By John Suter
Dear Editor,
Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski is working with Congress and Bureau of Land Mangement to create a Federal Scenic Long Trail from Seward to Fairbanks. I’m deeply concerned that private land owners aren’t being notified about the Long Trail passing through or near private lands.
We have the Alaska State Constitution on the Public Process and I feel as if this trail is being rushed and certain user groups aren’t being notified. The route into the Talkeetna Mountains is another concern, who’s going to pay for the rescue mission? Alaska Trails will tell you that they have funding set aside for rescue missions, but what happens when the money runs out?
Alaska has harsh extreme weather conditions and you’re inviting people all over the world to hike the Long Trail without knowledge of Alaska’s weather and dangerous wildlife. Another concern is water source for safe drinking and the garbage left behind from travelers.
In 1980, then-President Jimmy Carter stole our lands and promised that Alaskans could still use those lands. The federal government has proven that they don’t keep promises. This Long Trail will only place more restrictions on Alaskans for using our lands. Please reject the Alaska Long Trail to preserve our rights to our land. Thank you for your prompt and courteous attention.
John Suter
