of interest, and other information.

5. MAINTENANCE

Maintenance of the Iditarod NHT should be concentrated along the primary route and along connecting trails in the active management category and will include trail marking and clearing, sign maintenance, and shelter maintenance.

The success or failure of the future management of the Iditarod NHT will greatly depend on the use of volunteers to mark, establish, maintain, and patrol the Trail. Volunteers authorized by the appropriate agency may be allowed, under specific stipulations, to use government-owned or chartered aircraft, and lodge and subsist in government quarters when performing official authorized trail activities.

After reconstruction/stabilization of certain sites, land managers should consider a caretaker to reside at the site to maintain the structure and inhibit vandalism or misuse of the buildings and related artifacts. At such sites, an adjacent building of compatible architecture may be provided for travelers. Guidelines for such a program should be initiated by the Advisory Council with full assistance from the land manager and other interested parties.

Cooperative agreements should be consummated between volunteer trail groups and appropriate land managers to formalize specific maintenance standards and responsibilities.

6. CONSTRUCTION

Reconstruction, or the reestablishment, of Trail segments and reconstruction of historic structures is recommended for certain sites due to the high potential for historical preceeded by further evaluation for potential nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, as mentioned previously.

Trail shelters may be built on federally managed lands to support recreation activities if the shelters are otherwise allowable under land use management plans, are compatible with the surrounding environment, and the design consistent with the historic structures of the Trail. Where possible, existing cabins could be used for temporary shelters for travelers and visitors, after evaluation of possible inclusion into the National Register of Historic Places.

It is stressed that constructing trail shelters is considerably easier than maintaining them year after year because of severe snow-loading, freeze-thaw effects, and other ravages of the extreme Alaskan environment. It must be satisfactorily proven to all management parties that such shelters are feasible, needed in the best interest of the public, and that they will be maintained. Shelters constructed by other landowners or land managers along the Trail should (when possible) also be consistent with the historic theme of the Trail.

Shelter construction is not recommended at Level 1 historic sites, but is recommended along the Trail and at Level 2 and Level 3 sites pending appropriate National Register evaluation.

7. OFF-ROAD VEHICLE USE

As well as being an important historic resource, some Trail segments making up the Iditarod NHT system are also vital transportation arteries. In designating the Trail system as a national historic trail, Congress also intended to honor the existing uses of the trail segments.

Section 7(c) of the National Trails Act (as amended through P.L. 95-625) states:

Other use along the historic trails...which will not substantially interfere with the nature and purposes of the trail…including the use of motorized vehicles, shall be permitted.

In 1983, the National Trails Act was amended in Public Law 98-11 to include the following passage:

Potential trail uses allowed on designated components of the National trails system may include, but are not limited to, the following: bicyling, cross-country skiing, day hiking, equestrain activities, jogging or similar fitness activities, trail biking, overnight and long-distance backpacking, snowmobiling, and surface water and underwater activities. Vechicles which may be permitted on certain trails may include, but need not be limited to, motorcycles, bicyles, four-wheel-drive or all-terrain off-road vechicles.

 

Local people use substantial segments of the historic route near remote towns and villages in traveling between villages; camps; and mining, hunting, trapping, and fishing areas. In the summer, motorboats use the Yukon River segment of the Trail; most of the local use during winter is by snowmachine and, to a lesser extent, dogsled and snowshoe. Such traditional uses will continue where they already exist.

While the National Trails System Act (as amended) recognizes motorized vechicles as a possible allowable use on the Iditarod NHT system, other legistation may prohibit certain types of motorized vechicles in specific areas. In areas designated as components of the National Wildlife Refuge System, National Wilderness System or the National Wild & Scenic Rivers System, land managers may prohibit certain types of vechicles which might be otherwise allowable elsewhere on the Iditarod NHT system.

Other specific closures to motorized use along portions of the historic trail segments may be made by individual land managers. The Bureau of Land management will assist in publicizing and coordinating Trail closures and will assist in processing public requests for authorized use along the trail historic Trail.

Emergency closure to motorized use of any federally managed land along the Trail may occur at any time if conditions so dictate. Notification of such closure shall be announced in the Federal Register, as well as in newspapers within communities along or adjacent to the Trail.

