DOI: BLM: Alaska January 2007 Campbell Tract Leaf

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Alaska



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January 2007 Campbell Tract Leaf

Winter Wonderland

Campbell Tract offers new recreation opportunities!

Recent heavy snowfall has made the recreational trails of Campbell Tract a winter wonderland for skiers, snowshoers, mushers, and those just wanting to take the family dog for a brisk walk in the woods (on leash, of course!).

We've made some cool changes to our trail system you might want to know about as you plan your next outing at Campbell Tract. We also want to share important winter safety tips to make your time in the outdoors here at Campbell Tract safe and enjoyable.

Lynx Trail “links” two popular trails

Next time you visit our popular Smokejumper Trailhead, look across the street and you’ll notice a new trail. We’ll post a trail sign after breakup to name this segment Lynx Trail, since it links Moose Track Trail with Lore Road and Coyote trails to form a fun little loop, or to help you connect with Viewpoint Trail.

Outdoor recreation planner Doug Ballou says Lynx Trail lets users avoid the BLM buildings and parking areas, and instead follow a more scenic path through a spruce stand. “The little trail has a lot of character,” says Ballou. “I think users will enjoy this route.” And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a lynx!

Why are orange cones near the airstrip?

orange safety cones along west side of Campbell Tract Airstrip

While recreational use of the airstrip is prohibited by law, the BLM is experimenting with allowing limited winter use in a narrow defined corridor near the treeline on the west side of the airstrip. This corridor is groomed and marked with bright orange cones (see photo). Walking, skiing, equestrian use, and other recreational activities are permitted within—and ONLY within—this groomed area adjacent to the western treeline. Pick up a free trail map at the BLM field office or Campbell Creek Science Center for the location and access points.

Sled dog traffic is permitted on dedicated trails adjacent to this corridor. For safety reasons, sled dog teams have the right of way at all crossing points.

BLM Law Enforcement Ranger Jeff Duhrsen reminds users that recreating on the airstrip, apron or heliport areas is illegal, and the user could be fined.

Trail user etiquette and you

Following a few simple rules allows a variety of users to safely recreate on the same trail system. We like to call this trail etiquette, and it simply means using a little common sense and manners so we can all enjoy our time in the outdoors and return home safely.

Some simple tips to keep in mind as we enjoy the trails:

Sled dog trails on Campbell Tract are clearly marked and, for safety reasons, are restricted to mushing use during winter. Dog teams travel up to 25 miles per hour, move silently, and cannot stop quickly. If you find yourself on a sled dog trail with a team coming, get off the trail and allow the dog team to pass. Then retrace your route and choose one of the multi-use trails.
Remember that passing is a two-way affair. When you pass others on skis, snowshoes, or winter mountain bikes, let them know your intention so they have time to move aside.
Horses know the human voice. Speak when passing equestrians on multi-use trails, so riders can reassure and control their horses.

Remember that multi-use winter trails are for all. Please respect the rights of other users by practicing good trail etiquette!

Dog leash or voice control?

To promote user safety and reduce wildlife interactions, Ranger Duhrsen reminds visitors to the Campbell Tract that the BLM enforces dog leash regulations, up to and including citation.

While dogs under voice control for certain activities may be permissible on Municipal lands, federal regulation requires use of physical restraint, regardless of how well trained your dog may be.

Fido may be friendly, but other trail users might not welcome 100 pounds of canine friendship! So please leash up. It’s the law.

Trailhead security

Vehicle break-ins at trailheads remain a year-round problem, with occasional spikes in the number of thefts at various times. One of those times is now, according to Ranger Duhrsen.

Whatever the reason for the recent spate of smash and grabs, you can reduce your chances of being a victim by leaving valuables at home and taking your wallet with you as you leave your vehicle.

Ranger Duhrsen urges visitors to report crimes or suspicious activity to him at 267-1436 (if you get voicemail, leave a detailed message and he’ll return your call) and to the Anchorage Police Department at 786-8900.

“The information you share may be the missing detail that helps us fit the pieces together to identify suspects or recover stolen property,” Duhrsen adds.

Check it out…

A new interpretive wayside on the north side of Campbell Tract celebrates the area’s WWII military history. Designed by BLM archeologist Donna Redding, the site consists of two interpretive panels that discuss the role of the Campbell Airstrip and Garrison that existed on the tract from 1943-1945.

The wayside was constructed by volunteers from Boy Scout Troops 92, 25, and 24, led by Eagle Scout candidate Jared Bisby of Troop 92. Outdoor rec guy Doug Ballou explains: “Jared coordinated over 100 hours of volunteer labor to level the site, install a bench and the interpretive sign stands, and apply a gravel surface.”

The handicap-accessible wayside is located on Viewpoint Trail just east of its junction with Rover’s Run Trail. A second historic interpretive wayside will be installed next summer.

Winter Trails Day is Feb. 10

Want to try out the latest in winter gear, learn new skills, or improve your existing skills? Don’t miss Winter Trails Day with our partner REI on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10:30 a.m. till 4 p.m. Snowshoes, skis, avalanche beacons, snow shelters, ski wax clinics, roasted marshmallows, and hot cocoa. Winter just doesn’t get any better!

Become a Friend of the CCSC

The Friends of the Campbell Creek Science Center invite you to join this nonprofit organization dedicated to helping the BLM deliver high quality outdoor science programs for people of all ages. To learn more about becoming a Friend, phone 267-1254 and request a brochure.

Beyond the Campbell Tract

Ever wonder what the BLM Anchorage Field Office does beyond the Campbell Tract? Land use planning is one answer to this not-so-simple question.

Next time you visit during business hours, stop in at the field office or Campbell Creek Science Center and pick up a copy of the Bay Draft Resource Management Plan. When final, this plan will guide resource decisions for 2.5 million acres of BLM-managed public lands in the Bristol Bay and Goodnews Bay areas.

BLM just extended the public comment period for the Bay Plan from Jan. 5, 2007, to Feb. 5, 2007, so there’s still time to review the plan and offer comments.

The Campbell Tract Leaf is published quarterly to provide news about the 730-acre BLM Campbell Tract, located adjacent to Far North Bicentennial Park in Anchorage, Alaska. If you’d like to be added to the mail list (or removed), phone 267-1420 or drop a note to tmcphers@ak.blm.gov.

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