HomeMy WebLinkAboutSuWa207sec12-5Alaska Resources Library & Information Services
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document
ARLIS Uniform Cover Page
Title:
Recreation resources study, Study plan Section 12.5 : Initial study report
SuWa 207
Author(s) – Personal:
Author(s) – Corporate:
Prepared by URS Corporation
AEA-identified category, if specified:
Draft initial study report
AEA-identified series, if specified:
Series (ARLIS-assigned report number):
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project document number 207
Existing numbers on document:
Published by:
[Anchorage : Alaska Energy Authority, 2014]
Date published:
February 2014
Published for:
Alaska Energy Authority
Date or date range of report:
Volume and/or Part numbers:
Study plan Section 12.5
Final or Draft status, as indicated:
Draft
Document type:
Pagination:
292 p. in various pagings
(including all parts)
Related work(s):
Pages added/changed by ARLIS:
Notes:
The following parts of Section 12.5 appear in separate files: Main report ; Appendices A-C ;
Appendices D-F ; Appendices G-J ; Appendices K-O.
All reports in the Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Document series include an ARLIS-
produced cover page and an ARLIS-assigned number for uniformity and citability. All reports
are posted online at http://www.arlis.org/resources/susitna-watana/
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
(FERC No. 14241)
Recreation Resources Study
Study Plan Section 12.5
Initial Study Report
Prepared for
Alaska Energy Authority
Prepared by
URS Corporation
February 2014 Draft
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page i February 2014 Draft
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... x
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
2. Study Objectives................................................................................................................ 2
3. Study Area ......................................................................................................................... 2
4. Methods and Variances in 2013 ....................................................................................... 3
4.1. Regional Recreation Analysis ................................................................................. 3
4.1.1. Variances......................................................................................... 4
4.2. Trails ....................................................................................................................... 4
4.2.1. Variances......................................................................................... 4
4.3. Recreation Use Areas .............................................................................................. 4
4.3.1. Variances......................................................................................... 4
4.4. Recreation Supply, Demand, and Use .................................................................... 4
4.4.1. Variances......................................................................................... 5
4.5. Recreation Facilities and Carrying Capacity .......................................................... 6
4.5.1. Variances......................................................................................... 7
4.6. Survey Data Collection ........................................................................................... 7
4.6.1. Identification and Analysis of Salient Data from Existing Survey
Research .......................................................................................... 7
4.6.2. Incidental Observation Survey (IOS) .............................................. 7
4.6.3. Intercept Recreational User Survey ................................................ 8
4.6.4. Observational Tallies .................................................................... 14
4.6.5. Regional Resident Households Mail Survey ................................ 14
4.6.6. Nonresponse Bias Telephone Survey ........................................... 18
4.6.7. Executive Interviews ..................................................................... 18
4.7. GIS Maps and Figures .......................................................................................... 20
5. Results .............................................................................................................................. 20
5.1. Regional Recreation Analysis ............................................................................... 20
5.2. Trails ..................................................................................................................... 21
5.2.1. RS 2477 Trails .............................................................................. 23
5.2.2. 17(b) Easements ............................................................................ 24
5.2.3. Winter Trails and Routes .............................................................. 26
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page ii February 2014 Draft
5.2.4. Summer Trails and Routes ............................................................ 26
5.3. Recreation Use Areas ............................................................................................ 26
5.3.1. Special Resource Use Designations .............................................. 26
5.4. Recreation Supply, Demand, and Use .................................................................. 31
5.4.1. Utilization Data ............................................................................. 32
5.5. Recreation Facilities and Carrying Capacity ........................................................ 44
5.5.1. Facility Inventory .......................................................................... 44
5.5.2. Site Easements .............................................................................. 50
5.5.3. Dispersed Recreation Sites ........................................................... 50
5.5.4. Access Points ................................................................................ 51
5.6. Survey Data Collection ......................................................................................... 52
5.6.1. Identification and Analysis of Salient Data from Existing Survey
Research ........................................................................................ 53
5.6.2. Ongoing Incidental Observation, Recreational User Intercept and
Regional Recreation Household Mail and Nonresponse Bias
Telephone Surveys ........................................................................ 58
6. Discussion Regional Recreation Analysis ..................................................................... 59
6.1. Trails ..................................................................................................................... 59
6.2. Recreation Use Areas ............................................................................................ 60
6.3. Recreation Supply, Demand, and Use .................................................................. 60
6.4. Recreation Facilities and Carrying Capacity ........................................................ 61
6.6. Survey Data Collection ......................................................................................... 62
6.6.1. Existing Survey Data .................................................................... 62
6.6.2. Ongoing Survey Data .................................................................... 62
6.7. Interrelated Studies ............................................................................................... 63
7. Completing the study ...................................................................................................... 64
8. Literature Cited .............................................................................................................. 64
8.1. Figure (Maps) References ..................................................................................... 70
9. Tables ............................................................................................................................... 71
10. Figures .............................................................................................................................. 92
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page iii February 2014 Draft
LIST OF TABLES
Table 5.4-1. Denali-Clearwater Recreation Management Area, Annual Visits to Selected
Sites and Trails, FY 2007-2011 .............................................................................................71
Table 5.4-2. Denali-Clearwater Recreation Management Area, Selected Sites and Trails,
FY2012 ..................................................................................................................................71
Table 5.4-3. Denali-Clearwater Recreation Management Area, Selected Sites and Trails,
FY2013 ..................................................................................................................................71
Table 5.4-4. Tangle Lakes and Brushkana Creek Campground Use Data, Summer 2011
and Summer 2012 ..................................................................................................................72
Table 5.4-5. Denali State Parks Trails and Viewpoints Annual Visitation Data, By Month,
2011 and 2012 ........................................................................................................................72
Table 5.4-6. Lake Louise State Recreation Area Summer Visitation Data, By Month,
2011 and 2012 ........................................................................................................................73
Table 5.4-7. Southcentral and Interior Alaska Resident Recreational Visitation to the
Mat-Su Borough .....................................................................................................................73
Table 5.4-8. Alaska Railroad, Denali Star Train Ridership, Arrivals to Talkeetna, 2011
and 2012, Preliminary Data ...................................................................................................74
Table 5.4-9. Alaska Railroad, Denali Star Train Ridership, Departures from Talkeetna,
2011 and 2012, Preliminary Data ..........................................................................................74
Table 5.4-10. Alaska Railroad, Hurricane Train Ridership, Arrivals to Talkeetna, 2011
and 2012, Preliminary Data ...................................................................................................75
Table 5.4-11. Alaska Railroad, Hurricane Train Ridership, Departures from Talkeetna,
2011 and 2012, Preliminary Data ..........................................................................................75
Table 5.4-12. Average Reported Hunting Effort by Species (Days), in Recreation Use
Study Area3 ............................................................................................................................76
Table 5.4-13. Percent of All Hunters Reporting Use of Transportation Methods in
Recreation Use Study Area ....................................................................................................76
Table 5.4-14. Monthly Distribution of Wildlife Harvest Success .................................................76
Table 5.4-15. Recreation User Intercept Survey Frequencies and Regional Resident
Household Mail Survey Frequencies (as of September 30, 2013), Preliminary Data ...........77
Table 5.5-1. Characteristics of Dispersed Recreation Categories..................................................78
Table 5.5-3. Total Number of Access Points for Inventory Categories .........................................78
Table 5.5-4. Number of Access Points by Geographical Location................................................79
Table 5.6-1. Primary Recreation Activities, Brushkana Creek Campground and Denali
Highway, FY 2011 .................................................................................................................79
Table 5.6-2. Activity Participation and Primary Activities for Denali Highway, Summer
2007 ........................................................................................................................................80
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page iv February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-3. Desired Experience for Denali Highway, Summer 2007 ..........................................81
Table 5.6-4. Desired Personal Benefits for Denali Highway, Summer 2007 ................................81
Table 5.6-5. Desired Community Benefits for Denali Highway, Summer 2007 ...........................82
Table 5.6-6. Recreation Activity Participation in the Southern Interior Sub-region, by
Respondent Stratum, by Percent ............................................................................................82
Table 5.6-7. Recreation Activity Participation in the Matanuska-Susitna Sub-region, by
Respondent Stratum, by Percent ............................................................................................83
Table 5.6-8. Visitation to the Southern Interior Sub-region, by Respondent Stratum, by
Percent ....................................................................................................................................83
Table 5.6-9. Visitation to the Matanuska-Susitna Sub-region, by Respondent Stratum, by
Percent ....................................................................................................................................84
Table 5.6-10. Use of Recreation “Site Type” in the Southern Interior Sub-region,
Uncollapsed Responses, by Respondent Stratum, by Percent ...............................................84
Table 5.6-11. Use of Recreation “Site Type” in the Matanuska-Susitna Sub-region,
Uncollapsed Responses, by Respondent Stratum, by Percent ...............................................85
Table 5.6-12. Talkeetna Visitor (Non-Alaska Residents) Recreation Activities in
Talkeetna, Summer 2011 .......................................................................................................86
Table 5.6-13. Talkeetna Visitors, Selected Demographics, Summer 2011 ...................................87
Table 5.6-14. Recreation Users Intercept Survey – Completed Surveys by Days of the
Week, Field Sampling March-September 2013, Preliminary Data .......................................88
Table 5.6-15. Recreation Users Intercept Survey – Sample Days, Field Surveyor Effort,
Completed Surveys by Time of Day, Field Sampling March-September, 2013,
Preliminary Data ....................................................................................................................88
Table 5.6-16. Recreation Users Intercept Online Survey – Month of Trip, April-
September, 2013, Preliminary Data .......................................................................................89
Table 5.6-17. Recreation Users Intercept Online Survey – Selected Recreation Locations,
Day and Overnight Visits, March-September, 2013, Preliminary Data ................................89
Table 5.6-18. Regional Household Mail Survey Sample, June Mailing, June-August
Responses, 2013, Preliminary Data .......................................................................................90
Table 5.6-19. Ongoing Regional Household Mail Survey Sample, October Mailing,
October-November 8 Responses, 2013, Preliminary Data ....................................................90
Table 8.1. Assessment of Existing Recreation Survey Data ..........................................................91
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page v February 2014 Draft
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3-1 Recreation Resources Study Areas ............................................................................. 92
Figure 4.6-1 Survey Intercept Locations ...................................................................................... 93
Figure 5.4-1. Distribution of reported hunting effort by resident and non-resident trappers, and
hunters pursuing black bear, brown bear (successful hunters only) caribou, moose and sheep for
hunts within the Recreation Use Study Area ................................................................................ 94
Figure 5.4-2. Distribution of reported hunting effort by only non-resident trappers, and hunters
pursuing black bear, brown bear (successful hunters only) caribou, moose and sheep within the
Recreation Use Study Area ........................................................................................................... 95
Figure 5.4-3. Average Number of Angler Days per Year, per Stream, for 2003-2012 ................ 96
Figure 5.5-1. Tallies of Dispersed Recreation Sites along the Denali Highway .......................... 97
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page vi February 2014 Draft
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Comprehensive Plan Review
Appendix B: Trails Inventory
Appendix C: Winter Trails
Appendix D: Summer Trails
Appendix E: ADF&G Fish Harvest Data
Appendix F: Facility Inventory
Appendix G: Facilities Figures
Appendix H: Dispersed Recreation Inventory
Appendix I: Access Inventory
Appendix J: Access Figures
Appendix K: Photographs
Appendix L: Mail Survey
Appendix M: Intercept Survey
Appendix N: Intercept Observation Tally
Appendix O: Nonresponse Bias Telephone Survey
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page vii February 2014 Draft
LIST OF ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS
Abbreviation Definition
ACS American Community Survey
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
ADF&G Alaska Department of Fish and Game
ADL Alaska Division of Lands (case file designator)
ADNR Alaska Department of Natural Resources
ADOLWD Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
ADOT&PF Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
AEA Alaska Energy Authority
ANCSA Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
ANILCA Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980
APA Alaska Power Authority
ARRC Alaska Railroad Corporation
ARSP Alaska Residents Statistics Program
AS Alaska Statutes
ASSA Alaska State Snowmobile Association
ATV all-terrain vehicle
AVSP Alaska Visitors Statistics Program
BLM Bureau of Land Management
CIRVC Cook Inlet Region Village Corporation
DHASB Denali High Adventure Scout Base
DPOR ADNR Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
FERC Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
FR Federal Register
ft2 square feet
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page viii February 2014 Draft
Abbreviation Definition
FY fiscal year
GAU generally allowed uses (on state land)
GIS geographic information system
GPS global positioning system
HEC-RAS Hydraulic Engineering Centers River Analysis System
ILP Integrated Licensing Process
IOS Incidental Observation Survey
ISR Initial Study Report
km kilometer
Mat-Su Matanuska Susitna
MP mile post
MSB Matanuska-Susitna Borough
NOLS National Outdoor Leadership School
NRRS National Resource Recreation Setting
OHV off-highway vehicle
ORV off-road vehicle
OS Operating Scenario
PRM Project River Mile
Project Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project
RM River Mile(s) referencing those of the 1980s APA Project.
