Girdwood Trails Committee seeks comment on grant bid to restore Beaver Pond Trail

The Girdwood Trails Committee is seeking public comment on its plan to apply for a federal trail grant to restore the Beaver Pond Trail, according to a public notice dated Sept. 21. Comments are due Oct. 30, the same day applications are due to the state.

The committee is applying to the Recreational Trails Program, federal trail grants awarded by the state transportation department. The program reimburses up to 90% of eligible costs, with awards capped at $100,000. The work would include brushing, or clearing vegetation, new culverts and gravel, and restored water crossings. The goal is to bring the trail to Class 3 Hiking parameters, the middle of the committee's five-level scale, where Class 1 is least developed. If funded, the project would run from June 2027 to June 2029.

The committee will take comments in person at its meeting Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 7 pm in the Girdwood Community Room. Comments also can be submitted by phone at 907-343-8373, by email to [email protected] or by mail to Girdwood Trails Committee, PO Box 390, Girdwood, AK 99587.

A 2017 Anchorage Community Challenge Grant put $8,250 toward the trail.