Parks and Rec recommends ridgeline site for Lost Lake cabin

At a Parks and Recreation Committee meeting, members voted to recommend the Canagu ridgeline as the designated site for the Lost Lake cabin and forwarded that recommendation to the Skagway Municipality Assembly.

Committee members said the ridgeline site better meets multiple priorities raised in packet materials and public comment. Assembly Member Waddell moved the recommendation, stating, “I move that we recommend the Canagu proposed location along the ridgeline as the designated location of the loss of the cabin to the assembly for approval.” The motion was seconded and the committee voiced approval.

Why it matters: the location decision will guide staff work on trail routing, parking and facilities and determine where volunteer and borough resources will be concentrated. Members flagged three considerations that shaped the recommendation: visitor experience and views, insect (black fly) problems at Lost Lake, and wildfire risk.

Manager Dietch opened the item by asking the committee to provide clear direction so staff could move forward without having to interpret prior, changing plans. As he put it, “I just wanna thank you for taking this back up. … I want you to tell me.” Michael Yee, a volunteer, told the committee the new proposed site meets the memo requirements and noted the volunteer crew had started work on an outhouse: “the outhouse will will be ready, so by spring.”

Assembly Member Waddell described accessibility advantages in favor of the higher site, arguing it is “no more difficult than the Lost Lake Trail” and noting that helicopter access could make the site reachable for users unable to hike. The chair raised fire-safety concerns at Lost Lake, saying the lower-elevation site sits amid heavier growth while the ridgeline is in subalpine terrain with “much less risk of fire up there.”

Members and speakers also discussed practical trailhead needs should the ridgeline site be adopted: additional parking near the Blue Bridge, kiosks or maps at junctions, and where best to place restroom facilities (trailhead vs. destination). Jason Berhegg, speaking as a resident, asked whether parking and restrooms would be provided at the Blue Bridge trailhead and urged planning of trail infrastructure before opening a route to the public.

The committee’s action sends the recommendation to the full Assembly for final approval; staff said they would proceed with clearer direction to plan parking, signage and maintenance around the selected location.