Nothing in this management plan should be construed as denying motorized access to private landowners. Those who feel that their access is being denied or compromised are encouraged to work with the appropriate land manager to resolve conflicts.

Dealing with potential conflicts between motorized use and the historic significance of the Trail is the land manager's responsibility.

8. COMMERCIAL?COMPETITIVE ACTIVITIES

On Federal land, when two or more commercial/competitive activities requiring Federal permitting will potentially interfere with one another, preference will be given to the activities whose purposees align most closely with the historic nature of this Trail.

Permits for all commercial or competitive events requiring the permission of the two or more landowners should be coordinated whenever possible so that the public or the land user group will not be duplicating efforts to utilize the Trail. The Bureau of Land Management shall also assist the public by providing information regarding land ownership and the appropriate landowners to contact when competitive/commercial events are proposed on the Iditarod Trail.

9. Mining

It was primarily mining activities and the transportation system which evolved from mining routes that made the Iditarod historically significant in Alaska and America. The mining activities near Hope, Girdwood, Ophir, Flat, Iditarod, Poorman, Ruby, and along the Nome coast are a continuation of similar activities that have been going on, depending on market conditions, for over 75 years. Most of this land, primarily because of its mineral value, is privately owned. Nothing in this plan or in the enabling legislation that included the Iditarod within the National Historic Trails System was meant to prohibit or prevent existing mining activities or to prevent a logical progression of current mining operations.

10. WILDFIRE/PRESCRIPTION BURNING

Recognizing that wildfire is a natural phenomenon in Alaska and that land management agencies and private landowners use prescription burning for various management reasons (moose habitat improvement, seedbed preparation, etc.), agencies will retain options for using fire as a management tool in the vicinity of the Iditarod Historic Trail segments. Fire management plans have been adopted for all wildlands along the Trail system. Land managers should assess impacts of proposed prescription burning on or adjacent to the Iditarod NHT.

C. Information/Interpretation

Because a majority of the public will never experience a dogsled ride through Rainy Pass, or visit the abandoned town of Iditarod, or spend a winter’s night in a restored roadhouse along the Iditarod, an information/interpretation program has been proposed (see Appendix 6) to interpret the history of the Trail away from the Trail, as well as at key historic and visitor contact points along the Trail. If implemented, this program will represent the most contact most people will ever have with the Iditarod Trail.

Implementation of this information/interpretation program should be a multi-agency endeavor. The Federal land management agencies and the State of Alaska would be the primary partners in the public contact program, but local governments, individual landowners, and volunteers could play key roles.

Visitor centers, waysides, and key historic sites along the Trail as well as airports, museums, and ferry terminals are identified and recommended for informative/interpretive exhibits. Audi-visual materials, such as films, videotapes, and sound/slide programs, are proposed in order to leave the viewer with an appreciation of the evolution of the Trail and the people and events that made it significant.

A multi-agency trail guide is proposed to provide specific information to both potential travelers and persons interested in the history. A brochure is proposed to be distributed along the Trail at visitor contact points. Interpreters from cooperating agencies and volunteer groups would provide personal services to visitors stopping at key contact points.

The information/interpretation program should be given much emphasis in this comprehensive plan. The effort eventually spent by all agencies, groups, and individuals in the information/interpretation program may well prove to be the greatest investment in the Iditarod National Historic Trail.

D. Research Opportunities

1. COMPREHENSIVE HISTORY

The significance of the Iditarod Trail extends back beyond the gold rush era to its use as a prehistoric Native trail and early historic route. Though relatively recent history, a comprehensive, scholarly history of the Iditarod NHT has not been completed. Much of the written information is scatter and unpublished. In order to understand and to educate others as to the significance of the Trail, an historic overview should be undertaken by some agency and/or volunteer group. The historic overview compiled should include a discussion of major figures, themes, and events using the following framework:

Phase I – Data Gathering:

• General overview of available information
• Review & additional compilation of historic maps, photos, diaries, and records.
• Incorporation of existing oral history interviews.
• Preparation of comprehensive bibliography.
  

