Kodiak Island Borough Road System Trails Master Plan - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is the Borough preparing a Trails Plan?

A. Trails are an important part of the lives of Kodiak Island residents.  They are used for recreation and for access to hunting and fishing sites.  Within and around the city of Kodiak, trails also provide key pathways to schools, homes and shops. Outside the city, in areas with rugged and undeveloped terrain, trails are frequently the only way to gain entry to many locations on the island. Borough residents support having and maintaining a high-quality trail system.  The Borough has conducted a number of previous trails planning and inventory efforts but stopped short of completing a Trails Plan.  Preparing a Trails Plan was a priority recommendation in the Borough’s recent Comprehensive Plan update process.  Following that recommendation, the Borough secured funds to pay for preparation of a Trails Plan and is pleased to be able to now meet this long-term commitment to Borough residents and trail users.  A Trails Plan will provide a framework for future use, management and improvement of trails to meet the needs of all Kodiak residents and visitors.

Q. When will the Trails Plan be completed?

A. This effort is expected to last about 12 months (near the end of Summer 2010).  Preliminary work products will be completed sooner and available for review and comment on the Trails Plan Web site or from the Borough’s Community Development Department staff.

Q. Why did the Borough hire consultants to assist with this effort?

A. Public agencies frequently hire consultants to assist in efforts such as this that will require significant investments in staff or resources over a relatively short period of time.  The Borough also wants specialized technical expertise to address specific issues related to trail planning, including access to trails, standards for trail construction, future management and maintenance of trails and opportunities to pay for new trails and improvements to existing trails.

Q. How will the Trails Plan affect the average citizen in the Borough?

A. The Trails Plan will be used to guide future decisions and actions about improvements to existing trails, construction of new trails, and use, maintenance and management of all trails.  Because many residents use trails throughout the Borough, the Trails Plan will affects how average citizens use and experience trails and the areas around them.  For example, trail management standards will affect which types of uses are appropriate on specific trails and how land adjacent to trails is affected by trail use.

Q. What issues will be addressed during the Trails planning process?

A. Some of the key issues expected to be addressed include access to trails; designation of certain trails for specific types of trail users (e.g., motorized or non-motorized use); education and information related to trail use; opportunities for new or improved trail connections to improve the trail network; potential community partnerships for future trail maintenance and improvement; and standards for improving and maintaining trails for different types of use.  Other issues may be identified and addressed during the course of the planning process.

Q. How can I have an impact on the process of preparing the Trails Plan?

A. You have a variety of opportunities and methods to be involved in the planning process.  In the early stages of the process (September and October, 2009), the Borough will be looking for volunteers to help provide information about trail conditions.   You can get more information about volunteer opportunities by visiting the Borough’s Web site and by contacting Sandra West at rowkodiak@gmail.com or Paul VanDyke at pvandyke@kodiakak.us.  As the planning process moves forward, you will have an opportunity to comment on draft planning recommendations via the project Web site, by attending public meetings, completing a trail users survey, or contacting Borough staff by telephone, in writing or via e-mail.  Your input on key issues and recommendations are essential to creating a plan that meets the unique needs of all citizens and communities in the Kodiak Island Borough.  See “How Can I Comment” for more information about how to be engaged in the process.

Q. How do I find out about public meetings in my community?
A. Look for articles or meeting announcements in the Kodiak Daily Mirror or in newsletters distributed by local neighborhood or community groups.  There will also be public announcements on local radio and TV stations.  In addition, meeting notices will be posted in local communities at libraries, city offices, Chambers of Commerce, post offices, and local businesses.  The project Web site (http://www.kodiaktrailsplan.com ) also will include meeting announcements.

Q. How can I comment on the Plan without attending a meeting?
A. If you can’t attend a public meeting, please use the project Web site (http://www.kodiaktrailsplan.com) to submit comments or send us your comments in writing.  You also may contact KIB Community Development Director Bud Cassidy at (907) 486-9360 or bcassidy@kodiakak.us, or Joe Gilpin at Alta Planning + Design at (406) 624-6117 or joegilpin@altaplanning.com.  You also will be encouraged to participate in a trail users survey during the course of the project.  Comments provided via the survey or this Web site will be kept confidential.