Hikers and nature lovers heading to Williwaw Lakes in Chugach State Park this summer can expect a vastly improved experience thanks to an ambitious trail maintenance project.
Flowing turquoise lakes, colorful wildflower fields, and breathtaking mountain views define this popular hiking destination, but for years, trekkers have faced muddy obstacles that transformed sections of the trail into swamps.
Responding to the growing challenges posed by increased foot traffic and limited state resources, the Chugach Park Fund is taking action with a project that includes new bridges and boardwalks designed to address these muddy passages.
Chugach State Park attracts more than 1 million visitors annually, necessitating greater trail maintenance efforts to keep paths accessible and safe. With a sprawling 500,000 acres and 280 miles of trails, the park faces the reality of tight state budgets and the need for alternative funding sources.
John Quinley, a board member of the Chugach Park Fund, acknowledged the significance of private funding in supporting essential trail improvements. The forthcoming enhancements to the Williwaw Lakes Trail are expected to cost $175,000, which will be covered by donations from various corporate sponsors, including ConocoPhillips Alaska, Rasmuson Foundation, the Carr Foundation, and Athletic Brewing, among others.
Marking a shift in how trail maintenance is funded, the park’s superintendent Justin DiPaola-Allen noted the importance of leveraging private partnerships. Such collaborations allow more funds to flow into park operations, benefiting the overall maintenance and enhancement of the trails.
“Every dollar the state invests in personnel can be matched with contributions from corporate sponsors, making our efforts significantly more impactful,” DiPaola-Allen explained.
The annual budget for managing Chugach State Park is approximately $1.1 million, while revenue from fees, including parking and camping permits, surpasses $1.7 million. Despite this income, the park’s small staff—comprising eight personnel and three park rangers—often finds that limited resources and high demands leave little for trail maintenance tasks.
Quinley underscored this ongoing struggle, emphasizing how the park’s employees juggle various duties such as law enforcement, search and rescue operations, and facility upkeep, leaving scant resources for trail work.
The Chugach Park Fund has stepped in to fill this gap, prioritizing projects identified by park staff and advisory council members. In its eight years of operation, the fund has raised about $750,000 for various maintenance initiatives, although much more funding is still needed to comprehensively cover all trail and park needs.
In 2016, the Chugach State Park Advisory Board determined that reliance on public funding alone would not suffice to maintain public access at a level that would encourage visitation. This conclusion catalyzed the formation of the Chugach Park Fund.
Past projects include significant improvements to trails such as Hidden Lake, South Fork of Eagle River, and Little O’Malley, all made possible by generous private donations. The new project slated for completion at Williwaw Lakes promises to enhance trail accessibility while preserving the park’s stunning natural beauty.
ConocoPhillips Alaska has committed to spend $6.4 million this year on community and conservation initiatives throughout the state, with a portion allocated to the Williwaw Lakes Trail project. Tara Stevens, the community investment director for ConocoPhillips, noted the challenges of increasing visitor numbers, particularly after the COVID pandemic, which has intensified the need for trail maintenance and improvement.
“Ensuring our communities thrive is essential, and supporting projects that maintain public access to beautiful natural areas is a big part of that mission,” Stevens stated.
Ben Ervin, trails program officer for Alaska Trails, emphasized the high demand for trail maintenance across the state. He noted that while state resources primarily focus on facility maintenance, it’s the trails that draw visitors to places like Chugach State Park.
“Chugach State Park could accommodate three full-time trail crews every year without running out of work,” Ervin remarked.
In light of limited staffing and resources, DiPaola-Allen discussed the need to prioritize which trails receive maintenance in order to manage the park effectively. Some trails require more frequent upkeep than others, depending on usage and environmental factors.
“Certain trails can be allowed to remain in a more natural state, while others are built to a higher standard,” DiPaola-Allen explained.
Each year, the majority of visitors to Chugach State Park are Alaska residents, who are eager to explore the incredible array of hiking opportunities available in the region.
DiPaola-Allen described Chugach State Park as deserving of national park designation, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and diverse recreational activities. Having personally climbed over 90 peaks in the park, he understands the critical importance of maintaining trails for public access.
“With proper funding and community involvement, we have the potential to enhance our trail systems significantly,” Ervin posited.
He concluded that public investment in trails reflects a collective prioritization of cherished outdoor spaces and activities. The Williwaw Lakes project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities and corporations collaborate in supporting vital public infrastructure.
As hiking enthusiasts are set to experience improved conditions on the Williwaw Lakes Trail, it’s clear that community engagement and funding partnerships are essential for preserving the natural beauty and accessibility of Chugach State Park.
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