Phase II – Research to Define the Historic Framework, to include:

• Description/Geography
• Prehistory/Contact
• Russian Period
• American Period
• Gold Rush era
• Present Development

Phase III – Theme Development, to include:

Exploration, Mining, Hunting, Fishing, Trapping Communities, Cultural Values, Dogsledding, Transportation Roads and Trails, River Transportation, Aviation

2. ORAL HISTORY DOCUMENTATION

In the course of preparing this management plan, the project team initiated an oral history program on the Iditarod Trail which revealed the extensive knowledge people have of the Trail, of its location, its folklore, and the lifestyle along the Trail—information that is seldom published and that is fast disappearing.

Contracting for the gathering of information is recommended to be with local historical societies, etc., under the supervision of a professional historian. This would serve to establish oral history programs in many areas along the Trail.

3. ARCHEOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Archeological research should be focused on those sites where the relationship between prehistoric and historic settlements and activities can be documented, and should be conducted in conjunction with other work at selected Level1 sites. Archeological research which is required as part of any restoration or reconstruction activities could reveal, for example, information on the prehistoric and early historic context of an Iditarod Trail roadhouse; the nature of the European contact, Native lifeways during the gold rush era, and even the history of the construction of the structure itself. Such information is a fundamental part of the historic significance of a side and would contribute immensely to our knowledge of the trail and to a visitor’s appreciation of its significance.

Agencies should cooperatively initiate a three-phase ethnohistorical/archeological research program for the Iditarod NHT to include:

Phase I – Completing an ethnohistorical study of the prehistoric trail system which the Iditarod NHT system overlays.

Completing an ethnological review of Native involvement in the Iditarod NHT.

Incorporating information gathered in Phase I into the historic overview.

Phase II – Researching and investigating the 17 sites initially identified as culturally significant and having an Iditarod component. This would be done in order to better understand and interpret the Native role in the development and establishment of the Iditarod Trail system.

Phase III – Phase I, Phase II, and a refined research focus could result in additional investigation of specific sites.

4. PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS, MAPS, AND DOCUMENTS

Land agencies, land owners, and volunteer groups should strive to secure historical photographs, maps, and other significant documents for archival protection within the State of Alaska. In the course of this project, invaluable records have been discovered and will continue to be found as future research takes place.

A single repository for the Iditarod NHT archival documents and artifacts should be established with the recommendation of the Iditarod NHT Advisory Council. Consideration should be given to:

Anchorage Historical and Fine Arts Museum
University of Alaska, Anchorage
Iditarod Trail Committee Headquarters

(Note: Active collection or removal of artifacts from the Trail should not begin without proper documentation and/or completion of National Register evaluation.)

5. HISTORICAL/ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH

Agencies should cooperatively initiate a four-phase historical/architectural research program for the Iditarod NHT to include:

Phase I – Iditarod Trail thematic nomination to the National Register of Historic Places:

-Evaluate and potentially recommend the 54 sites identified in Appendix 5 for inclusion in the National Register.

-Acquire owner concurrence for nomination.

-Nominate, with owner concurrence, the Flat/Iditarod area as a National Historic District.

Phase II – Photo documentation of historic Level 1 and 2 sites to National Architectural and Engineering (NAER) standards:

-Photograph, with owner concurrence, the 41 historic sites (identified in preceding recommendations) to NAER standards.

-Photograph the Flat/Iditarod townsite to NAER standards (about 60 structures).

Phase III – Recording of significant or unusual architectural features or details:

-Architecturally record the 33 Level 1 and 2 sites, identified in the previous section to include: schematic site plans, schematic floor plans, schematic elevations and specific architectural documentation of unusual features or details.

Phase IV – The assembly for educative/interpretive purposes, of an historic structures/resources report to include the thematic nominations, NAER-photo project, and the architectural record program.

E. Segment Management Opportunities

Specific historic site recommendations are found in Appendix 5a (Historic Sites Along the Primary Route) and Appendix 5b (Historic Sites Along Connecting Trails).