ROS recreational opportunity spectrum
RS revised statute
RST revised statute trail
RUM Random Utility Model
RV recreational vehicle
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page ix February 2014 Draft
Abbreviation Definition
SCORP Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
SPD Study Plan Determination
TLAD Tangle Lakes Archeological District
TWG Technical Workgroup
UCU Uniform Coding Unit. Geographic area, defined by ADF&G, which is roughly equivalent to a
drainage.
URL uniform resource locator. Also known as a web address
USCG United States Coast Guard
USGS United States Geological Survey
USR Updated Study Report
WSR Wild and Scenic River
WSRA Wild and Scenic Rivers Act
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page x February 2014 Draft
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recreation Resources Study 12.5
Purpose The Recreation Resource Study is designed to identify and document
existing recreation resources and activities that may be affected by the
construction and operation of the proposed Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric
Project. The study includes the identification of the types and levels of
current and future recreation uses through primary and secondary research
methods. Data collection also supports the development of a future
Recreation Management Plan for the Project.
Status Data were collected in 2013 and will continue in the next study season. Data
analysis will occur in the next study season.
Study
Components
Major study components include: a review of existing management plans
relevant to recreation resources; inventory of trails and right of ways;
mapping of trails with a project nexus at a 1:24,000 scale; description of
recreation use areas using an NRRS analysis; and an inventory of facilities
and dispersed recreation sites, which will be incorporated into a carrying
capacity assessment. The study also includes the collection of recreation user
data through secondary data review, executive interviews, and intercept, on-
line, mail and telephone survey research to assess demand for consumptive
and non-consumptive recreation uses.
2013 Variances State-issued registration (Tier I) and Tier II subsistence permits have been
included in the analysis of hunting and trapping effort (RSP Section 12.5.4).
Adjustments were made to intercept survey and observational tally locations
(RSP Section 12.5.4).
Regional household mail survey was phased in two mailings instead of one
(RSP Section 12.5.4).
Steps to
Complete the
Study
As explained in the cover letter to this draft ISR, AEA’s plan for completing
this study will be included in the final ISR filed with FERC on June 3, 2014.
Highlighted
Results and
Achievements
Existing management plans have been reviewed and the majority of
executive interviews have been conducted. Initial inventories of trails,
facilities, dispersed recreation sites, and access points were conducted during
the summer field season. Where high resolution aerial imagery was available,
trails were mapped at a scale greater than 1:24,000. For the recreational use
and demand assessment, secondary data have been reviewed; both phases of
the regional household mail survey were mailed; mail survey nonresponse
telephone surveys were conducted; and intercept recreational user surveys
and observation tallies have taken place since early spring 2013 and will
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page xi February 2014 Draft
continue into the next study season.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 1 February 2014 Draft
1. INTRODUCTION
On December 14, 2012, Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) filed with the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) its Revised Study Plan (RSP) for the Susitna-
Watana Hydroelectric Project No. 14241 (Project), which included 58 individual study plans
(AEA 2012). Included within the RSP was the Recreation Resources Study, Section 12.5. RSP
Section 12.5 focuses on identifying recreation resources and activities (by both visitors to Alaska
and Alaska residents) that may be affected by the construction and operation of the proposed
Project, and helping assess the potential impacts of Project construction and operation on those
resources and activities. RSP Section 12.5 provided goals, objectives, and proposed methods for
recreation resources data collection and analysis.
On February 1, 2013, FERC staff issued its study determination (February 1 SPD) for 44 of the
58 studies, approving 31 studies as filed and 13 with modifications. RSP Section 12.5 was one of
the 13 approved with modifications. In its February 1 SPD, FERC recommended the following:
We recommend that AEA modify the Recreation Resources Study Plan as follows:
• The study area should be modified to include the area within one-quarter mile west
of the George Parks Highway and one-quarter mile north of the Denali Highway.
• The intercept and mail survey instruments should include a specific component that
evaluates whether the recreational experience is “Guided/Unguided” and defines
party size.
• One or more questions addressing potential user conflict should be added to the
survey (e.g., identifying activities that diminish the quality of one’s experience).
• The “Don’t Know” and “Refused” fields should be removed from the intercept
survey instrument.
• Intercept surveys should be conducted through all the fall and winter months of
2013-2014, weather permitting, and focused on an abbreviated list of survey
locations identified through stakeholder input. The list should be finalized at the
same time final survey instruments are reviewed by stakeholders.
• Final intercept and mail survey instruments should be filed with the Commission by
April 15, 2013. The Recreation TWG should be allowed a minimum of 15 days to
review the instruments before filing them with the Commission. The filing should
include stakeholder comments on the instruments and how such comments were
addressed.
• Trails in the immediate Project area should be mapped at a scale of 1:24,000
national map accuracy standard of +/- 40 feet.
• Include in the initial study report any proposed modifications to the study plan
based on the first year’s data on the lower river uses, hydrology, and ice processes.
In addition, in accordance with the sixth bulleted recommendation listed above, AEA convened a
Recreation Technical Workgroup (TWG) meeting on February 25, 2013 to review the draft
survey instruments and discuss AEA’s plans for pre-testing such instruments. As a result of the
meeting and subsequent Recreation TWG comments on modified intercept and mail survey
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 2 February 2014 Draft
instruments, AEA provided the final intercept and mail survey instruments in a supplemental
filing to the Commission dated April 15, 2013.
In accordance with the February 1 SPD and the supplement filing on April 15, 2013, AEA
included these modifications in its 2013 implementation of the FERC-approved study plan as
reported in Section 4 of this ISR.
Following the first study season, FERC’s regulations for the Integrated Licensing Process (ILP)
require AEA to “prepare and file with the Commission an initial study report describing its
overall progress in implementing the study plan and schedule and the data collected, including an
explanation of any variance from the study plan and schedule” (18 CFR 5.15(c)(1)). This Initial
Study Report (ISR) on the Recreation Resources Study has been prepared in accordance with
FERC’s ILP regulations and details AEA’s status in implementing the study, as set forth in the
FERC-approved RSP and as modified by FERC’s February 1 SPD (collectively referred to
herein as the “Study Plan”).
2. STUDY OBJECTIVES
The Recreation Resources Study is designed to identify recreation resources and activities (by
both visitors to Alaska and Alaska residents) that may be affected by the construction and
operation of the proposed Project, and to help assess the potential impacts of Project construction
and operation on those resources and activities.
As set forth in Section 12.5.1 of the RSP, the specific goals of the study are to:
• Identify and document recreation resources and facilities that support commercial and
non-commercial recreation in the Project area.
• Identify the types and levels of current recreational uses and future reasonably
foreseeable future uses based on surveys and interviews, consultation with licensing
participants, regional and statewide plans, and other data.
• Evaluate the potential impacts of Project construction and operation on recreation
resources, needs, and uses in the Project area.
• Develop data to inform AEA’s future development of a Recreation Management Plan for
the Project.
3. STUDY AREA
The study areas for the Recreation Resources Study are described in RSP Section 12.5.3. Three
geographic areas are defined and used in this study:
First, the Recreation Effects Analysis Area is defined as the area proposed to be occupied by
Project facilities as well as the Susitna River upstream to the Denali Highway Bridge and
downstream to Sunshine, the proposed Project reservoir and some nearby shore lands and trails
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 3 February 2014 Draft
surrounding the reservoir location (see Figure 3-1). This area includes the proposed Watana
Dam, located on the Susitna River at project river mile (PRM) 187 (measured from the mouth of
the river), and the resulting 39-mile long Watana Reservoir. AEA is currently studying the
potential indirect effects of the proposed Project and thus lands and trails around the proposed
Project facilities are included in the Recreation Effects Analysis Area as they would likely
receive more use, or induced use as a result of Project development. The Recreation Effects
Analysis Area also includes proposed access road and transmission line corridors, and other
Project facility locations.
Second, the Recreation Use Study Area, which includes, but is broader than, the Recreation
Effects Analysis Area, is defined generally as the area encompassed by the following features:
the Parks Highway corridor, from the “Y” at the Talkeetna Spur Road intersection to Cantwell;
the Denali Highway corridor from Cantwell east to Paxson; west from Paxson along a 2-mile
buffer south of the Denali Highway to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough boundary; areas west of
the Matanuska-Susitna Borough boundary between the Denali and Glenn Highways (including
Lake Louise area); extending west in a line from Matanuska-Susitna Borough boundary,
following the Chickaloon River, and connecting to the “Y” at the Talkeetna Spur Road (see
Figure 3-1). This includes areas ¼ mile west and ¼ mile north of the highways, respectively. The
boundaries of the Recreation Use Study Area are the same as those used for the demand
assessment, also referred to as the Recreation Supply and Demand Analysis Area.
Third, the Recreation Facilities Study Area (see Figure 3-1) encompasses a broader area than the
Recreation Use Study Area. The western and northern boundaries (Parks and Denali highways,
including areas ¼ mile west and ¼ mile north of the highways, respectively) are the same as the
Recreation Use Study Area. The eastern and southern boundaries of the Recreation Facilities
Study Area are defined as: the Richardson Highway corridor and areas west, from Paxson to the
Glenn Highway intersection; the Glenn Highway corridor and areas north, from Glennallen west
to Chickaloon; joining the Recreation Use Study Area along the line running north from
Chickaloon, following the Chickaloon River to its headwaters at the Chickaloon Glacier, and
then connect at the Y Junction on the Parks Highway.
4. METHODS AND VARIANCES IN 2013
The Recreation Resources Study has analyzed both water and land-based recreation uses; access
considerations; and seasonality in the Recreation Use Study Area. Seasonal uses that relate to
winter use of the river corridor for recreation are being analyzed. In addition, specialized study
of river flow-dependent activities are reported in River Recreation Flow and Access Study (ISR
Study 12.7).
4.1. Regional Recreation Analysis
The methods for preparing the regional recreation analysis were implemented in accordance with
RSP Section 12.5.4 with no variances. The study team collected and analyzed existing and
proposed community and regional plans, and private sector plans for information related to
recreation needs in the Recreation Use Study Area/Recreation Supply and Demand Analysis
Area. Recreation goals, objectives, standards and management principles listed in the plans were
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 4 February 2014 Draft
noted and recommendations and future plans for recreation were also documented. In addition,
planning related information regarding public safety, recreation facilities, recreation trends and
challenges, upcoming changes to the area, and land uses were documented.
4.1.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the regional recreation analysis
(RSP Section 12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
4.2. Trails
Trails in the Recreation Use Study Area have been inventoried and mapped following the
methods described in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP with no variances. Using information collected
through executive interviews and existing datasets, the study team identified and generally
categorized trails by either formally designated trails or informal, user-created trails and routes.
If it was determined that a summer trail was in the Project area, the study team verified the trail
via helicopter. For 2013, high resolution aerial imagery (50 cm. resolution) was available for
selected portions of the Project area. Using this aerial imagery, segments of summer trails in the
Project area were mapped at a scale greater than 1:24,000 with a national map accuracy of +/- 40
feet, as set forth in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP. Similar quality imagery was acquired in 2013 for
those areas not covered by exiting newer imagery so that the remaining trails can be mapped to
the same scale.
4.2.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the Trails analysis (RSP Section
12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
4.3. Recreation Use Areas
As specified in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP, the criteria to determine classification and
prescriptions for the NRRS analysis were developed during the first study year with no
variances. These criteria were developed using the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS)
framework (USFS 1979) and have been adapted based on the specific characteristics of the
Recreation Use Study Area.
Scenic Byways, Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSRs), and other special resource use designations
have been identified and described as indicated in RSP Section 12.5.4.
4.3.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the recreation use areas analysis
(RSP Section 12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
4.4. Recreation Supply, Demand, and Use
The methods for preparing the regional recreation supply, demand, and use analysis were
implemented in accordance with RSP Section 12.5.4, except for the variance described below.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 5 February 2014 Draft
Available data regarding use of facilities (such as campgrounds and boat launches), trails, and
other observed recreation activities (such as special events, races, etc.) within the Recreation Use
Study Area were provided by BLM, ADF&G, ADNR, and special event organizers. The data
were reviewed, compiled and analyzed for relevance, accuracy, and confidence.
ADF&G wildlife harvest report data (ADF&G 2013a) were obtained for the regulatory years
2003-2011 and analyzed to determine the types and levels of current hunting activities, methods
of access, high use locations as well as hunting effort in days and seasonal patterns. Unless stated
otherwise, the analyses included draw, general, registration (Tier I), and Tier II hunts as well as
trapping permits. Excluded were any Community Harvest permits, Federal Subsistence hunts,
and special permitted hunts for cultural education and religious ceremonies. Unsuccessful hunts
without hunting effort documented (calculated hunting days) were assigned the average number
of days reported for that specific UCU.
