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Commission backs borough acceptance of 310‑acre Interior Alaska Land Trust donation to expand Burroughs Iceberg Recreation Area
Summary
The commission voted June 19 to recommend the borough accept two parcels (PAN 709054 and PAN 496723) donated by Interior Alaska Land Trust, which would increase the Burroughs Iceberg Recreation Area from about 420 to roughly 730 acres; conservation easements will remain in place and trails plan designates the upland trail as winter motorized use.
The Parks and Recreation Commission recommended June 19 that the borough mayor accept a donation of two parcels from the Interior Alaska Land Trust that would expand the Burroughs Iceberg Recreation Area by roughly 310 acres.
Andrea Jacobs, the borough trails coordinator, briefed commissioners on the planned donation and how it fits the current Iceberg master plan and the borough’s Comprehensive Recreational Trails Plan (CRTP). Jacobs said the parcels total about 310 acres and, when combined with the existing roughly 420 acres in Burroughs Iceberg Recreation Area, would create a roughly 730‑acre recreation area.
Why it matters: The Iceberg master plan (2007) lists acquisition of adjacent lands as a priority; the donated parcels would preserve upland connectivity, retain conservation easements and create opportunities to extend winter motorized and non‑motorized trail networks.
Key points from staff
- Use and easements: Interior Alaska Land Trust will retain conservation easements on the parcels but has indicated the easement language will permit trail construction and multi‑use recreation in coordination with the borough. - Existing trail designation: The mapped trail crossing the larger parcel is currently listed in the borough’s trails plan as a winter motorized route (Chena Ridge FE Ditch Trails, I B5). Changing that designation would require a public process to amend the trails plan. - Parking and access: Jacobs noted there is existing parking at Oboe Court and an easement across adjoining upland which could provide access for a future trailhead. Construction and hardening of additional trail segments would require grant funding; staff said cost and wetland conditions influence whether a hardened trail or boardwalk would be required. - Process: Accepting the donation would require follow‑up land management work, possible rezoning to outdoor recreation, and an ordinance/assembly public hearing before final borough acceptance.
Commission action and vote
Commissioner David moved to support borough acceptance of the two parcels (PAN 709054 and PAN 496723) and to approve a draft letter of support included in the meeting packet; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call with all commissioners voting yes.
Next steps and uncertainties
If the borough proceeds, land management staff will coordinate conservation‑easement language, any necessary rezoning, and public notices. Jacobs said the trust has expressed a shared goal to extend the existing trail network onto the donated land and that the trust will work with the borough to ensure easement language allows trail construction. Building trailhead parking or hardened trail segments will depend on future funding and permitting.