1. THE PRIMARY ROUTE (GOODWIN’S 1910-11 ROUTE)

SEGMENT: Seward to Girdwood
Predominate Ownership: STATE R/W THROUGH FOREST SERVICE The Alaska Railroad is the primary historic route, closely paralleled by the Seward Highway for 40 of the 76 miles.

Recommendations: No additional right-of-way or protective status along the highway or railroad.

Interpretative signs along portions of the Seward Highway.

Construct parallel recreational trails (60 miles) between Seward and Portage adjacent to, but outside of, existing railroad and highway rights-of-way. Initially, the Trail should be brushed and marked by volunteers along a route to be determined by the USFS. An adequate right-of-way should be reserved on this proposed route to provde both summer and winter access.

Priority sites within segment:

Seward Railroad Depot
Tunnel 1
Loop District
Tunnel (Railroad Siding)
Tunnel 0
Tunnels 2-7
Tunnel 8
Nellie Neal’s Homestead

SEGMENT: Girdwood to Eagle River
Predominate Ownership: FOREST SERVICE, STATE OF ALASKA

The historic route closely follows Girdwood Road, Crow Creek Road, the existing hiking trail over Crow Pass into Eagle River Valley, and Eagle River Valley Road.

Recommendations: Place signs along roadway and trail heads to identify the historic route.

Use appropriate trail markers to guide foot travelers through the summer-use portion of the historic route.

Continue to maintain the summer hiking trail.

Investigate the original route through Girdwood and place appropriate signs.

Establish a 1000-foot corridor between the USFS Crow Pass Trailhead and Chugach State Park Eagle River Visitor Center.

Consider segment as part of the thematic Iditarod Trail nomination to the National Register.

Conduct A centerline survey on the back-country portion of the Trail.

Priority sites within segment:

Crow Creek Consolidated Mine
Girdwood Mine

SEGMENT: Eagle River to Knik
Predominate Ownership: STATE OF ALASKA, PRIVATE

This portion of the historic route is overlain with highways, roads, and bike paths.

Status plats exist which define Trail locations in great detail for the Greater Anchorage Area, i.e., Anchorage, Birchwood, and Eklutna. As a result of Trail inventories by the Iditarod NHT staff, the Municipality of Anchorage is presently investigating land ownership and easements within the area to determine the feasibility of relocating and marking the Trail system.

Priority sites within segment:

W.D. Elliot Roadhouse
Knik Townsite
St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Eklutna

SEGMENT: Knik to Old Skwentna
Predominate Ownership: STATE OF ALASKA, MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH

The historic Trail from Knik to Susitna River was located and marked by the State of Alaska in 1980.

All public lands between Knik and Finger Lake have been surveyed to date. Right-of-way width, where established, ranges from 300 to 400 feet.

Recommendations: Acquire the approximately 4 miles of private land beyond Knik. Purchase, if necessary, a public right-of-way to the trail from the Knik road.

On public lands, establish an adequate right-of-way.

Continue trail marking and maintenance.

Priority sites within segment:

White’s Cabin
Susitna Station
Skwentna Roadhouse

SEGMENT: Skwentna to Farewell Lake
Predominate Ownership: STATE OF ALASKA

The historic route is well defined and is marked and cleared between Skwentna and Finger Lake.

Recommendations: Establish a minimum 1000-foot right-of-way.

Consider segment as part of the thematic Iditarod Trail nomination to the National Register.

Mark and clear the Trail.

Construct trail shelters near the Rainy Pass Summit and Dalzell Creek.

Improve the airstrips near Puntilla Lake, Rohn River, and Farewell Lake to enhance public access.

Priority sites within segment:

Rohn River Roadhouse
Pioneer Roadhouse

SEGMENT: Farewell Lake to Big River Roadhouse
Predominate Ownership: PRIVATE WITH FEDERAL EASEMENT

The primary route between Pioneer Roadhouse and Big River Roadhouse has been located and maintained. A major portion of the segment on the north had been abandoned. A 1977 forest fire burned the southern portion of the Trail segment so that this segment was in poor and dangerous condition for winter travel, but was improved in a 1982 joint State/Federal trail maintenance project between Submarine Lake and Salmonberry Lake.