The study team obtained estimates of annual sport fishing total harvest for the year 2003 through
2012 from the Alaska sport fishing survey database maintained by ADF&G’s Sport Fish
Division. The data contained estimates for 115 locations (stream segments and lakes) within the
Recreation Use Study Area where survey respondents reported angler days of sport fishing
activity, number of fish kept and total catch (fish kept plus fish released). The estimates derived
from this annual survey have been used to analyze types and levels of current angling activities,
high use locations and effort in angling days. As indicated by ADF&G, estimates for river
segments and lakes with less than 30 survey responses were not used because of the low
reliability of these estimates. Angler days per year on the “Susitna River” were available;
however, these angler days may have accrued anywhere along the entire 300 mile length of the
river. Recognizing that most Susitna River angling occurs downstream of the Watana dam, and
with no information regarding the portion of angler days taking place within the study area, these
data have not been used to determine use by specific location.
4.4.1. Variances
In a variance from methods in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP, State-issued registration (Tier I) and
Tier II subsistence permits have been included in the analysis of hunting and trapping effort. All
other subsistence permits have been excluded. The study team determined that hunters using Tier
I and Tier II caribou subsistence permits within the Recreation Use Study Area were
predominantly from populated urban areas (i.e. Anchorage, Wasilla, and Fairbanks) not covered
by the household harvest surveys (only rural residents) conducted under the Subsistence
Resource Study (Study 14.5). Furthermore, recreation hunters using the Recreation Use Study
Area often do not distinguish between caribou subsistence permits and those issued under a State
drawing permit system and will frequently carry a subsistence caribou permit in combination
with other non-subsistence permits for other species. By including Tier I and Tier II subsistence
permits in this analysis the recreational value of subsistence caribou hunting activities by hunters
from populated urban areas has been captured. This enabled for an accurate analysis of the types
and levels of current hunting activities, as specified in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 6 February 2014 Draft
4.5. Recreation Facilities and Carrying Capacity
The methods for preparing the recreation facilities and carrying capacity analysis were
implemented in accordance with RSP Section 12.5.4 with no variances.
Developed public recreation facilities within the Recreation Facilities Study Area have been
mapped and initially inventoried. Methods for the recreation site facility inventory and
evaluation include collection and review of published information, consultation with agencies,
facility owners, and operators, and site-specific field investigations. Detailed field investigations
of public recreation facilities occurred during the 2013 summer field season. Field data collected
included a description of the facility, existing signage, fees, managing agency, condition, and
capacity. GPS coordinates were taken for inventoried facilities and mapped based on the type of
facility.
Dispersed recreation sites and use areas along the Denali Highway have been tallied and initially
inventoried during the 2013 field season. Dispersed recreation use areas included undeveloped
day use and overnight recreation sites/use areas that are user-defined. Using the objectives set
forth in RSP Section 12.5.4 and methods outlined in USDA 2010, the study team characterized
and inventoried dispersed recreation sites on the Denali Highway portion of the Recreation
Facilities Study Area. The study team tallied and classified overnight dispersed recreation sites
per five mile segment using two frequency-of-use categories (i.e., Occasional Use Sites and
Well-used Sites), which correspond to the study team’s determination of the overall level of
impact of impact at each site. In each five-mile segment, sites from each category, if observed,
were inventoried. Information was collected on disturbed camp area, mineral soil exposure,
surrounding vegetation type, impact to vegetation, number of fire rings, nearby water source, and
evidence of litter and digestive waste (both human and animal). Impact to vegetation was
assessed using the Frissell Classification System (Frissell 1978) and the Cole Classification
System (Cole 1989). The Frissell system requires that the site be classified into one of five
categories: ground vegetation flattened but not permanently damaged (F1); ground vegetation
worn away around fire ring or center of activity (F2); ground vegetation lost on most of the site,
but humus and litter still present in all but a few areas (F3); bare mineral soil widespread, tree
roots exposed (F4); and soil erosion obvious, trees reduced in vigor or dead (F5). The Cole
system compares the percent of vegetation cover (divided into five cover classes based on
percentage) on the site with a comparable unused site, and then one of three categories is
selected: no difference in cover (C0); difference in one cover class (C1); and difference in two or
more cover classes (C2).
The study team conducted a detailed field inventory of access points during the summer 2013
field season. Access points were determined to be any geographical point where the public enters
the Recreation Use Study Area. These points included commonly used informal and unmanaged
sites such as user generated trailheads, boat launches, and air landing areas as well as formal sites
that are managed and maintained to provide access to the public. The study team identified
formal sites through the recreation facilities inventory. Informal sites were identified through
consultation with agencies, facility owners, and recreation users groups; and site-specific field
investigations. Access point types include: Non-motorized trail, ATV trail, unmaintained road,
airstrip/fixed wheel plane landing, float plane landing, boat launch, and designated train stop.
GPS coordinates were taken and mapped.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 7 February 2014 Draft
4.5.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the recreation facilities and
carrying capacity analysis (RSP Section 12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
4.6. Survey Data Collection
The methods for collecting existing and new survey data were implemented in accordance with
RSP Section 12.5.4.
The collection of recreation user data was accomplished through multiple methods, including
literature reviews of existing survey research regarding utilization and demand assessments,
intercept, on-line, mail and telephone surveys, and executive interviews. Incidental observation,
intercept and mail survey instruments were designed to collect information typical of and
compatible with other FERC efforts. All surveys are collecting data for use in the Recreation
Resources Study (Study 12.5), Aesthetics Resources Study (Study 12.6), and River Recreation
and Flow and Access Study (Study 12.7), as well as data for the Regional Economic Evaluation
Study (Study 15.5).
4.6.1. Identification and Analysis of Salient Data from Existing Survey
Research
Recreation supply and demand survey data from other recreation planning sources applicable to
the demand and use assessment for the Recreation Use Study Area were reviewed and assessed
for relevancy, accuracy, and confidence.
The review included survey data from the 1985 studies (Harza-Ebasco 1985), the Alaska SCORP
(ADNR 2009), Alaska Residents Statistics Program (ARSP) (Fix 2009) and the Alaska Visitor
Statistic Program VI (AVSP VI) (McDowell 2012).
Along with a review of the AVSP VI Survey findings (McDowell Group 2012), a separate sub-
group analysis of visitors to Talkeetna (1,124 survey respondents) in the summer of 2011 was
conducted. These data described summer nonresident (non-Alaskan) experiences by visitors in
Talkeetna, passengers on the Alaska Railroad traveling through the Recreation Use Study Area,
and cruise passengers visiting the area.
4.6.1.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the identification and analysis of
salient data from existing survey research (RSP Section 12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
4.6.2. Incidental Observation Survey (IOS)
Designed in 2012, the IOS continued to be fielded in 2013. The purpose of the survey is to
capture observational research from field researchers about dispersed recreational use within the
Recreation Use Study Area. Key contractors (such as the field biologists collecting data along
the Susitna River) were contacted by phone and sent the IOS and the protocol to complete the
survey by email . Contractors scanned and returned their completed surveys for review.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 8 February 2014 Draft
4.6.2.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the IOS (RSP Section 12.5.4)
were necessary in 2013.
4.6.3. Intercept Recreational User Survey
The purpose of the in-person intercept surveys is to gather recreation user data, which include
uses, frequency, quality of recreation and/or aesthetic experience, recreation spending, and other
perceptions of the Recreation Use Study Area.
The remote nature of the Recreation Use Study Area significantly determined where recreation
users could be intercepted for surveying. The Recreation Use Study Area is largely bounded by
paved and unpaved highways, which provide primary access to the area. Recreation users
penetrate further into the core of the proposed Recreation Use Study Area via:
• Paved and unpaved roads
• Alaska Railroad with some trains carrying passengers through the area and whistle stop
service within the area
• Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, used for sightseeing and to access remote lodges,
lakes, streams, and hunting areas
• Campgrounds and trailheads
• ATV/ORV trails, both official and unofficial, maintained and unmaintained
• Boat launches
Intercept surveyor teams started surveying recreation users in March 2013. More so than
calendar date, weather dictated the beginning and end of the seasonal survey periods.
Contingencies for unforeseen circumstances, such as snowstorms, flooding, road closures, etc.,
were considered in the sampling plan (for example, altering or extending the sampling period,
selecting “make up” sampling days, etc.) and a component of the survey team training.
Flexibility was necessary, particularly during the shoulder seasons and periods of severe weather,
to operate safely in the field and gather an adequate sample of recreation users during those
periods.
Multiple survey teams were used to compensate for sampling schedules that required long
distances to be traveled between intercept points, limited daylight hours (during the fall, winter,
and spring months), and difficult seasonal travel. For personal safety reasons, each team included
two people.
All surveyors were trained and supervised by experienced survey managers. Surveyors wore
protective clothing (for safety reasons) and had visible badges and/or uniforms (including safety
vest, hats, etc.) to indicate their official capacity.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 9 February 2014 Draft
In addition, AEA notified BLM and Alaska Department of Natural Resources (ADNR) prior to
surveying campgrounds on federal lands administered by BLM and state lands administered by
the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. AEA also received a Special Park Use Permit
from ADNR to administer the survey within Denali State Park and Lake Louise State Recreation
Area.
If p articipants in the intercept survey provided their contact information (either conducted in
person or online), they were eligible for a drawing of a $1,000 gift card (to be drawn after the
Intercept Survey closes).
4.6.3.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the intercept surveys and
structured observation visitor counts (RSP Section 12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
4.6.4. Intercept Survey Online Option
To gather as much recreation information as possible, the intercept survey was supplemented
with an equivalent online version of the survey. To accommodate the different methods of
delivery, survey design differed slightly between the personal intercept survey and the online
version.
An invitation card was printed on waterproof paper and included a map of the Recreation Use
Study Area on the backside. The front side included an invitation to participate in the intercept
survey and a URL address to the survey. Each card included a unique password, allowing users
access to a secure online survey site.
The card was left by the intercept surveyors on unattended vehicles at intercept points on the
northern portion of the Parks Highway, the Denali Highway, and at Dinty Lake. A small number
of cards were distributed in Talkeetna. Card distribution was limited to avoid littering of the
invitation card.
Permission was not granted to leave invitation cards on cars within State of Alaska and BLM
campgrounds. Rather, cards were left on cars along the Parks and Denali highways, and at Dinty
Lake (Lake Louise). These areas are in close proximity to state and federal campgrounds and
provided a suitable and practical substitute to meet the study’s objectives (RSP Section 12.5.2).
Updates on the invitation cards methodology were presented in the June 12, September 9, and
November 7 TWG meetings. Because the methods for online survey option were employed in
accordance with the Study Plan, there were no other variances when implementing the Study
Plan in 2013.
4.6.4.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the intercept surveys online
option (RSP Section 12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 10 February 2014 Draft
4.6.5. Intercept Survey Sites
The intercept sample plan primarily focused on intercept areas identified through stakeholder
input and observed recreation activity by the intercept survey field crew.
Some of the intercept locations are privately owned or managed. Under these circumstances,
permission to intercept recreation users was granted prior to fielding. Public lands managers,
including BLM and ADNR were notified to alert them of the study, survey fielding
methodology, and sample schedule prior to fielding. A Special Use Permit was received by
ADNR to survey in Denali State Park and Lake Louise State Recreation Area.
As surveyors proceeded on their sampling circuit, they stopped at intercept locations when
vehicles were present. They then randomly selected people who were available and willing to be
surveyed.
