By Willow Hetrick
Turnagain Times
Moose Pass Correspondent
Comments due for Bridge Construction
Comments are due on the proposal to replace the existing Falls Creek, Ptarmigan Creek, and Trail River Bridges on the Seward Highway between Milepost 22 to 25 by May 21. The purpose of this proposed project is to maintain the Seward Highway connection by replacing existing bridges that are no longer able to withstand traffic demands due to their poor structural condition. The proposed work would include the following:
• Remove and replace the existing Ptarmigan Creek Bridge;
• Remove the Ptarmigan Creek detour, including embankment, guardrail, and bridge;
• Construct Falls Creek detour:
• Remove and replace the existing Falls Creek Bridge;
• Remove the Falls Creek detour, including embankment, guardrail, and bridge;
• Replace existing Trail River Bridge; and
• Improve the approaches into all 3 bridges by widening the road from 28ft to 36ft which would tie into the proposed Seward Highway 18-25 project.
Construction for the proposed project is anticipated to begin during summer 2011. For more information, contact John Linnell, P.E., Project Manager, at 269-0571 or Leah Durocher, Environmental Impact Analyst, at 269-0530. Submit comments to Brian Elliott, Regional Environmental Manager, ADOT&PF, and P.O. BOX 196900, ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99519-6900.
Moose Pass Volunteer in Mission Team BBQ
On June 23, the Moose Pass Methodist Church Volunteer in Mission team BBQ potluck will be held at the church along with the work team from North Carolina that is doing the big work project at Moose Pass.
Trash Cleanup along the Seward Highway
On Sunday night on my way back to Anchorage after a glorious weekend on the Peninsula, I saw Jeanne Follett all the way in Turnagain Pass picking up garbage on the side of the road! It looked to me that she even enlisted some hitch-hikers to help her at that moment. Jeanne Follett, in her safety vest with her garbage picker-upper, has collected 100 bags of trash between all up-and-down the Seward Highway. Thanks Jeanne! She has also recently been seen in her kayak at Tern Lake picking up trash off the edge of her boat. This should encourage us all to adopt a highway, driveway, pullout or a portion thereof and take part in beautifying our scenic byway, if there are any left when Jeanne is finished.
Forest Service Trail Updates
Thanks to our dedicated Rangers at the Kenai Lake Work Center in Moose Pass, we have updated Forest Service trail information in-and-around Moose Pass. For space purposes, I have concentrated on those trails in the Moose Pass area. For updated trail information elsewhere, visit the Forest Service website.
Updates as of May 13 2010
- Running into snow
• Ptarmigan Creek and Lake Trails have been cleared of fallen trees 5 miles in, or about halfway along the lake. A few patches of snow remain and there are also a few wet and muddy areas. There is a large avalanche to cross just before the lake, as well as a few others along the lake.
Updates as of May 5 2010
- Running into snow
• Ptarmigan Creek Trail has been cleared of fallen trees up to the cutoff to Falls Creek 2.5 miles in. There are many patches of snow 1-2 feet deep from the trailhead in.
• Crescent Creek Trail has been cleared to mile 2.5 where the trail becomes covered in snow over two fee deep. From the trailhead in there are patches of snow.
• The south end of Johnson Pass Trail has been cleared up to mile 2.5 where snow 2'+ begins. There are patches of snow from the trailhead in.
• Victor Creek Trail has been cleared. There are patches of ice and snow 1-2 feet deep for the first mile in the forest. Past this are areas of deeper snow and large avalanches to cross.
• All areas closed to snow machine use on April 30 except for Turnagain Pass, the north side of Jonson Pass Trail, and access to Lost Lake area via Snug Harbor Road.
Updates as of April 30 2010 - Early season hiking
• Gull Rock Trail has been cleared of fallen trees. There are some patches of snow and ice remaining.
• Exit Glacier Road is now clear of snow up to Resurrection River Trailhead at mile 8. The first gate has been opened but the second gate at mile 4.5 is closed.
• Lost Lake and Primrose Trails closed to snow machines on April 22 due to melting on the lower parts of these trails.
2nd Annual Forest Service Environmental Awareness Days
On May 12 and 13, the Seward Ranger District on Alaska's Chugach National Forest hosted the 22nd annual Environmental Awareness Days for Seward Elementary fifth grade, Moose Pass, Hope and Cooper Landing Schools. Wednesday was the small-schools day and Thursday the Seward 5th graders attended. Students rotated through six stations that were set up at various sites in Trail River campground. Each presentation provided discussion and a hands-on experience in the areas of: wildlife habitat/management, archeology, fire, vegetation, and fisheries resources. Management and use of natural resources on National Forest Lands was a cross-cutting theme woven into presentations. An emphasis was placed on environmental ethics, conservation and examples of how management decisions can affect the delicate balance of the environment. Approximately 150 students participated along with teachers and chaperones in the two-days.
Moose Pass Volunteer Fire Department News
During the past year the fire department has seen many changes. Brian Morris is now the new fire chief after Mike Turner moved to Seward. The fire department acquired a new engine from Anchorage this spring, and although the truck runs well, there is still some work to be conducted over the summer to make in functional. They also acquired a rescue vehicle from Sitka and have it equipped to respond to medical calls, motor vehicle accidents and other rescues scenarios. The fire department is also the proud owner of an inflatable boat with an outboard to respond to emergencies in the many lakes of the area. The new vehicles are being house at the new fire hall at Mile 36 of the Seward Highway. Several member of the crew completed EMT II training and are now able to respond the call with a higher level of knowledge. They are always recruiting volunteers, if you are interested in training and being an active member of the squad you are welcome to join one of the meetings. The fire department meets every Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Moose Pass Community Hall.
