Assembly approves West Creek Ridge cabin site, directs staff to follow permits and public process

The Skagway Municipality Assembly voted Nov. 6 to place the proposed Lost Lake cabin at a higher alpine site on West Creek Ridge (the “blue dot” in the meeting packet) and directed staff to follow all permitting, conditional uses and code requirements.

Public testimony leading into the vote included extended support for the ridge site from volunteers and hikers who argued the ridge offers safer, less fire‑prone terrain, better views and helicopter access; at least one speaker urged keeping Lost Lake itself accessible and not turning it into a congested cabin destination. Assembly members expressed both eagerness to move a long‑stalled hut project forward and caution that the process must meet land‑use and permitting requirements to avoid past procedural complaints.

Clerk Burnham and Manager Dietz confirmed that a prior conditional‑use review occurred for a Lost Lake cabin application but that a clarified GPS location was not part of the prior filing; managers said staff will check code and ensure the appropriate P&Z (planning and zoning) reviews and permits are completed. Assemblymember Burnham moved the amendment clarifying staff should place the cabin at the blue‑dot site shown on packet page 1 and to follow all procedures and permits; the amended motion passed by roll call (6–0).

Several members urged staff to solicit public input over the winter and to ensure trail, sanitation (outhouse) and emergency access are addressed before construction. Staff said funds for materials and volunteer support are included in the FY26 budget for transporting materials and building an outhouse as needed.

The assembly did not postpone the decision; instead members approved the site with conditions and directed manager/staff to follow code and permits. Further procedural steps — conditional use, building permits and any required land‑management plan updates — will follow the assembly action.