In addition to sampling from the identified intercept locations, surveyors conducted surveys with
other recreation users as circumstances allowed (such as cars pulled over on the highway, but not
at an established trailhead, access or designated intercept point). Figure 4.6-1 is a map indicating
key intercept locations. Included in Figure 4.6-1 are:
• Deshka Landing
• Willow Air float and air strip
• Susitna Landing
• Talkeetna
o Talkeetna boat launch
o Alaska Railroad terminal
o Local air carriers at the Talkeetna Airstrip and area float plane lakes
o Mahay’s Office/Bus Parking
o Talkeetna Gravel Bar
o Downtown Talkeetna
o RV park located near Alaska Railroad terminal
o 11 local area trailheads
Parks Highway Intercept Locations
• Sunshine Creek Stream access
• Susitna Bridge River access (gravel bar)
• West-side pull-out just past Susitna River Bridge
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 11 February 2014 Draft
• Trapper Creek Inn and RV Park
• Troublesome Creek Trailhead and campground (summer only)
• Byers Lake Trailhead and campground (summer only)
• Honolulu Creek bridge
• Denali Viewpoint North and South
• East Fork Chulitna Wayside/Campground (summer only)
• Jack River bridge
• Additional small pull-outs
Denali Highway Intercept Locations (when seasonally maintained)
• Brushkana Creek Campground (Mile Post [MP] 104)
• Susitna River Bridge (MP 79.5)
• Alpine Creek Lodge (MP 86)
• Clearwater Creek Wayside/Trail (MP 55.5)
• Maclaren River Lodge (MP 42)
• Osar Lake Trail
• Landmark Gap Trail
• Alphabet Hills Trail
• Swede Lake Trail
• Denali Highway Tours and Cabins
• Sevenmile Lake OHV Trail
• Tangle Lakes Campground (MP 21.5)
• Tangle Lakes Boat Launch (MP 22) Delta National Wild and Scenic River BLM
Wayside (MP 21.5)
• Numerous pull-outs, gravel pits, informal campsites, and ATV/ORV trailheads
• East entrance (maintained area) (spring, fall, and winter only)
• West entrance (maintained area) (spring, fall, and winter only)
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 12 February 2014 Draft
Glennallen and Lake Louise Access Intercept Locations
• Lake Louise State Recreation Area
• Lake Louise Lodge
• Dinty Lake
• Glennallen Airport
4.6.5.1. Variances
Once the intercept surveyors were in the field, recreation activity was observed occurring at
Landmark Gap Trail (on Denali Highway), 11 local trailheads around Talkeetna, Mahay’s
Office/Bus Parking, an RV park located near Alaska Railroad terminal, and Dinty Lake (near
Lake Louise). To capture this activity, these locations were added to the list of intercept sites. At
Mahay’s request, customers were intercepted at their office in Downtown Talkeetna rather than
at the boat launch.
The following locations were removed from the list of intercept locations: Mt. McKinley
Princess, Boy Scout High Adventure Scout Base, Joe/Jerry Lakes, Gracious House, and Tangle
River Inn. They were removed because permission was not received to conduct the intercept of
private customers at these locations. In order to still meet the study’s objectives (RSP Section
12.5.2) in light of these variances, executive interviews were conducted to gather data to describe
activity (such as activity at the Boy Scout base) at these intercept points. Additionally, other
intercept points in close proximity to these locations provided a suitable and practical substitute
to meet the study’s objectives (RSP Section 12.5.2).
4.6.6. Spring, Fall and Winter Intercept Survey Sample Plans
The end of the spring sampling plan (and the beginning of the fall sampling plan) was marked by
the official closing or opening of the Denali Highway. Spring intercept survey fielding started on
March 4, 2013 and continued through June 6, 2013, including the survey pre-testing period
(March 4-17, 2013). Fall and winter sample started on October 11, 2013 and will continue
through March 31, 2014.
A stratified random sample was used to collect a statistical sample of recreation users. The
sample plan was stratified by month, day, and to some degree day parts overlaid with selected
survey locations throughout the Recreation Use Study Area. However, since spring, fall, and
winter survey sampling was limited to accessible intercept locations along the Parks Highway to
the west entrance to the Denali Highway, east entrance of the maintained Denali Highway
(Paxson), and Lake Louise, more sampling effort was concentrated on weekends to capture more
active recreation periods (as identified through stakeholder input, executive interview research
and observed activity) than weekdays. Surveyors attended special events (such as dog sled and
snowmachine races) within the Recreation Use Study Area. Surveyors based in Lake Louise and
Talkeetna sampled on randomly-selected days throughout the week in Lake Louise, Talkeetna
and the surrounding area.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 13 February 2014 Draft
4.6.6.1. Variances
Typically, State campgrounds and trailheads along the Parks Highway (such Byers Lake
Campground, East Fork Chulitna Wayside, Ermine Hill Trailhead, Coal Creek Trailhead, Byers
Lake Road, and Troublesome Creek North Trailhead), Denali Highway and BLM campgrounds
on the Denali Highway (Brushkana Creek and Tangle Lakes) are open by May 15; however, in
2013, the openings were delayed due to heavy snow storms. As a result a variance occurred, as
the spring sample period was extended until the official opening of the Denali Highway on June
7, 2013. The slight extension of the anticipated spring sampling period did not affect the study’s
objectives (Section 2) as surveying still occurred during this time at accessible locations.
A separate survey team was designated specifically for surveying in Talkeetna and surrounding
area, and at Lake Louise. The surveyors were local residents so they were able to more easily
sample the areas, rather than having these locations be subject to long survey circuits. Because
logistics became more practical, adding separate survey teams, although a variance, enhanced the
study’s sampling of Lake Louise, Talkeetna and the surrounding areas by increasing the number
and frequency of sample periods.
4.6.7. Summer Intercept Survey Sample Plan
The summer sampling period was June 7 through October 10, 2013.
The intercept survey sample plan included surveying every week (including weekdays and
weekends) of the summer season. Additional sampling occurred around peak activity periods
(such as holiday weekends and hunting season in the last part of August/first part of September).
A stratified random sample was used to collect a statistical sample of recreation users. The
sample plan was stratified by month, day, and to some degree day parts overlaid with selected
survey locations throughout the Recreation Use Study Area. An example of typical intercept
summer sampling included the following pattern: Week One – travel (on a randomly selected
start day) to Parks Highway (from Y), Cantwell, along the Denali Highway, then
Glennallen/Lake Louise over the next five days. Week Two – the survey period would begin one
day of the week later and the route was reversed. Surveyor teams alternated their direction of
travel, and departure days and times to allow a higher degree of random sampling during various
days of the week and times of the day. Generally, a survey team would work five 10-hour
(minimum) days traveling and surveying, plus additional time to travel to and from the
Recreation Use Study Area. Surveying took place only during daylight hours. During peak
daylight summer months, surveying took place between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., with
adjustments as needed for shoulder season light conditions. One survey team traveled by and
camped in an RV (rented for the summer season) at appropriate locations along the route.
Snow accumulation and drifting on the Denali Highway at the end of September 2013 ended the
sampling conducted by the survey team in the RV. However, sampling by surveyor vehicle
continued until Denali Highway’s closure (on October 10, 2013).
A separate survey team was designated specifically for surveying in Talkeetna and surrounding
area, and Lake Louise.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 14 February 2014 Draft
4.6.7.1. Variances
A separate survey team was designated specifically for surveying in Talkeetna and surrounding
area, and at Lake Louise. The surveyors were local residents so they were able to more easily
sample the areas, rather than having these locations be subject to long survey circuits. Because
logistics became more practical, adding separate survey teams enhanced the study’s sampling of
Lake Louise, Talkeetna and the surrounding areas by increasing the number and frequency of
sample periods. This variance enhanced the study team’s ability to meeting the study’s
objectives.
4.6.8. Intercept Survey Instrument Design
The design of the intercept survey instrument was iterative with stakeholders and a collaborative
effort, not only capturing data needs for recreation resources, but also for aesthetics,
socioeconomics, and other disciplines. A final intercept instrument is included as Appendix M
and was submitted to FERC on April 15, 2013.
Survey content is described in the Section 4.1 of the RSP.
4.6.8.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the intercept survey instrument
design (RSP Section 12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
4.6.9. Observational Tallies
On sample days, the intercept survey crews conducted tallies at intercept locations included in
Figure 4.6-1, and other points in-between. They recorded observed recreation activity on a pre-
printed tally form (e.g., the number of people present, the number of vehicles entering/exiting the
access site, types of recreation activities evident). A copy of the Observational Tally Survey is
found in Appendix N.
4.6.9.1. Variances
After the intercept survey was started, survey crews noticed recreation activity at the Landmark
Gap Trail along the Denali Highway. To capture this activity, observation tallies were conducted
at this location, which was a variance as this location was not identified in the Study Plan (RSP
Section 12.5.4). To inform the recreation trails and access point analysis, additional tallies were
added during the summer sampling period along the Richardson and Glenn highways at Hicks
Creek, Belanger Pass, Old Man Creek, Eureka, and Sourdough Campground. Adding these
intercept points enhanced the ability to meet the data collection objectives of the study.
4.6.10. Regional Resident Households Mail Survey
The purpose of the regional resident household mail survey is to gather information from a
sample of regional households about their recreation activities in the Recreation Use Study Area,
and to collect perspectives about recreational opportunities.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 15 February 2014 Draft
4.6.10.1. Regional Resident Household Mail Survey Sample Plan
A sample of 15,774 regional households, randomly-selected from a list of unduplicated Alaska
registered voter households received a mail survey (that is, one only survey sent to each voter
household). The sample was split into two separate mailings (7,500 mailed in June 2013 and the
remaining 8,274 in October 2013).
The sample area for the mail survey included the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Denali
Borough, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Municipality of Anchorage, and additional proximal
Recreation Use Study Area communities, such as Glennallen, Paxson, Gulkana, Gakona, and
Lake Louise.
The Dillman methodology for maximizing mail survey responses was used as a guide. The
process/schedule included:
June Mail Survey Schedule:
• May 28, mailed pre-mailer postcard informing 7,500 households that a mail survey would
arrive shortly, asking them for their cooperation in completing and returning the survey,
and informing them about the $1,000 gift card prize
• June 3-6, mailed the survey booklet, including cover letter to 7,500 households. Half the
sample (3,750 households) included a $1 incentive
• June 21, mailed a second copy of the survey, including cover letter, to 4,500
nonrespondents
• July 15, stated final due date to receive surveys
• December 31, survey is officially closed
• June-December 2013, survey data cleaned, coded, and entered into survey database
October Mail Survey Schedule:
• October 21, mailed pre-mailer postcard to 8,274 households
• October 24-27, mailed the survey booklet, including cover letter, and $1 incentive to all
sample households.
• November 12, mailed post-mailer reminder/Thank you postcard mailed to all sample
households
• November 19-21, mailed a second copy of the survey, including cover letter, to 4,500
nonrespondents
• November 30, stated final due date to receive surveys
• December 31, survey is officially closed (however, it expected late returns will be
accepted through January 2014)
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 16 February 2014 Draft
• November-December 2013, survey data cleaned, coded, and entered into survey database
4.6.10.1.1. Variances
The mail sample size was increased to 15,774 to increase the frequency of responses for people
who recreated in the Recreation Use Study Area and live in or in close proximity to the
Recreation Use Study Area.
The survey was split into two mailings to diminish memory recall issues (e.g., June respondents
will have a better recall of their winter and spring recreation outings and experience, and an
October respondent who will have a better recall of their recent summer experience).
Additionally, the two mailings provided an opportunity to make any adjustments to the
instrument based on how it performed during the first mailing.
The first mailing occurred in June 2013, rather than April 2013. The delay in the first mailing
was necessary to allow timing for the final submission of the survey to FERC on April 15, 2013
and to conduct the logistical preparation of the mailing (such as purchasing of the mailing list,
final layout design of the survey, printing of the survey, cover letter, and envelopes (both mail
and return), attaching $1 incentive, inserting surveys into envelopes, and applying postage).
Applying aspects of the Dillman method to boost response, an incentive of $1 was used in both
the June and October mailings. For the June mailing, half of the 7,500 households were
randomly-selected to receive a $1 bill attached to their survey. For the October mailing, all
surveys mailed included a $1 incentive.
Again, in applying the Dillman methodology, a post-mailer postcard was sent after the October
2013 mailing, as an additional method to boost survey response.
These variances enhance the study team’s efforts to meet the study’s objectives to collect data on
recreation users.
4.6.10.2. Regional Resident Household Recreation Survey Online Option
Recipients of the mail survey had the option of completing the mail online. To accommodate the
different methods of delivery, survey design differed slightly between the mail survey and the
online version. Instructions on how to complete the survey and the URL address were included
on the cover letter. Each survey booklet had a unique password imprinted on the back cover,
allowing users access to a secure online survey site.
4.6.10.2.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the regional resident household
recreation survey online option (RSP Section 12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 17 February 2014 Draft
4.6.10.3. Regional Resident Household Mail Survey Content/Design Process
The mail survey included a map in the survey booklet so respondents could visually review the
boundaries of the Recreation Use Study Area. One of the maps also included grids to aid the
respondents in commenting on a specific area within the Study Area.
The content of the regional resident household mail survey overlapped with the intercept survey.
The following briefly outlines a few differences between the regional resident household mail
survey content and the intercept survey, as well as consideration of overall survey length
limitations and differing formatting requirements between a self-administered mail survey versus
intercept or online methodologies. Additionally, because the mail survey could accommodate
more and a broader selection of questions than the intercept survey, space was made available for
additional questions to support other research, such as data desired for the socioeconomic study.
Inclusion of these other discipline questions required continual collaboration and cooperation
with, as well as review, by other study team members (primarily socioeconomics).
• Statewide Recreational Use - To assist the socioeconomics study, specific questions
regarding snowmachining, hunting, sportfishing, and recreational boating (without
fishing) were included in the mail survey. In addition to recreation use in the Recreation
Use Study Area, respondents were asked to provide estimates of their annual recreation
days by these four activities anywhere in Alaska. Respondents who had visited the
Recreation Use Study Area in the last 12 months were asked to provide specific
information on their most recent trip to that area.
