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HomeMy WebLinkAbout9C West Creek Survey ResultsWEST CREEK COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY Mailed: April 5, 2010 Results Tallied April 26, 2010 The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection. The Municipality sent this survey through a bulk mailer to each post office box, 750. The community opinion survey was also available on our website and at the counter at the Municipal Offices. 97 surveys have been received and are included in the results listed below. Surveys received after the tally date of April 26, 2010 are not included in the results. 750 Sent 97 Received 13% Question 1: How do you use the West Creek area now? Hiking 54% Snowmachines, ATVs, 4-wheeling, other motorized 27% Wood cutting, gathering dead trees 27% Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding 25% Recreation 24% Hunting 19% Question 2: What values (not uses or activities) should be proposed or maintained on this land? (A “value” for example, might be the area’s historical value or recreational value.) Recreational 75% Natural resources, firewood, timber, sawmill, water 16% Natural, wilderness, accessibility 12% Historical value 11% Preserve green space, pristine wilderness 7% Hydroelectric, electric, energy 7% Question 3: What uses do you think should be allowed in the West Creek area? Limited / regulated personal wood harvest 42% Hiking 41% ATVing / ATVing on road only 35% Snowmachining / Snowmachining on road only 29% Year-round recreation / noncommercial recreation 28% Question 4: What uses do you think should be prohibited in the West Creek area? Walking / Jeep / Dog / Horse / Any tours incl. overflight 21% Clear cutting, wood cutting, logging, chainsaws 20% All commercial uses 15% Commercial development, Industrial/Road development 12% Hunting 12% Residential development 11% WEST CREEK COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY Mailed: April 5, 2010 Results Tallied April 26, 2010 Page 2 of 3 Question 5: Do you foresee any costs involved in managing the uses or activities that you have suggested? If so, how do you suggest the Municipality raise these funds? Yes 56% No 27% Don’t Know 2% Costs: Recreational trail / road / campsite dev. & maintenance 16% Law enforcement / regulation / management 7% Signage 2% Refuse Collection 2% Funding: Sales tax revenue, seasonal tax revenue, increase tax 12% Permits or fees / annual user fee / park use fee 10% Trail development grant, State grant 10% Sale of property: old clinic, West Creek, valley 8% Municipal general fund operating budget 4% Community support, volunteer labor, contributions 4% Property taxes 4% Parks & Recreation annual budget 3% Question 6: Do you support the Municipality spending money to develop aspects of the West Creek area? Yes 62% No 25% Depends 9% Question 7: How should the Municipality propose to manage this land? Committee or board / P & Z / Parks & Rec. Committee 11% As a natural recreation area for all residents 9% With all user groups in mind / status quo 8% Public Works / Parks & Rec. / Police / Admin. Dept. 6% Minimal management 5% No management 5% Publicly, community volunteers 5% Question 8: Do you support Timber Sales? No 51% Yes 35% Depends 14% Question 9: Do you support a hydro project on West Creek? Yes 44% No 31% Depends 24% WEST CREEK COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY Mailed: April 5, 2010 Results Tallied April 26, 2010 Page 3 of 3 Question 10: Do you support residential development in West Creek. If so, how strict should the zoning be? No 47% Yes 43% Depends 7% Zoning: Residential General 9% Quite strict / strict for commercial uses only 6% Large lots / 5-acre lots / 2-acre lots 4% Residential Conservation 3% Commercial 3% Not strict 3% Residential Low Density 2% Question 11: Do you support any commercial business ventures in the West Creek