Recommendations: Continue major trail clearing and marking as soon as possible.

Establish a 100- to 1000-foot right-of–way across public lands.

SEGMENT: Big River Roadhouse to Takotna

Predominate Ownership: BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (STATE-SELECTED), PRIVATE

Recommendations: Enter into a cooperative agreement with the Native regional corporation to grant public access to the historic Trail.

Establish and survey a 100 to 1000-foot right-of-way on public land.

Clear and mark the Trail system once cooperative agreements are consummated or alternative routes established.

The route may have to be reestablished between Forks and Takotna.

SEGMENT: Takotna to Iditarod (via Moore Creek)
Predominate Ownership: STATE OF ALASKA

The winter trail between Takotna and Iditarod is generally well defined.

Recommendations: Establish a 100- to 1000-foot right-of-way on public lands.

Survey and mark the route.

Consider the Trail between Flat and Iditarod as part of a thematic Iditarod Trail nomination to the National Register.

Improve the airstrip at Ophir for Trail access.

Priority sites within segment:

Flat
Iditarod

SEGMENT: Iditarod to Kaltag
Predominate Ownership: FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE

The Trail between Iditarod and Kaltag across the Innoko Flats is difficult to locate because the tripods originally use to mark the route have deteriorated. Little if any use occurs in present day.

Recommendations: Establish an adequate right-of-way on public land.

Survey the Trail.

Remark the historic route with tripods.

Consider constructing trail shelters.

Priority sites within segment:

Shermeier’s Roadhouse
Sikeman
Dishkakat

SEGMENT: Kaltag to Unalakleet
Predominate Ownership: BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, PRIVATE WITH FEDERAL EASEMENTS

This portion of the trail, known as the Kaltag Portage, is significant for its role in historic and prehistoric development of the Arcitc. This valley is further distinguished by the Unalakleet River, a portion of which is a component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.

Recommendations: Establish a right-of-way adequate to protect the entire valley from intrusions which would interfere with these values.

Consider the Kaltag Portage as part of the thematic Iditarod Trail nomination to the National Register of Historic Places.

Clear, mark, and survey the route tread, which still remains.

Construct a trail shelter in the vicinity of the Old Woman Cabin. Begin placing signs and regular maintenance.

Priority sites within segment:

Twenty-two Mile Roadhouse
Tenmile Roadhouse
Old Woman Cabin
Whaleback Shelter Cabin

SEGMENT: Unalakleet to Moses Point
Predominate Ownership: PRIVATE WITH FEDERAL EASEMENTS

Walla Walla Roadhouse
Portage Roadhouse
McKinley Creek ARC Relief Cabin
Dexter Trading Post
Bluff
Dickson

Solomon River and Council City RR
Solomon Roadhouse
Cape Nome Roadhouse
Ft. Davis
St. Joseph Church, Nome

2. CONNECTING TRAILS

Lauritsen Cabin
Gilpatrick’s Camp
Canyon Creek Dam
Bruhn Ray Mine

SEGMENT: Johnson Pass/Sunrise/Hope Military Road
Predominate Ownership: FOREST SERVICE, STATE OF ALASKA

The Seward, Highway, Hope Highway, and Johnson Pass Trail make up this historic connecting route. The Johnson Pass Trail is entirely administered by the USDA Forest Service. The Sunrise/Hope section is mostly overlain with State highway rights-of-way. The highways receive year-round use, as does Johnson Pass Trail, although the Johnson Pass Trail is used most during the summer months.

Recommendations: Ensure adequate recreation trail corridor along the Johnson Pass Trail.

Consider including 19 miles of the Johnson Pass Trail which overlies the historic route in the thematic Iditarod Trail nomination to the National Register.

Continue trail maintenance on Forest Service Trail No. 10 (Johnson Pass Trail) for 22 miles. This provides access to the historic portions of the Trail.

Places appropriate trail markers along the historic trail between Johnson and Canyon Creek.

Place highway markers from Canyon Creek to Hope.

Priority sites within segment:

White’s Roadhouse
Hope Historic District
Sunrise Townsite

SEGMENT: Portage Pass Segment
Predominate Ownership: FOREST SERVICE

This route over Portage Glacier contains significant historic cultural, and scenic resources.