• Residence - It was not necessary to include questions regarding residency, as the voter
registration mailing list already provided this information.
• Study Area Access - Similar or same questions as in the intercept survey.
• Quality of Experience - Similar or same questions as in the intercept survey, including
additional questions regarding crowding and conflict in the mail survey.
• Recreation Facilities and Infrastructures - Similar or same questions as in the intercept
survey.
• Aesthetics - Similar or same questions as in the intercept survey. However, questions on
cultural identity, identity with place, dependence on place, social bonding with place
were added to the mail survey.
• Spending - No spending questions are included in the mail survey.
• Party and Group Size - Similar or same questions as in the intercept survey.
• Demographics/Characteristics - Similar or same questions as in the intercept survey.
Copies of the June and October mail survey are found in Appendix L.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 18 February 2014 Draft
4.6.10.3.1. Variances
The October survey instrument was adjusted to include different seasonal calendars than the June
version (to assist the socioeconomic study and gather information for the most current activity).
No questions were removed in the October survey, however, three new questions were added,
including:
• Between November 2012 and October 2013, how many total days did you recreate in the
Study Area?
• How many people in your party were under the age of 18?
• How many people in your party live in your household for at least 6 months of the year?
These questions were added to provide additional data to assist in the analysis of the survey
results and the extrapolation of recreational activity across the full population, and served to
enhance the study team’s effort to collect recreation use data as part of the study’s objectives.
4.6.11. Nonresponse Bias Telephone Survey
As mail surveys have the potential for self-selection bias, a nonresponse test utilizing a random
sample telephone survey of 400 households (after each June and October mailing) within the
regional household survey area was conducted to determine if there was a nonresponse bias.
Survey content included demographics, such as residency, household size, educational
attainment, income, marital status, voter registration, ethnicity, gender, or age, as well as
participation in snowmachining, hunting, sportfishing, and recreational boating (without fishing).
Both land lines and cell phones were included in the nonresponse telephone survey sample.
The nonresponse bias telephone survey was fielded August 26 to September 3, 2013. A total of
418 surveys were completed.
A copy of the Nonresponse Bias Telephone Survey is found in Appendix O.
4.6.11.1. Variances
Due the scheduling variance for the October mailing of the Regional Resident Household Mail
Survey, the second nonresponse bias telephone survey was rescheduled to be fielded in Q1 2014
with the sample goal of 400 completed surveys. This slight change in schedule does not affect
the study team’s efforts to collect data as part of the study objectives. The same survey used in
the August-26-September 3 survey sample was used in January.
4.6.12. Executive Interviews
Executive interviews were conducted with representatives from a variety of organizations and
businesses, and individuals with recreation use knowledge of the Recreation Use Study Area.
A description of the executive interview methodology and protocol content was included in the
Study Plan (RSP Section 12.5.4).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 19 February 2014 Draft
Approximately 75 interviews, largely conducted by telephone, were conducted beginning in
2012.
A two phased approach was taken to identify potential executive interview candidates for the
recreation inventory and the use and demand assessment. The first phase focused on identifying
a comprehensive list of candidates that included key individuals across different user group and
geographical areas. The following criteria were considered when developing a list of candidates
to interview. The candidate:
• Represents an agency, organization or business that has a history of recreation activity
and/or management in the study area on either a seasonal or year-round basis.
• Is recommended by a stakeholder as a person specifically knowledgeable about
recreational use of the study area.
Given the large number of potential candidates identified, the second phase established criteria to
determine which candidates would have priority within the interviewing process. These criteria
included the following:
• Recommendations from multiple sources, including other interviewees, indicating a
person has “expert” recognition among peers/key informants
• Coverage of major types of use and recreational activities
• Interviews focus on all seasons of recreational use (summer, autumn, winter, spring)
• Coverage of all geographical regions and communities used by recreation users
• Representation from individuals, businesses, associations, government, and Alaska
Native groups
During the executive interview process, demographic information (organization type, activity
type, seasonality, and geographical distribution) was compiled for interviews as they were
conducted. An attempt was made to obtain relevant and meaningful input evenly from a wide-
range of all identified groups. User or organizational groups with low or missing representation
were prioritized as candidates for remaining and future executive interviews. Ascertaining equal
representation among all user groups has some inherent subjectivity.
The list includes, but is not limited to: sportfishing guides; hunting guides; commercial jet boat
tour operators; commercial rafting operators; State and/or facility lessees (including
campgrounds and boat launches); recreation organizations and clubs; Boy Scouts of America
Great Alaska Council; commercial visitor accommodation providers; services and tour providers
(such as dogsledding, biking tours, etc.); communities councils (such as the Talkeetna
Community Council), Alaska Native entities; and local, borough, state, and federal government
agencies. The interviewee candidate list was augmented with additional interviewees suggested
by licensing participants when it was determined that a group was not currently represented by
the existing list, or that an individual with a unique experience or knowledge on recreation uses
in the study area was suggested. Interviewees also had an opportunity to suggest additional
candidates for interview consideration.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 20 February 2014 Draft
Because other disciplines (such as Aesthetics and River Recreation) conducted executive
interview research, a central database of interview candidates, times/dates contacted, and
interview notes was developed to coordinate this research, avoiding duplication of research effort
and minimizing the demands on the interview candidate’s time and availability.
4.6.12.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the executive surveys (RSP
Section 12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
4.7. GIS Maps and Figures
Recreational sites, facilities, and access routes (RS 2477 rights-of-way, 17(b) easements, and
other recreation use trails) have been and will continue to be identified and digitized in a GIS
using existing agency and licensing participant datasets and aerial photography. Recreation
features will be geo-referenced. Group interviews, discussions with licensing participants,
coordination with other resource study disciplines, and user intercept surveys will continue to
augment recreation facilities and trails mapping. Recreation facilities, examples of dispersed use
areas, and access points have been photographed and included as specified in Section 12.5.4 of
the RSP.
4.7.1. Variances
No variances from the methods described in the Study Plan for the GIS maps and figures (RSP
Section 12.5.4) were necessary in 2013.
5. RESULTS
This section summarizes the recreation data from the 2013 study season collected pursuant to
Section 12.5.4 of the RSP. Data developed in support of this study are available for download at
http://gis.suhydro.org/reports/isr.
5.1. Regional Recreation Analysis
The study team examined local and regional plans with a nexus to the proposed Project for data
related to recreation resources, per Section 12.5.4 of the RSP. Salient details were compiled in a
plan review spreadsheet (Appendix A). All 17 plans listed in the RSP were included in this
analysis as well as six additional documents deemed relevant by AEA:
• Copper River Basin Area Plan for State Lands (ADNR 1986)
• Denali Borough Comprehensive Plan (Denali Borough 2009)
• Denali High Adventure Scout Base Strategic Long Range Plan (Boy Scouts of America
Great Alaska Council 2013)
• Denali Highway Interpretive Master Plan (BUCY Associates 1999)
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 21 February 2014 Draft
• Lake Louise Comprehensive Plan (MSB 1998)
• South Denali Visitor Center Complex Interpretive Master Plan (Schmeeckle Reserve
Interpreters 2009).
The plans reviewed encompassed a wide variety of agencies and organizations, as well as
numerous topics. Managing agencies included, but were not limited to, Alaska Department of
Natural Resources, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Bureau of Land Management (BLM),
Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, National Park Service, and the Matanuska-
Susitna Borough (MSB). Talkeetna, Lake Louise, and the Chase Community are settlement areas
with comprehensive plans that also had a nexus to the Recreation Use Study Area.
Several generally common goals were identified in the plan review:
• Provide access to public lands
• Serve a variety of recreation user types
• Provide recreation opportunities in all seasons
• Protect recreational hunting and fishing uses
• Protect rural character of communities adjacent to recreation areas
• Maintain recreation facilities for tourism and livability features
• Importance of trails as connecting corridors
• Provide quality recreation now and into the future
• Protect habitat and cultural resources from recreational users
• Maintain remote cabins
• Improved public safety
An overarching recreation trend identified through this analysis was the need to address the
challenges associated with a greater number of visitors using land for recreation purposes. These
increases in recreation use stem from the growth of both tourism and resident population. More
visitors engaging in recreational activities have placed increased pressure on existing recreation
facilities, and many plans discuss the increased the likelihood of conflicts arising between user
groups. The primary focus of many plans was to serve the increasing number of users while still
protecting natural resources, cultural resources, and the rural character of settlements.
5.2. Trails
The Recreation Use Study Area has a wide variety of trails, ranging from informal, unmaintained
routes to formal, regularly maintained or groomed trails. During the 2013 field season edits to
the initial trails map and inventory have been made based on field identification and executive
interviews. This trail information is described below and shown in Appendix B. Summer and
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 22 February 2014 Draft
winter trails as well as RS 2477 and 17(b) easements have been mapped and are shown in
Appendices C and D. When high resolution aerial imagery was available, the study team mapped
trail segments at a scale greater than 1:24,000, and these segments are shown as “digitized trails”
in Appendix D. In 2013, the study team used aerial imagery to digitize 201.5 miles of trails at a
scale of approximately 1:2,000.
Appendix B displays tables summarizing trails within the Recreation Use Study Area; Table B-3
shows formal (groomed) winter trails, Table B-4 shows informal winter routes, Table B-5 shows
managed summer trails, and Table B-6 displays unmanaged summer trails and routes. Trail
settings and characteristics differ across the Recreational Use Study Area according to
geographic region. These regions are profiled below to describe setting and provide context.
Talkeetna and Southern George Parks Highway
There are approximately 20 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails around Talkeetna. These
trails were constructed by the Talkeetna Chamber of Commerce, and are maintained by the
Denali Nordic Ski Club and other volunteer help. These trails provide open shelters and foot
bridges for safety and convenience. In addition, there are numerous trails accessed from
Talkeetna or the Parks Highway used for hiking, snowmachining, and hunting. These trails
extend from Petersville to the Talkeetna Mountains, providing access to hunting areas, mining
claims and remote sites (MSB 2008).
The community of Chase lies along the railroad corridor and has no connected road access;
residents access the area primarily using the trail system from Talkeetna. Because of this, many
of the trails in this region are used by local residents for access to residences, recreational cabins,
for hunting and wood gathering as well as recreational purposes.
Denali State Park and Northern George Parks Highway
Denali State Park’s trail system offers highway-accessible hiking, camping, scenic and wildlife
viewing opportunities. Use of motorized vehicles is restricted to maintained roads and parking
areas within Denali State Park. Park land use designations and trail management also restrict the
use of bicycles and pack animals on most trails within the park. North Loop (Tokositna Flats) is
the only groomed winter trail in the park. All other trails and park areas are managed as a winter
controlled use area (Appendix C) and snowmachines may be used when snow depth is over 16
inches (ADNR 2006). North of Denali State Park, along the Parks Highway to Cantwell, are
informal winter and summer trails used for recreation and cabin access.
Denali Highway
The Denali Highway stretches from Cantwell at the Parks Highway junction east to Paxson at the
Richardson Highway junction. In addition to providing a scenic driving experience, the Denali
Highway provides access to remote trail experiences (both motorized and non-motorized).
The majority of the summer trails stemming from the Denali Highway are informal ATV trails,
primarily used for access to hunting areas. Motorized use along these trail systems has led to trail
problems such as braiding, erosion, and vegetation disturbance. Currently the area is managed to
limit recreational uses to existing trails with provisions allowed for off-trail travel if conditions
of the State of Alaska Generally Allowed Uses (GAU) are met (ADNR 2011). On the eastern
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 23 February 2014 Draft
portion of the Denali Highway, there are eight trails within the Tangle Lakes Archeological
District (TLAD) that are actively managed and maintained by the BLM or ADNR (ADNR and
BLM n.d.).
In the winter, the road is unplowed, and therefore closed to vehicle traffic. However, the entire
length is part of the Alaska State Parks SnowTRAC grooming pool and so is open for
snowmachine use. Lodge owners along the highway provide labor for the grooming effort, in
part to allow winter business, and in part for public safety.
Lake Louise and Glenn Highway
Lake Louise lies on the road system. However the road ends at the southern end of the lake, and
many residents live beyond the end of the road. Access is by boat along the lake, or by the
extensive network of winter trails. Several of these winter trails are maintained by The Wolf
Pack, a non-profit snowmachine club that uses volunteer hours and state grants to groom nearly
200 miles of winter trails (Appendix C) (LLCNC 2013). The region is used for hunting and
trapping, and lodges at Lake Louise promote snowmachine and dogsled trails to boost business.
In the summer, trail use is limited due to boggy conditions.
Further south along the Glenn Highway, at milepost 130.5 near Eureka, is access to the
Chickaloon-Knik-Nelchina trail system, which extends west to Palmer. The trails are heavily
used by hunters, ATV users, and hikers. The network lies primarily outside the Recreation Use
Study Area; however the Old Man Creek-Goose Lake Trail network extends north into the
Recreation Use Study Area and ends near the Susitna River (RM 220) (Appendix D).