area? If so, what type? No 53% Yes 42% Depends 4% Business Type: Limited, quiet, small tours; non-motorized; guided tours 16% Hydroelectric 8% Small timber / firewood sales 7% Must be compatible with recreational uses 2% Timber harvest / logging 2% Snowmachine / ATV use 2% COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 1: How do you use the West Creek area now? Hiking 52 53.61% Snowmobiles, ATV, 4-wheeling, other motorized 26 26.80% Wood cutting/gathering dead trees 26 26.80 % Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, sledding 24 24.74 % Recreation 23 23.71% Hunting 18 18.56% Drive/get out of town, avoid people, play, escape, solitude 16 16.49% Berry Picking 14 14.43% Photographing/viewing scenery and wildlife 9 9.28% Bird Club Ventures/bird watching/animal watching 6 6.19% Shooting 6 6.19% Walking the dogs 5 5.15% Don’t use it 5 5.15% Fishing 5 5.15% Camping 5 5.15% Mountain biking 3 3.09% Mushroom hunting 2 2.06% Prospecting 2 2.06% Exploring 2 2.06% Trapping 2 2.06% Plant harvesting 2 2.06% Boating 1 1.03% Driving out the road to access trails 1 1.03% Wild flower collecting 1 1.03% Picnicking 1 1.03% Gathering river rock 1 1.03% Comment: “Are there any other uses besides as a trail? I thought we weren’t allowed to cut wood or do anything, except go look at our bridge to nowhere.” Comment: “I wish you would have public meetings in a public place.” COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 2: What values (not uses or activities) should be proposed or maintained on this land? (A “value” for example, might be the area’s historical value or recreational value.) Recreational 73 75.26% Natural resources, firewood, timber, sawmill values, water 16 16.49% Natural, wilderness, accessibility 12 12.37% Historical Value 11 11.34% Preserve green space, pristine wilderness 7 7.22% Hydroelectric, electric, energy 7 7.22% Commercial, land sales, parks development, economic value, timber sales 6 6.19% Aesthetic Value 6 6.19% Residential 5 5.15% Relief from tourism, solitude 5 5.15% Fish & Wildlife habitat 4 4.12% None 3 3.09% Not Sure 1 1.03% Any reasonable use that is beneficial for Skagway 1 1.03% Trails 1 1.03% Environmental 1 1.03% Quiet & peaceful 1 1.03% Watershed 1 1.03% Comment: “That road was put in for logging. Jay Frey used that area extensively for trapping and wood cutting” Comment: “This is a magnificent area filled with wildlife, lets enjoy that not exploit it.” The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 3: What uses do you think should be allowed in the West Creek area? Limited / regulated personal wood harvest 41 42.27% Hiking 40 41.24% ATV / ATV on road only 34 35.05% Snowmachining / Snowmachining on road only 28 28.87% Year-round recreation / Noncommercial Recreation 27 27.84% Hunting 20 20.62% Skiing / Cross-country skiing 17 17.53% Camping 17 17.53% Plant & berry harvesting 12 12.37% Residential/low-density housing / Private land development 8 8.25% Non-motorized activity / Non-motorized days or weekends (like Log Cabin) 7 7.22% Horseback riding 6 6.19% Fishing 6 6.19% Development of Hydro 5 5.15% Walking dogs / Walking dogs off leash 4 4.12% Target shooting 4 4.12% Commercial firewood & timber 3 3.09% Golf course 3 3.09% Snowshoeing 3 3.09% Picnicking 3 3.09% All current uses 3 3.09% Trapping 3 3.09% Small tours / Eco-tourism 2 2.06% Mountain biking 2 2.06% Driving 2 2.06% Rafting 1 1.03% Open for any ideas 1 1.03% Photography 1 1.03% Winter tourism 1 1.03% Ski resort 1 1.03% All listed under “considerations” in the flyer 1 1.03% All that can be done without damaging the area 1 1.03% Traditional uses / activities done there since ‘60s 1 1.03% Not sure 1 1.03% Fish hatchery 1 1.03% Cabin sales north of river 1 1.03% Prospecting 1 1.03% Boat Ramp 1 1.03% RV use 1 1.03% Comment: I believe that West Creek is a great multi-use site as long as it is managed properly. Comment: