Parks & Rec committee backs moving proposed Lost Lake cabin to ridge above Lost Lake, sends plan to assembly

The Skagway Parks & Recreation Committee voted to send a recommendation to the assembly to approve a proposed cabin site on the ridge above Lost Lake, a move proponents say would preserve Lost Lake’s shoreline and open access to the Face Mountain ridgeline.

Deputy Manager Rebecca Kamake, reading from a memo included in packet materials, told the committee the proposed ridge site sits on an existing loop trail, offers access for hikers of varying abilities, has a nearby water source and uses a low-impact design; she said the assembly had previously directed staff in 2023 to consider an outhouse first and then a cabin (Rebecca Kamake, Deputy Manager). "So those are just the things that we wanted to make sure you guys were aware of when considering," she said.

The committee’s Chair (S1) and volunteer Michael Yi argued the lakeside site at Lost Lake would dominate the small lake, intrude on privacy and expose users to intense summertime black flies. "Lost Lake is a very private, unique lake, and I am fairly opposed to having a cabin on it," the Chair said. Michael Yi described an alternative site above the lake that is sheltered, drier, and connects to the Face Mountain ridge: "We found a beautiful spot on municipal property above Lost Lake... It opens up the entire area of Face Mountain," Yi said.

Committee members pressed for maps, background materials and a possible site visit before finalizing longer-term decisions. Yi said the route to the ridge is largely flagged and walkable and estimated the full elevation gain to the ridge site at about 2,300 feet with a total distance under 3 miles; he said the new Lost Lake Trail measures roughly 2.5 miles. Yi also reported that volunteers and local groups had prepared materials and that the city had set aside $25,000 for helicopter work to sling materials should air support be needed.

Assembly members agreed the project benefits from volunteer engagement and several funding options, including small municipal grants and other programs the committee discussed. After deliberation, an Assembly member moved to send the trail plan and site recommendation to the assembly so the municipality can pursue grants and other steps; the motion was seconded by the Chair and approved by voice vote.

Action at the meeting was limited to forwarding the recommendation; committee members agreed further engagement — a printed map for the public, review of prior meeting records and a possible field trip during a snow-free season — would be useful next steps. The committee also discussed emphasizing incremental, recurring budget allocations to support local contractors and volunteers for trail mapping, brushing and phased capital work.

The committee then reviewed the comprehensive trails plan update and adjourned. The assembly will receive the committee’s recommendation and materials for its own consideration; no construction will occur until the assembly acts and any required permitting, funding and public vetting take place.