5.2.1. RS 2477 Trails
Revised Statute (RS) 2477 is found in Section 8 of the Mining Law of 1866. The statute granted
Alaska and other states and territories rights-of-way for construction of highways over public
lands not reserved for public uses. The word “highway” was historically used to reference foot
trails, pack trails, sled dog trails, wagon roads, and other corridors for transportation. The
definition of a highway under Alaska Statute 19.45.001(9) “… includes a highway, road, street,
trail, walk, bridge, tunnel, drainage structure and other similar or related structure or facility, and
right-of-way thereof …” (ADNR 2000a).
There are twenty RS 2477 trails that intersect or occur within the Recreation Use Study Area,
and include the following:
• RST 52: Chulitna Trail
• RST 80: Murder Lake North to Ridge Line
• RST 82: Meiers Lodge-Dickey Lake Trail
• RST 100: Indian River-Portage Creek Trail
• RST 294: Gulkana-Denali Winter Trail
• RST 295: Gulkana-Valdez Creek Trail
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 24 February 2014 Draft
• RST 318: Paxson-Denali Trail (Valdez Creek)
• RST 331: Talkeetna-Iron Creek Trail
• RST 377: Stephan, Murder, and Daneka Lake Connector Trail
• RST 427: Chickaloon River Trail
• RST 469: McWilliams-Gold Creek Trail
• RST 517: Windy Creek Access Road
• RST 625: Cantwell Small Tracts Road (Lovers’ Lane)
• RST 1509: Curry Landing Strip-Lookout Tower Trail
• RST 1522: Lake Louise Trail
• RST 1620: Talkeetna River Trail
• RST 1691: Herning Trail-Question Creek
• RST 1694: Iron Creek-North Fork Kashwitna River Trail
• RST 1809: Glacier Gap (Lavery) Lake Trail
• RST 1814: Sevenmile Lake Trail
Many of these RS 2477 trails were and still are used to access mining claims, fishing and hunting
areas, or remote cabins from communities such as Chase, Curry, and Hurricane that exist along
the rail corridor. Use of RS 2477 trails is governed by the generally allowed uses defined by the
State. They are shown on the figures in Appendix C and Appendix D. In 2013, the study team
identified 103.6 miles of trails associated with RS 2477 easements.
A brief description of each RS 2477 easement trail is provided in Appendix B and summarized in
Table B-1.
5.2.2. 17(b) Easements
The 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) Section 17(b) required the BLM to
convey 40 million acres of public land to Native corporations in Alaska. Congress intended that
the public should have certain access rights across these lands to public lands and waters.
Thousands of public access easements, called 17(b) easements, were reserved through this
process. Trails do not have to exist or be constructed on the easements (ADNR 2000a). These
easements have specific dimensions and certain allowable uses that are stated in the conveyance
document. Any other uses are prohibited. Allowed uses depend upon the width of the 17(b)
easement, and are as follows:
• 25-Foot Trail – Allowed uses include travel by foot, dogsleds, animals, snowmobiles,
two- and three-wheeled vehicles, and small all-terrain (ATV) vehicles (less than 3,000
lbs. gross vehicle weight).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 25 February 2014 Draft
• 50-Foot Trail – Allowed uses include large all-terrain vehicles (more than 3,000 lbs.
gross vehicle weight), tracked vehicles, and four-wheel-drive vehicles.
• 60-Foot Road – Allowed uses include those for 25- and 50-foot trails plus automobiles
and trucks. (ADNR 2013b):
Hunting, fishing, or trapping on or from the easement is not allowed unless a permit from the
landowner is obtained. Several 17(b) trail easements are located within the Recreation Use Study
Area, and 17(b) campsite easements are described under the Facilities (Section 5.5.2).
Appendix B, Table B-2 outlines information on 17(b) trail easements within the Recreation Use
Study Area. The existing and proposed 17(b) trails, for general public access in the Study Area
are:
• 3a: Existing for Middle Fork Chulitna Trail, managed by BLM
• 3c: Existing for Jack River Trail, managed by BLM
• 5h: Existing for Pass Creek Trail, managed by BLM
• 6b: Existing for BLM managed lands west of Summit
• 7a: Existing for access to Windy Creek, southwest of Cantwell, managed by BLM
• 18: Existing from Chulitna to lands north of Devils Canyon, managed by the State of
Alaska and ADF&G
• 22: Proposed for access to Reindeer Hills, sponsored by State of Alaska
• 22e: Proposed for access to lands south of Fog Lakes, sponsored by ADF&G
• 23: Proposed for Edmonds Creek Trail, sponsored by State of Alaska
• 26: Existing for access to lands west of Stephan Lake, managed by ADF&G
• 28: Existing for access to lands southeast of Stephan Lake, managed by ADF&G
• 38: Proposed for access to lands north of the Talkeetna River, sponsored by State of
Alaska and ADF&G
• 40: Proposed for access to lands west of 17(b) easement number 38
• 46: Existing for access from Susitna River to Stephan Lake, managed by BLM and State
of Alaska
• 48: Existing for McWilliams-Gold Creek Trail, managed by State of Alaska
• 72: Proposed for access to lands north of Susitna River, sponsored by BLM District
Office
• 87: Existing for Middle Fork Chulitna Trail, managed by BLM
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 26 February 2014 Draft
• 100: Existing for access between the George Parks Highway and the Alaska Railroad,
managed by State of Alaska and BLM
5.2.3. Winter Trails and Routes
Winter trails and routes occur throughout the Recreation Use Study Area. For the purpose of this
report, a winter trail is actively managed, maintained, and groomed throughout the season of
snow cover. Winter routes are other informal trails that are used by snowmachines, dog sleds,
skiers, or other winter recreationists but are not groomed. AEA has identified twenty-five formal
winter trails in the study area: fifteen in the Talkeetna region, one in Denali State Park, three
along the Denali Highway and six in the Lake Louise region. AEA has identified twenty
informal winter routes in the Study Area: six in the Talkeetna region, four in Denali State Park or
northern Parks Highway, and four in Lake Louise. All are profiled in Appendix B. A total of
926.4 miles of winter trails and routes have been identified in the Study Area; 651.8 of which
were documented in 2013. The figures in Appendix C show the winter trails and routes that have
been mapped in the study area. Some map attributes may be located on private lands; the
reporting of these locations in this study report is not intended to suggest that the recreating
public is authorized to access these lands for recreation purposes.
5.2.4. Summer Trails and Routes
Summer trails and routes occur throughout the study area. For the purpose of this report, a formal
summer trail is a trail that has been designated by an agency with a trailhead facility. Informal
summer trails are primarily user generated trails, formed through repetitive unmanaged use, that
have not been designated by an agency. Routes are common courses taken by recreation users
through the Recreation Use Study Area that lack a defined trail.
There are twenty-eight formal summer trails in the study area: six in the Talkeetna region, eight
in Denali State Park and Northern Parks Highway region, and fourteen along the Denali
Highway. The study team identified 71 informal summer trails in the Study Area: 7 in the
Talkeetna region, four in Denali State Park or northern Parks Highway, 59 along Denali
Highway, and one trail from the Glenn Highway that extends into the Recreation Use Study
Area. All are profiled in Appendix B. A total of 1,501.8 miles of summer trails and routes have
been identified in the study area; 1,236.8 miles of which were documented in 2013. The figures
in Appendix D show the summer trails and routes that have been mapped in the study area. Some
trails that are being identified are be located on private lands; however this study report is not
intended to suggest that the recreating public is authorized to access these lands for recreation
purposes.
5.3. Recreation Use Areas
5.3.1. Special Resource Use Designations
Applicable special resource use designations include Denali State Park, Delta National Wild and
Scenic River, Gulkana National Wild River, Nelchina Public Use Area, Tangle Lakes
Archeological District, and George Parks Highway Scenic Byway. Information on management
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 27 February 2014 Draft
goals, restrictions, and allowed uses for these areas was collected from published sources and is
summarized below. Generally allowed uses on state lands are also described.
Generally Allowed Uses
Generally allowed uses (GAUs) are activities that are typically allowed on State lands managed
by the Division of Land, Water, and Mining and do not require a permit from the Division.
Recreation-related GAUs that apply to the study area include:
• Hiking, backpacking, skiing, climbing, and other foot travel; bicycling; traveling by horse
or dogsled or with pack animals
• Using a highway vehicle with a maximum curb weight of 10,000 pounds or a
recreational-type off-road or all-terrain vehicle with a maximum curb weight of 1,500
pounds, on or off an established road easement, if the use off the road easement does not
cause or contribute to water quality degradation, alteration of drainage systems,
significant rutting, ground disturbance, or thermal erosion
• Landing an aircraft or using water craft without damaging land, including shoreland,
tideland, and submerged land
• Brushing or cutting a trail less than five feet wide using only hand-held tools such as a
chainsaw
• Anchoring a mooring buoy in a lake or river, or placing a floating dock, boat haulout,
floating breakwater, or boathouse in a lake or river for the personal, noncommercial use
of the upland owner, if it does not interfere with public access or use, and if the
improvement is placed within the projected sidelines of the contiguous upland owner’s
parcel or otherwise has the consent of the affected upland owner.
• Hunting, fishing, or trapping, or placement of a fish wheel, that complies with applicable
state and federal statutes and regulations on the taking of fish and game
• Harvesting a small number of wild plants, mushrooms, berries, and other plant material
for personal, noncommercial use; however, the cutting of trees is not a GAU except as
relates to brushing or cutting a trail as described above
• Using dead or down wood for a cooking or warming fire, unless the department has
closed the area to fires during the fire season
• Grazing no more than five domesticated animals
• Recreational gold panning; hard-rock mineral prospecting or mining using light portable
field equipment; or suction dredging using a suction dredge with a nozzle intake of six
inches or less, powered by an engine of 18 horsepower or less, and pumping no more
than 30,000 gallons of water per day. Authorization from ADF&G-Habitat is required
prior to dredging in fish bearing streams.
• Setting up or using a camp for personal, noncommercial recreational purposes, for no
more than 14 days at one site, using a tent platform or other temporary structure that can
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 28 February 2014 Draft
be readily dismantled and removed, or a floathouse that can readily be removed; moving
the entire camp at least two miles away starts a new 14-day period; a cabin or other
permanent improvement is not allowed, even if on skids or another nonpermanent
foundation
• An event or assembly of 50 people or less
• Entry for commercial recreation purposes on a day-use basis with no overnight camps or
unoccupied facilities that remain overnight, as long as the use has been registered as
required by 11 AAC 96.018.
Generally allowed uses (listed in 11 AAC 96.020) are subject to conditions listed in 11 AAC
96.025 including:
• Activities employing wheeled or tracked vehicles must be conducted in a manner that
minimizes surface damage
• Vehicles must use existing roads and trails whenever possible
• Activities must be conducted in a manner that minimizes disturbance of vegetation, soil
stability, or draining systems; changing the character of, polluting, or introducing silt and
sediment into stream, lakes, ponds, water holes, seeps, and marshes; and disturbance of
fish and wildlife resources
• The disturbances listed above must be repaired immediately
• Trails and campsites must be kept clean; garbage and foreign debris must be removed;
combustibles may be burned on site unless the department has closed the area to fires
during the fire season (DMLW 2011).
Denali State Park
Denali State Park was established in 1970 and expanded in 1976 by the Alaska State Legislature.
The park occupies 324,240 acres; Tokositna State Recreation Area and Blair Lake State
Recreation Area (established in 1994) and Indian River State Recreation Area (established in
2002) include an additional 1,470 acres. Denali State Park is bordered by Denali National Park
and Preserve to the north and west, and the Susitna River to the east. The Parks Highway runs
through Denali State Park, splitting it roughly in half and providing access to recreation
opportunities (DPOR 2006).
Open fires are prohibited in Denali State Park except on gravel bars. Hunting and trapping in the
park are subject to ADF&G regulations. Weapons discharge is not permitted within a half mile
of a developed facility or the Byers Lake Loop Trail. Dogsledding and snowmachining are
permitted when adequate snow cover is present (ADNR 2013d). Backcountry camping is
allowed in the state park, but open fires are permitted only on gravel bars or in fireplaces
provided by the state.
Use of motorized vehicles is restricted to maintained roads and parking areas within Denali State
Park. Park land use designations and trail management also restrict the use of bicycles and pack
animals on most trails within the park. North Loop (Tokositna Flats) is the only groomed winter
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 29 February 2014 Draft
trail in the park. All other trails and park areas are managed as a winter controlled use area and
snowmachines may be used when snow depth is over 16 inches (DPOR 2006).