Hikers & skiers need to learn how to share with the other user groups. Comment: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 4: What uses do you think should be prohibited in the West Creek area? Walking/Jeep/Dog/Horse/Any tours incl. overflight by aircraft 20 20.62% Clear cutting / Wood cutting / Logging / Chainsaws 19 19.59% All commercial uses 15 15.46% Commercial development / Industrial / Road development 12 12.37% Hunting 12 12.37% Residential development 11 11.34% Motorized vehicle use / (except snow machines) 10 10.31% Hydro development / Commercial energy uses 8 8.25% None 7 7.22% Trapping / Trap lines 6 6.19% Commercial timber sales 5 5.15% Target shooting / Guns, weapons 5 5.15% ATV use 4 4.12% Live tree removal / girding live trees 4 4.12% Long-term camping / campgrounds / squatting 4 4.12% Anything harmful to the ecosystem / anything that will devalue area 3 3.09% Horseback riding 2 2.06% National Park Service / Park development 2 2.06% Dump site 1 1.03% Land sales 1 1.03% Prostitution 1 1.03% Camping 1 1.03% Anything that restricts use by locals 1 1.03% Liberals 1 1.03% Mining 1 1.03% Comment: The erosion caused by ATVs has the potential to degrade fish rearing habitat and destroy foot/horse trails. Comment: All residents should enjoy this area including tours and recreational vehicles. COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 5: Do you foresee any costs involved in managing the uses or activities that you have suggested? If so, how do you suggest the Municipality raise these funds? Yes 54 55.67% No 26 26.8% Don’t Know 2 2.06% Breakdown of “Yes” Answers: Costs: Recreational trail/road/campsite development & maintenance 16 16.49% Law enforcement / regulation / management 7 7.22% Signage 2 2.06% Refuse collection 2 2.06% Outhouse 1 1.03% Hatchery 1 1.03% Residential land development 1 1.03% Golf course 1 1.03% Funding: Sales tax revenue / Summer/seasonal sales tax revenue / increase tax 12 12.37% Permits or fees / Annual user fee / Park use fee 10 10.31% Trail development grant / State grant 10 10.31% Clinic property sale / sale or lease of West Creek land / sale of land in valley 8 8.25% Municipal general fund operating budget 4 4.12% Community support / volunteer labor / private industry contributions 4 4.12% Property taxes / Housing taxes 4 4.12% Parks & Recreation annual budget 3 3.09% Firewood/timber-cutting permit 2 2.06% Fundraising / Fundraising assistance from Watershed Council 2 2.06% Lottery tickets 1 1.03% Savings 1 1.03% Bond issue 1 1.03% Hydroelectric 1 1.03% No tax breaks 1 1.03% Private enterprise 1 1.03% Comment: Back to Nature. No cost – leave as is. Last Frontier is getting scarce; West Creek is all we have left. Comment: I am still wondering where the city is getting the money to survey this property. COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 6: Do you support the Municipality spending money to develop aspects of the West Creek area? YES 60 61.86% NO 24 24.74% DEPENDS 9 9.28% COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 7: How should the Municipality propose to manage this land? Committee or board / P & Z Commission / Parks & Rec Committee 11 11.34% As a natural recreation area for all residents 9 9.28% With all user groups in mind / Status quo 8 8.25% Public Works / Parks & Rec / Police / Admin. Dept. 6 6.19% Minimal management 5 5.15% No management 5 5.15% Educate public / Passive management / Community volunteer-managed 5 5.15% Land development for homes / increase tax base / sell lots 4 4.12% Keep it the same as it is 4 4.12% Signs / maps 3 3.09% Development management plan / Plan like Dyea Mgmt Plan 3 3.09% Municipal code 2 2.06% Same as Yakutania Point, Upper/Lower Lake, Dewey Lakes 2 2.06% As a preserve 2 2.06% For sustainable / profitable timber operations 2 2.06% Offer a permit system 2 2.06% What are the options? 