Recommendations: Analyze route for development as a summer recreation trail.

Protect with a minimum 1000-foot right-of-way.

Consider including in the thematic nomination to the National Register.

NOTE: Excellent interpretive opportunities are available in the Forest Service interpretive center at Portage Glacier.

SEGMENT: Potter (Johnson) Trail
Predominate Ownership: STATE OF ALASKA

Portions of the Potter Trail, now referred to as the Johnson Trail, are currently popular recreation routes within the Chugach State Park during the summer.

Recommendations: Places appropriate signs. Consider re-naming to the more historically accurate and descriptive name: “Turnagain Trail.”

Continue maintenance.

Priority sites within segment:

Potter Section House

SEGMENT: Girdwood to Ship Creek (Indian Pass)
Predominate Ownership: STATE OF ALASKA, MILITARY RESERVATION

The historic route between Girdwood and the Anchorage vicinity is currently overlain by railroad, secondary roads, and a Chugach State Park hiking route. The segment is used year-round.

Recommendations: Consider including the 24-miles route maintained by Chugach State Park from the vicinity of Indian Pass to Arctic Valley road in the thematic nomination to the National Register.

Protect the 24-mile route with a minimum 1000-foot right-of-way.

Place appropriate trail markers along the 24-miles route.

Continue maintaining the 24-mile route.

SEGMENT: Anchorage to Eagle River
Predominate Ownership: LOCAL GOVERNMENT/PRIVATE, MILITARY RESERVATION

Recommendations: Undertake additional research and planning by the Municipality of Anchorage in order to provide a trail link between Anchorage, the Indian Pass Route, and the primary route.

Place appropriate trail markers once the historic route is identified and established.

Priority sites within segment:

Whitney’s Ranch

SEGMENT: Susitna Station to Old Skwentna/Yentna River
Predominate Ownership: STATE OF ALASKA

Recommendations: Periodically mark and maintain the winter route paralleling the Yentna River to provide an alternative route.

Establish a 100- to 1000-foot right-of-way to protect public access.

SEGMENT: Salmon River to Takotna (via McGrath)
Predominate Ownership: BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT, PRIVATE WITH FEDERAL EASEMENTS.

Recommendations: Mark and maintain, through Federal portions and Federal easements, the well-established winter Trail connecting Salmon River, McGrath, and Takotna.

Remove deadfall and snags from portions of the Trail that have been burned.

Establish a 100- to 1000-foot right-of-way on Federal land.

SEGMENT: Takotna to Dikeman Cut Off (via Ophir)
Predominate Ownership: FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, STATE OF ALASKA

Recommendations: Mark with trail signs the 18-mile road connecting Takotna and Ophir and the 56-mile winter trail known as Hunter Trail.

Consider including as part of the thematic nomination to the National Register.

Establish a minimum 1000-foot right-of-way on the Hunter Trail.

Priority sites within segment:

Old McGrath
Ganes Creek Mine
Ganes Creek Dredge
Ophir City

SEGMENT: Otter to Flat
Predominate Ownership: BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Recommendations: Identify Discovery Trail between Otter and Flat.

Mark and periodically maintain the route.

Protect the route with a 1000-foot right-of-way.

Consider including in the thematic nomination to the National Register.

Priority sites within segment:

Otter

SEGMENT: Ophir to Ruby (Winter Trail)
Predominate Ownership: STATE OF ALASKA

Recommendations: Mark the Trail between Ophir and Poorman and the highway between Poorman and Ruby.

Maintain the 82 miles of winter Trail periodically.

Establish a 1000-foot right-of-way along the winter Trail.

Priority sites within segment:

Poorman
Sulatna Crossing
Long
Ruby Roadhouse
Fisher Roadhouse, Ruby

SEGMENT: Ungalik to Issac’s Point (Baldhead)
Predominate Ownership: PRIVATE WITH FEDERAL EASMENTS

Recommendations: The land route connecting Ungalik and Baldhead should be periodically marked and maintained. Cooperative agreements between private landowners and the Federal government should recognize public use of the historic route.