Delta National Wild and Scenic Recreational River
In 1980, the ANILCA designated the upper stretch of the Delta River, all of the Tangle Lakes,
and the Tangle River as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System to preserve, protect
and enhance the free-flowing condition, water quality, and outstanding remarkable values of
these waters. The Delta National Wild and Scenic Recreational River is managed by the BLM
under the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (WSRA) of 1968, as amended, for the outstanding
scenery and natural and cultural values. The lands and waters within these areas are classified as
wild, scenic, or recreational.
The Delta National Wild and Scenic River watershed includes Upper Tangle Lakes, Lower
Tangle Lakes, the Tangle River, and the Delta River. The watershed includes 150,000 acres of
land, 160 miles of streams, and 21 lakes which provide habitat for over 100 species of migrating
birds and waterfowl, as well as graying, whitefish, lake trout, burbot, and longnose suckers. The
southern parts of the Delta Wild and Scenic River corridor are within the Tangle Lakes
Archaeological District and contain sites listed on the Nation Register of Historic places (BLM
2013b). A portion of the Delta National Wild and Scenic River is within the eastern portion of
the Recreation Use Study Area, both north and south of the Denali Highway. This part of the
river is designated as scenic. As defined by WSRA, scenic river areas “are free of
impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely
undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads.”
Low impact camping techniques are recommended. Such practices include not creating new
campsites, using a firepan, packing out all litter and food waste, and bringing portable toilets or
using other methods to carry out human waste (BLM 2010b)
Gulkana National Wild River
Portions of the Gulkana River, including West Fork and Middle Fork, were designated under
ANILCA as part of the as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System to preserve, protect
and enhance the free-flowing condition, water quality, and outstanding remarkable values of
these waters. The Gulkana National Wild River is managed by the BLM under the WSRA as a
wild river. The Gulkana was recognized for its primitive character, abundant fish and wildlife,
and its geologic, cultural and recreational values. The Gulkana is a popular river for fishing and
boating and it has cultural and subsistence value to the Ahtna people (BLM 2010c).
Lands above ordinary high water mark in the Gulkana National Wild River corridor are managed
by the BLM. On these lands, ORV use is limited to designated ORV trails and designated
permitted river crossings. Snowmachines may travel off-trail provided there is at least 12 inches
of snow or six inches of frost on the ground. Additional restrictions include:
• Use of chainsaws is prohibited
• All burned and unburned trash, including toilet paper, must be packed out
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 30 February 2014 Draft
• Human waste must be packed out or buried at least six inches deep and at least 100 ft
from campsites, gravel bars, or waterbodies
• Camping in excess of 14 consecutive days is prohibited
• Between June 1 and July 31, camping in excess of seven consecutive days on the lower
river or three consecutive days on the Main Stem is prohibited
• Property left unattended for over 48 hours is prohibited
• Group sizes of 12 people or more are prohibited
• Discharging fireworks is prohibited
• Firearms can only be used for hunting, protection against wildlife, and in emergencies.
They may not be discharged within 150 yards of a residence, building, recreation site,
occupied area, and across any body of water or trail, whereby any person or property is
exposed to injury or damage
• Construction of any structures, trails, or roads, is prohibited
• Fires other than campfires and signal fires are prohibited. Fires should be extinguished
completely.
• Disturbing/removing vegetation is not permitted. Dead, down, or detached timber may be
used for campfires in reasonable amounts.
• Disturbing/removing natural land features for prospecting or mining is prohibited
Some of the above prohibited acts may be allowed with written authorization from BLM (BLM
2013a).
Nelchina Public Use Area
The Nelchina Public Use Area occupies approximately 2.5 million acres in the Talkeetna
Mountains. The Nelchina Public Use Area was established by the Alaska legislature in 1985 to:
• Protect fish and wildlife habitat, particularly caribou calving areas, trumpeter swan
nesting areas, and other important habitats for moose, Dall sheep and brown bear so that
traditional public uses of fish and wildlife populations may continue
• Perpetuate and enhance public enjoyment of fish and wildlife and their habitat including
fishing, hunting, trapping, viewing, photography
• Perpetuate and enhance general public recreation in a quality environment
• Perpetuate and enhance additional public uses described in the Susitna Area Plan
• Allow additional public uses of the area in a manner compatible with the purpose
specified above. (AS 41.23.010)
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 31 February 2014 Draft
The legislation commits this land to public ownership, rather than land sales. The area is
accessed via an extensive trail system that starts from the Glenn Highway, as well as by float
planes, ski planes, and motorboats.
The Nelchina Public Use Area is managed for multiple-use. The guidelines set by the area plan
limit mineral exploration and development in caribou calving areas during the calving season
(May 1 to June 15). Road construction is only allowed if required for resource development.
Grazing is currently prohibited in the public use area (ADNR 2000b). Additional guidelines are
outlined in the Susitna Area Plan on pages 385 to 387 (ADNR 1985). Generally allowed uses in
the Nelchina Public Use Area include hunting, fishing, and trapping under state fish and game
regulations, hiking, camping, boating, and aircraft landing (ADNR 2000b).
Tangle Lakes Archaeological District
Tangle Lakes Archeological District was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places
in 1971 and is 226,660 acres in size. More than 600 archeological sites from four different
cultural traditions have been identified in this area (ADNR and BLM n.d.).
The Tangle Lake Archeological District is managed by both the BLM Glennallen Field office
and ADNR Southcentral Region Land Office; the BLM manages the areas south of the highway,
and the state manages the areas north. For trails managed by the BLM, OHV use is limited to
designated trails from May 16 to October 16. Winter OHV use is unrestricted when adequate
snowfall is present. For trails managed by ADNR, a permit is required for the use of motorized
vehicles off of designated trails from May 18 to October 18, and in the winter ATV/ORV use is
allowed where snow cover or ground frost is sufficient to prevent damage to archaeological
values. Sufficient snow cover means an average of one foot of snow, with a minimum of six
inches. Sufficient ground frost means a minimum of six inches (ADNR 2000b).
George Parks Highway Scenic Byway
A 230-mile segment of the George Parks Highway, from the Chulitna River Bridge at milepost
132 to Fairbanks, is designated as a National Scenic Byway and an Alaska Scenic Byway
(ADOT&PF 2012). The George Parks Highway Scenic Byway between the Chulitna River
Bridge and Cantwell is within the Recreation Facilities and Recreation Use study areas.
Designation as a National Scenic Byway signifies that a road has regional historic, cultural,
natural, scenic, recreational, or archeological significance (ADOT&PF 2008).
According to federal regulations, construction of new billboards along National Scenic Byways
that are interstate, National Highway System, or federal-aid primary highways is prohibited.
However, billboards are already banned within the state of Alaska. No additional restrictions
apply to Alaska Scenic Byways (ADOT&PF 2013).
5.4. Recreation Supply, Demand, and Use
This section briefly summarizes results of executive interview research, secondary utilization
data compilation, and observational research of predominant recreational activities known to
occur within the Recreation Use Study Area (as of October 31, 2013).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 32 February 2014 Draft
5.4.1. Utilization Data
BLM Denali-Clearwater Recreation Management Area
BLM estimates the number of users for various sites and trails within the Denali-Clearwater
Recreation Management Area. According to BLM data notes, all use numbers are “best guess
estimates,” except for Brushkana Creek Campground. Increases in estimates (such as 17(b)s
south of Cantwell) are based on increased field observations. The most popular trails included
the Butte Lake and Butte Creek trails (averaging 1,560 visits between FY2007 and FY2011),
followed by the Jack River trail (average of 420 annual visits). BLM also estimates
approximately 2,250 annual visits to the Denali Highway during the winter months Table 5.4-1).
However, they also noted Denali-Clearwater Recreation Management Area use is heavily
concentrated during the months of August and September (BLM RMIS 2011).
Other data on Tangle Lake campground and area trails were available suggesting there were
18,005 visits to the Tangle Lakes Campground in FY2012 with Tangle Lakes Foot Trail as a
popular hike (2,050 estimated users) (Table 5.4-2). FY2013 visits to the Tangle Lakes
Campground were estimated at 20,252 (up 12 percent from the previous year) (Table 5.4-3).
BLM provided raw data (daily surveys) based on daily observations at their Tangle Lakes and
Brushkana Creek campground managers during the summer season of 2011 and 2012. It was
noted that 840 visits were made to the Tangle Lakes Foot Trail in 2012. Campsite use grew
substantially between 2011 and 2012 at Tangle Lakes Campground, an estimated 97 percent
increase (from 1,233 occupied campground sites in 2011 to 2,433 in 2012) and remained
relatively stable at Brushkana Creek Campground (731 occupied campsites in 2011 and 765 in
2012) (Table 5.4-4). Boat launch and ATV use in the Tangle Lakes area is also noted (Table 5.4-
4).
ADNR State Parks
ADNR provided monthly data for state park campgrounds and trails visitations in Denali State
Park and Lake Louise State Recreation Area, both of which are within the Recreation Use Study
Area. In 2012, 281,436 visitations to Denali State Park were documented, down 10 percent from
313,310 in 2011. Approximately 39 percent of these visitations were made by nonresidents of
Alaska (Table 5.4-5). In 2012, ADNR reported 2,458 visitations from May through September to
the Lake Louise State Recreation Area (down 5 percent from 2,585 in 2011), of which 17 percent
were made by nonresidents of Alaska (Table 5.4-6).
Economic Impacts of the Implementation of the Proposed South Denali Visitor Center,
2011
ADNR contracted with the Center for Economic Development at the University of Alaska
Anchorage to analyze preliminary ARSP 2009 data and estimate recreational activities among
Southcentral and Interior Alaska residents in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough as part of their
South Denali Visitor Center development. In that report, it was estimated that approximately
159,848 Alaska residents (50 percent of Railbelt communities’ population) made at least one
annual trip to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough (Center for Economic Development March 2011).
“Best estimates” for popular recreation activities include hiking (262,895), wildlife viewing
(249,819), camping (208,527), fishing (181,687), snowmachining (126,796 visits), cross-country
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 33 February 2014 Draft
skiing and snowshoeing (86,026), and non-motorized boating (66,068) (Table 5.4-7). The data,
however, do not provide information on the duration of these trips or specific locations where the
recreation occurred within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, limiting the relevancy and adequacy
of this data to describe visitation to the Recreation Use Study Area.
Alaska Railroad Corporation Ridership
The Alaska Railroad runs through the Recreation Use Study Area. Some riders are participating
in tours with the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC), or on a cruise tour. Others use the
railroad to access their properties (including both primary residences and recreational use
property) within areas of the Study Area not accessible by road. ARRC provided annual
ridership data (2011-2012) for the Hurricane Turn Train and the Denali Star Train (Alaska
Railroad Corporation 2012). Denali Star service provides daily links between Anchorage and
Fairbanks with stops in Wasilla, Talkeetna and Denali Park. Trains depart both Fairbanks and
Anchorage heading north and south at about the same time. Few passengers ride the train straight
through in a single day (a roughly 12-hour trip). Most visitors spend a night or two along the
route in either Denali or Talkeetna. Whether headed north or south, all Denali Star passengers
traveling between Talkeetna and Denali pass through the Study Area (roughly 110 miles from
near Talkeetna to Summit). ARRC data states 6,096 passengers arrived in Talkeetna and 6,792
departed from Talkeetna on the Denali Star in 2012 (Table 5.4-8, Table 5.4-9).
In addition to cars owned and operated by the railroad, ARRC also pulls luxury cars for Princess
Alaska Rail Tours. Princess Rail cars primarily carry cruise tour visitors with some independent
visitors also booking a trip. The Princess luxury rail cars are pulled by the Denali Star trains
behind the ARRC cars. All of the Princess rail cars run on the ARRC schedule. Princess offers a
variety of packages combining rail car travel, overnight accommodations at one of the Princess
faculties along the route, and multiple tour options.
ARRC also offers the Hurricane Turn Train which provides daily whistle-stop service from
Thursday through Sunday mid-May through mid-September and the first Thursday of each
month October through May. The train departs Talkeetna and turns around at Hurricane Gulch.
Passengers may disembark or embark anywhere along the 55-mile route (all within the
Recreation Use Study Area). Riders use the Hurricane Turn Train to access the Susitna River and
tributaries along the route for fishing and as departure points for float trips down the river or for
hiking. Land owners in the area use the whistle stop service to access private cabins. ARRC data
show that a total of approximately 1,400-1,700 people rode the Hurricane Turn Train during the
summers of 2011 and 2012 (Table 5.4-10, Table 5.4-11). It is assumed there is duplication in the
number of actual individual riders (versus number of rides). Further research and interviews were
be conducted in 2013 in order to estimate how many of those riders used the service to access
and float the Susitna River or access private-use cabins or other recreational opportunities.
Recreational activities include consumptive activities (such as sportfishing, hunting, and
trapping) and non-consumptive activities (such as wildlife viewing and hiking).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 34 February 2014 Draft
5.4.1.1. Consumptive Uses
Hunting and Trapping
As of October 1, 2013, analysis of ADF&G’s wildlife report data was complete for hunting and
trapping effort, methods of transportation used, and hunter success related to hunter services
used.