2 2.06% Road maintenance 1 1.03% With the least amount of forest damage 1 1.03% Keep commercial uses out 1 1.03% Good Assembly leadership / give merit to public comments 1 1.03% For tourism 1 1.03% Effectively 1 1.03% Trail development 1 1.03% Motorized / Non-motorized use on alternate weekends 1 1.03% Don’t know 1 1.03% Barrier at the bridge so only foot-traffic can go through 1 1.03% Comment: Send Wayne Greenstreet and/or Denny Bousson out there once in a while. COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 8: Do you support Timber Sales? NO 49 50.52% YES 34 35.05% DEPENDS on scale (Industrial or Personal), other factors 14 14.43% Comment: I once worked as a logger in the Pacific Northwest. It is laughable to suggest that West Creek is timber land. Comment: [Timber sales were] one of the primary reasons this land was selected years ago. COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 9: Do you support a hydro project on West Creek? NO 30 30.93% YES 43 44.33% MAYBE / DEPENDS / NOT SURE 23 23.71% Depends on plans, depends on impact, only if owned by Municipality. Comment: It seems every time there is a hydro project our rates go up. Does our usage? COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 10: Do you support residential development in West Creek. If so, how strict should the zoning be? NO 46 47.42% YES 42 43.3% MAYBE / DEPENDS 7 7.22% Will it disrupt integrity of National Historical landmark? Need to review master plan. Zoning is critical. It is something to discuss carefully. ZONING Residential General 9 9.28% Quite strict / strict for commercial uses 6 6.19% Large lots / 5-acre lots / 2-acre lots 4 4.12% Residential Conservation 3 3.09% Commercial 3 3.09% Not strict 3 3.09% Residential Low Density 2 2.06% No zoning 1 1.03% Home businesses, no tours 1 1.03% Somewhat strict 1 1.03% Only in areas where there are already residential homes 1 1.03% To the extent it won’t negatively impact recreation 1 1.03% Light Industrial 1 1.03% 1/2 –mile between lots 1 1.03% No bulldozing 1 1.03% No development beyond new blue bridge 1 1.03% COMMUNITY OPINION SURVEY The West Creek area contains approximately 3,040 acres; it is part of the Municipal Land Selection Entitlement. The Municipality plans to survey this part of the Municipal Entitlement during the next budget cycle to obtain the patent, the Municipality already has land management authority over it as part of the selection Question 11: Do you support any commercial business ventures in the West Creek area? If so, what type? NO 51 52.58% YES 41 42.27% MAYBE / DEPENDS 4 4.12% Type of business Limited, quiet, small tours / non-motorized / guided hiking, biking, horseriding 16 16.49% Hydroelectric 8 8.25% Small timber/firewood sales 7 7.22% Must be compatible with recreational uses 2 2.06% Timber harvest / logging 2 2.06% Snowmachine / ATV use 2 2.06% Zip line 1 1.03% Winter tourism focus / year-round destination 1 1.03% No horses, no ATVs 1 1.03% All types 1 1.03% Sawmill for local use 1 1.03% Downhill skiing / rope tow 1 1.03% Cabins / inn 1 1.03% Businesses that observe & protect the area 1 1.03% Concession stand / small coffee shop / restaurant 1 1.03% Mining 1 1.03% Comment: If it wasn’t for private donations of equip. – labor there wouldn’t be a bridge there today. That effort by Ed Hanousek to rebuild the old log bridge makes it possible today for all to enjoy. The railroad donated piling – state gave the steel beams and the city contributed money for planking. That area is very special to many long time residents, many who were born here. It should be enjoyed by all, it’s Skagway’s place to get away from tourism and enjoy what was here before the town became so hectic, and the National Park with all its restrictions and big government policies. Let’s not let West Creek become a dividing issue. Locals against summer residents; it has the potential for all groups to enjoy its beauty.