Protecting Alaska’s Motorized Access: The Fight Against the Alaska Long Trail
National Scenic Trail Designation
Spanning 500 miles from Seward to Fairbanks, the proposed Alaska Long Trail cuts
through the heart of Alaska and across some of the few remaining state-managed
public lands. Following a feasibility study funded through federal appropriations at the
request of Senator Lisa Murkowski, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has now
recommended the trail for designation as a National Scenic Trail (NST). This
designation would authorize a federally administered corridor up to a quarter mile wide
on either side of the route. While there may be designated motorized crossings, the
overwhelming majority of the trail would become non-motorized, effectively closing
access to most motorized users along this trail. What is especially concerning is that
once the trail is designated by Congress, connecting routes can later be added to the
National Scenic Trail system administratively—without a congressional vote. A vote on
this designation could take place as early as fall 2025.
Under Section 7(c) of the National Trails System Act, motorized use on a National
Scenic Trail is prohibited except in cases of emergency and only with the explicit
approval of the Secretary of the Interior. The consequences have already played out
elsewhere—in Montana and Idaho, over 90% of motorized trails were closed following
the designation of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. If implemented here,
similar closures would threaten the Alaskan way of life that depends on snowmachines,
ATVs, and other off-road vehicles for recreation, subsistence, transportation, and
utilitarian.
Adding to the concern, segments of this proposed trail have been developed using
Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds—resources derived from the federal fuel taxes
paid by off-highway vehicle users. Ironically, these same users may now be barred from
enjoying the very trails they helped pay for.
The Alaska Outdoor Council (AOC) and the Alaska Snowmachine Alliance (ASA) have
been actively engaged in opposing this designation for over a year. We’ve met with
Senator Dan Sullivan’s office and Congressman Nick Begich’s office, both of whom
support our efforts to stop the NST designation. We’ve also taken our concerns directly
to the Department of the Interior and the new BLM State Director.
Alaska Trails, Inc., the leading advocate behind the designation effort, claims broad
support for the NST. However, AOC and ASA are standing firm to defend Alaska’s
motorized access traditions and ensure that rural, working, and recreational voices are
not silenced by outside interests.The ASA and The Anchorage Snowmobile Club has
launched a petition and created a customizable form letter that citizens can send to
public officials. If you believe in protecting Alaska’s public lands for all users, now is the
time to act.
Let your voice be heard at https://www.othersidealt.com
Michele Stevens VP South Central, Alaska Outdoor Council, Alaska Snowmachine
Alliance, President