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Goldstream residents urge delay or conditions on easement that would allow commercial snow‑machine tours
Summary
Two Goldstream Valley residents told the Trails Advisory Commission they oppose a borough easement purchase that would allow a commercial snowmachine tour company (identified as Snow Slayers) access to narrow neighborhood trails, calling for public release of the site plan and stronger limits on commercial use.
Goldstream Valley residents urged the Fairbanks North Star Borough Trails Advisory Commission on Oct. 27 to postpone any easement purchase or to add clear limits if the borough proceeds, saying commercial snowmachine tours would disrupt residential trail access, raise safety risks and increase noise at night.
"I'm testifying in opposition to a borough easement purchase that would allow a commercial snow machine tour company to access recreational trails in the Goldstream neighborhood," said David Bachrach, a longtime Alaska tourism operator who said unchecked commercial roadside tourism migrates into neighborhoods and can overwhelm small areas.
Karen Deatherage, who identified herself as a Goldstream Valley resident and trail groomer, told commissioners the specific route proposed by the company Snow Slayers is too narrow for safe passing by dog teams, skiers or bikers and that grooming berms and nearby trees leave little room to pull off. She asked that the borough make the site plan available to the public and consider adding a stipulation to any easement that would prohibit commercial use.
Commissioners asked whether public‑access stipulations or a borough permitting system would change residents' views. Both Bachrach and Deatherage said access in perpetuity would not alleviate their concerns and expressed support for a borough commercial‑permit program that would set limits and conditions on operators.
No action was taken on an easement at the meeting. Commissioners and staff noted the difference between borough land, state land and private easements and that some affected trails cross state land, which would limit borough authority. Jacobs said staff would continue to coordinate with DNR and land management and make public documents available in the agenda package when possible.
Next steps: Residents asked staff and the commission to publish the site plan and to ensure neighborhood impact studies and public comment opportunities are available before any easement purchase is finalized.
