HomeMy WebLinkAboutJaponski Boathouse Trail Works letterSitka Trail Works
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801 Halibut Point Road, Sitka AK 99835 .
Phone: 747- 7244 email; trail@ptialaska.net
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Joe Wallis
Chief of Grants
Save America's Treasure
Heritage Preservation Services, National Park Service
1201 "Eye" Street, NW
6"' Floor (ORG. 2255)
Washington, D.C. 20005
May 15, 2003
Dear Joe Wallis,
On behalf of the Sitka Trail Works, Inc. Board of Directors I am writing in support of the proposed
rehabilitation of the Japonski Island Boathouse as proposed by the Sitka Maritime Heritage Society.
Reconstruction of this historic building would enhance and fulfi11 aspects of three different projects
included in the Sitka Trail Plan. The Sitka Trail Plan is a 70-page document detailing future trail and
hikinglwalking projects for the community. Begun in 1999, the plan has been informed by extensive
public comment and is supported by the plan partners including the City and Borough of Sitka, the
USDA FS and AKDPOR
Improvements to local harbors to serve the needs of ka• aJ leers - Response to the draft Sitka Trail Plan
highlighted numerous deficiencies in the local harbor system in serving the needs of resident and
visiting kayak users. Use of the restored boathouse for kayak launching and storage would help serve
the needs of these waterfront users
Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Sitka - The Sitka Trail Plan also calls for development of an
interpretive kiosk as the basis for a self -guided walking tour for the 100,000 plus annual visitors to
Sitka. The Japonski Boathouse and it's planned maritime museum would be a popular destination for
visitors to learn about the history of the Sitka waterfront and would encourage visitors to walk across
the O'Connell bridge with its stunning views of the harbors and greater Sitka Sound.
The Sitka World War II Causeway Project - The Sitka Trail Pian states "The Sitka World War II
Causeway has the potential to be the best and most informative World War II historic walk in
Southeast Alaska. Users of this trail would be able to explore -Fascinating underground ammunition
bunkers or stand on a gun platform and look out to the open ocean. The Causeway Trail has
commercial potential as a destination for independent visitors and cruise ship passengers."
As part of the National Historic Landmark, development of the Japonski Boathouse fits perfectly with
this Causeway project.
This Japonski Boathouse projects "works" with the goals of the trail plan in a number of respects not
the least of which is it's potential to contribute to economic diversification in the community. We
wholeheartedly endorse the efforts of the Sitka Maritime Society.
Yours Truly,
Deborah Lyons U
Executive Director
Sitka Trail Works - develop, maintain and promote a Sitka trail system