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Consultants call long rifle-range–Daee connection infeasible; committee refocuses trail plan on nearer AB Mountain zones
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Summary
Trail consultants told the Parks & Recreation Committee that a continuous rifle-range–Daee multiuse connection would be technically difficult and costly; the committee voted to refocus the study on zones 3 and 4 of AB Mountain and to include multiuse concepts suitable for grant funding.
Trail consultants Respec and subcontractors told the Skagway Parks & Recreation Committee on Oct. 8 that the long-distance trail connecting the rifle range to the Daee boat launch was constrained by cliffs, boulder fields and drainage—including a waterfall and Mathews Creek—and would be cost‑prohibitive to build and maintain as originally envisioned.
Consultant Eddie, of Tarming and Trails, said field scouting showed “very technically demanding constraints” and that a multiuse ATV/horse/bicycle connection would likely require blasting, heavy mobilization and possibly helicopter lifts. He warned that some ATV-grade options could cost roughly $320,000–$330,000 per mile in the worst terrain. “It’s a really cool idea. It’s just really not feasible as something the town hasn’t agreed to maintain or fund long term,” he said.
Given the terrain and long‑term maintenance liabilities—consultants cited a rule of thumb that annual maintenance can approach 10% of construction cost—the committee voted to redirect the project team to focus on zones 3 and 4 of the AB Mountain area (the Nakube West / Yacotania Point corridor) and to develop a multiuse concept plan that would be more competitive for grants and easier for the municipality to sustain.
Motion and vote: Committee member Ryan Hansen moved to refocus the rifle-range‑to‑Daee concept on zones 3 and 4 and to include multiuse elements; Chair Spencer Morgan seconded and the motion carried by voice assent. Staff and consultants will rewrite the scope to produce a high‑level concept plan using existing lidar/topography that can be used for grant applications and more detailed field verification.
Why it matters: consultants said the original scope would require substantial capital outlay and recurring maintenance, could strain emergency services, and would trigger more extensive permitting (wetland/SHPO/environmental reviews) where Mathews Creek and other fish-bearing drainages are crossed. Instead, the consultants recommended developing a variety of shorter, fundable experiences—gravel universal access sections, hike/bike loops and improved trailheads near town—both to spread use across the landscape and to increase the chances of funding approval.
Next steps: staff will ask the consultants to prepare a concept plan for zones 3 and 4 suitable for pursuing state and federal grant funding; the committee asked that the budget and scope reflect realistic construction and 10% annual maintenance assumptions.