The average reported hunting effort (hunter days) for hunters pursuing black bear, brown bear,
caribou, moose, sheep, and wolf within the Recreation Use Study Area is shown in Table 5.4-12.
Trapping data are not included in this analysis because harvest data from trappers do not include
an estimate of trapper effort (trapper days). The analysis also does not include unsuccessful
reports for wolf or brown bear hunting. Unsuccessful wolf and brown bear hunters are not
required to submit harvest reports (no permits are required for hunting those species within the
Recreation Study Area). As shown in Table 5.4-12, the average permit holder spends 4.9 days
hunting within the Study Area. Non-resident hunters spend slightly more time hunting (5.0 days)
than Alaska residents (4.9 days) and moose permit holders, on average, expend 5.1 days of
hunting effort, slightly more than other species assessed. Recognizing that many hunters pursue
more than one species during a hunt, the actual number of hunter days is likely less than what is
reported in the data.
Figure 5.4-1 provides a generalized distribution of average annual wildlife hunting effort (all
resident and non-resident hunters) within the Recreation Use Study Area based on 54,914 hunter
harvest reporting records collected during the regulatory years 2003-2011. The scale of activity
is:
• “Very Low” areas on the figure represent 1-894 reported hunter days per year
• “Low” areas include an average of 895-1,786 reported days
• “Medium” represents an average of 1,787-2,679 reported days
• “High” represents greater than 2,680 reported hunter days per year.
Figure 5.4-2 provides a similar generalized distribution of hunting effort for only non-residents
from 3,050 harvest reports for the same nine year period. The scale of activity is:
• “Low” hunting effort indicates an average of less than 61 reported non-resident hunter
days per year
• “Medium” represents 62-123 reported days
• “High” represents greater than 124 reported days.
The values for both Figure 5.4-1 and Figure 5.4-2 represent a generalized value and distribution
of hunting effort within the Study Area’s UCUs. Therefore, these figures only represent a rough
approximation of relative hunting effort across the Recreation Use Study Area.
Numerous ATV trails originating from the Parks, Glenn, and Denali highways (identified in
Section 5.2) are reportedly used by 34 percent of all hunters (33 percent are residents and 1
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 35 February 2014 Draft
percent are non-residents) to access their hunt areas within the Recreation Use Study Area (see
Table 5.4-13). Other commonly used methods include Airplanes (11 percent, 9 percent are
residents and 2 percent are non-residents), highway vehicles (15 percent), boats (15 percent), and
snowmachines (11 percent). This information was gathered by asking hunters to complete the
statement: “I got to where I started walking by _______.”
Within the ADF&G harvest report data, the seasonal distribution of hunting effort can only be
assessed using the date of kill for successful hunts. Using information on successful hunts and
trapping, the study team assessed seasonal distribution of successful efforts for the Recreation
Use Study Area. Table 5.4-14 shows the seasonal distribution of successful hunting and trapping.
Sixty-three percent of all successful kills occurred during the fall hunting season (August
through October), 29 percent occurred during the winter months (November through March), and
the remaining 8 percent occurred between April and July. These efforts closely follow a
predictable pattern determined by hunting seasons and bag limits established by ADF&G for
wildlife harvest within the Recreation Use Study Area.
As of September 30, 2013, 130 intercept survey respondents were hunting when the intercept
survey was conducted, of which 100 indicated this was their primary recreational activity. In the
mail survey, 91 respondents had hunted in the Study Area in the past year, and 63 of these
respondents indicated it was their primary recreational activity (Table 5.4-15).
Sportfishing
Unlike wildlife harvest reporting, the State does not require anglers to report sport fishing
harvest. However, the Sport Fish Division of ADF&G conducts a mail survey each year to
estimate sport fishing total harvest (fish kept) and total catch (fish kept plus fish released). The
estimates derived from this annual survey have been used for this angling effort analysis. Figure
5.4-3 displays the average number of estimated angler days per year, by stream, for the period
2003-2012 (ADF&G 2013b). This subset of the Alaska sport fishing survey database contains
data for 115 locations (stream segments and lakes) within the Recreation Use Study Area where
respondents to the survey reported angler days of sport fishing activity. This information is
displayed in Figure 5.4-3. The locations of the dots and circles on the figure represent a stream
segment or lake and not necessarily the specific location of the dot or circle. The estimated
angler days represented by the circles include the average number of reported angler days per
year for the years 2003–2012. Gold dots represent locations with relatively low use (less than 30
survey responses per year).
The display of the survey results (Figure 5.4-3) identifies widely dispersed and low level angling
effort throughout the Recreation Use Study Area (gold dots), with the highest use (pink circles)
occurring in stream segments and lakes with the best access to anglers. The most popular
locations are the Talkeetna River and Chunilna (Clear) Creek (a tributary of Talkeetna River),
which are typically accessed by riverboat from Talkeetna; Lake Louise, accessible from the
Glenn Highway; and Tangle Lakes and Tangle River, which are accessed from the Denali
Highway. Appendix E, Table E-1 displays the estimated average annual number anglers,
estimated angler days fished, and estimated catch (kept and released) by species, for the six most
actively fished steam segments and lakes in the Study Area, as identified on Figure 5.4-3. Angler
days fished on these six stream segments represent 45 percent of the average estimated number
of annual angler days (total of 59,267 angler days) within the Recreation Use Study Area, as
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 36 February 2014 Draft
shown in Appendix E, Table E-2. Streams that provide the opportunity to catch anadromous
species (those that migrate from the sea to fresh water to spawn), such as Chunilna Creek,
Sunshine Creek, Talkeetna River, and other smaller streams supports 66 percent (or 38,833
angler days) of the average estimated annual angler days fished.
Estimates for the total number of annual angler days only provide a broad approximation of total
angling effort for the Recreation Use Study Area as approximately 95 percent of the sites had
less than 30 survey responses. For example, Jay Creek received one survey response in 2012 that
produced an estimate of 615 angler days in 2012; however, the 95 percent confidence interval for
this site ranged from zero to 1,846, thus making the estimate extremely unreliable. To varying
degrees, a similar uncertainty exists for those sites with low survey responses (less than 30).
As of September 30, 2013, 237 intercept survey respondents were sportfishing (any species)
during the outing, of which 93 indicated this was their primary recreational activity. A total of
129 mail survey respondents indicated they fished in the Recreation Use Study Area in the past
year, with 32 indicating it was their primary recreational activity (Table 5.4-15).
5.4.1.2. Non-Consumptive Uses
Riding ATVs
Summer seasonal ATV use is prevalent throughout the Recreation Use Study Area with higher
concentration along the Denali Highway (especially during hunting season) and on Talkeetna
area trails, including Yoder Road (mile 3 of the Talkeetna Spur Road), and Gold Creek and
Chase trails. ARRC whistle stops between Talkeetna and the subdivision of Chase provide ATV
access. For example, there was noted ATV use on the Gold Creek Trail from the railroad
corridor. However, access north beyond the Gold Creek/Indian River area was not as popular.
While no ATV use data is currently available within the Study Area, ATV use and ownership
within Alaska is considered high. Approximately 47 percent of adult Alaskans owned an ATV,
and 30 percent used an ATV for outdoor recreation either occasionally or frequently, in 2009
(ADNR 2009).
As of September 30, 2013, 113 intercept survey respondents rode ATVs during the outing, with
11 indicating this was their primary recreational activity. In the mail survey, 82 respondents
indicated they rode ATVs in the Recreation Use Study Area in the past year, with 15 indicating it
was their primary activity (Table 5.4-15).
Aviation/Flightseeing
As much of the Recreation Use Study Area is not accessible by roads or trails, private and
commercial aviation is a primary form of transportation used to reach recreation cabins, lodges,
and other locations for recreation. A few examples of aviation destinations identified in the
executive interviews include: Shadow Lake (for bear hunters), Stephan Lake (for trappers and
cabin owners), and recreation cabins north of the Talkeetna River.
Flightseeing as a recreational activity is often combined with other remote fly-in activities, such
as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. A small percentage of area flightseeing tours appear to
fly over the Recreation Use Study Area, mostly over the Talkeetna Range (as most tours are
geared toward Denali National Park). Several air charter tour companies are based in Talkeetna,
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 37 February 2014 Draft
however, others are located in Willow and Glennallen areas. Aside from the flightseeing tours,
Alaska residents make up most of the air traffic that goes into the Study Area. While flying
occurs year-round, summer use is likely higher than winter use, as many popular recreational
activities, such as fishing, camping, hiking, and floating occur primarily in the summer months.
One air taxi service estimates they take approximately 60 people per year into the Study Area for
tours, in addition to 20 or 30 people per year into remote recreation cabins multiple times per
year.
As there is a limited number of airstrips located in the Recreation Use Study Area (including
mile 21 of Lake Louise Road and Yellowjacket Creek), pilots do not always land on established
landing infrastructure and often use gravel bars on rivers, or any other areas that can serve as a
runway. The Oshetna Drainage has also been identified as a favorable place to land, as is along
the Talkeetna River to the east of the Parks Highway, and tundra areas north of the Susitna
River. These areas have few trees, are flat, and are close to several fly-in hunting areas.
A seaplane base at Lake Louise operates during the summer season, providing air charter
services for a variety of recreation uses. Planes from the base provide drop-offs for floaters along
the Tyone River. Helicopters are also starting to be used in the area. One interviewee recently
purchased a helicopter for his air taxi business for heli-hiking drop-offs in the Talkeetna
Mountains. This same company also flies people up the Talkeetna River for river rafting trips.
A special aviation gathering in Talkeetna occurs on the third weekend in May, Hudson Memorial
Fly-In. In 2013, the fourth annual fly-in drew 30 airplanes and 150 event attendees. While the
event is weather-dependent, it has grown every year, with increasing numbers of participants,
vendors, and sponsors.
The number of registered aircraft in the state of Alaska totals 9,507 (including corporate and
individual ownership), of which 1,366 aircraft are registered in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough
(FAA 2013), including 111 in Talkeetna (FAA 2013).
Preliminary survey samples (as of September 30, 2013) include 88 intercept survey respondents
who went flightseeing during the outing, with 47 indicating this was their primary activity. In the
mail survey, 26 respondents indicated they went flightseeing in the Recreation Use Study Area in
the past year, with nine indicating it was their primary activity (Table 5.4-15).
Bicycl ing
Road biking appears to be a popular organized activity on roads within the Recreation Use Study
Area. The Talkeetna 100K/200K is the opening season ride for the Alaska Randonneurs, starting
in Talkeetna then heading north on the Parks Highway. Other rides that include Talkeetna are:
the Chugiak/Talkeetna/Chugiak 300K, Talkeetna/Cantwell/Talkeetna 400K, and Big Wild Ride
1,200K, which overnights in Talkeetna. The American Lung Association sponsors the Clean Air
Challenge, a two-day fundraising ride from Houston to Talkeetna (120 miles). In 2013, 224
people registered for the Clean Air Challenge, though only 70 started in the snow on the first day
of the event. Typically, participation averages approximately 250 registrants (over 75 percent of
whom are from the Anchorage area). The Boy Scouts of America also take a bike trip on the
Denali Highway.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 38 February 2014 Draft
While mountain biking is not as popular in the Recreation Use Study Area, some summer
mountain bikers (and fat tire bikers) use Talkeetna area gravel bars and shorelines. Mountain
bikers also make use of areas off of the Denali Highway.
Recently, fat tire biking during the winter season has gained popularity in the Recreation Use
Study Area. Many of the winter trails used for biking are on the Susitna, Talkeetna, and Chulitna
rivers, some of which are maintained by snowmachines. The Trio, a 20- and 60-mile fat tire bike
race in Talkeetna, attracted approximately 90 participants in February 2013, plus approximately
12 volunteers and 150 spectators.
Approximately one-half (49.7 percent) of Alaska’s adult population either road- or mountain-
biked in 2009 (ADNR 2009).
Preliminary survey samples (as of September 30, 2013) include 74 intercept survey respondents
who bicycled during the outing, with 29 indicating this was their primary activity. In the mail
survey, 63 respondents indicated they bicycled in the Recreation Use Study Area in the past year,
with 14 indicating it was their primary activity (Table 5.4-15).
Between June 16 and July 13, 2013, 58 bicyclists were observed by intercept survey staff along
the Denali Highway. Tally data through September 15, 2013 indicate 204 observations of
bicycling activity in the Study Area, representing 603 individual bicyclists.
Boating – Motorized and Non-motorized
Motorized and non-motorized boating occurs on the rivers and large lakes in the Recreation Use
Study Area. Day and overnight floats and pack-rafting trips also occur. People float portions of
the Susitna, Maclaren, Talkeetna, and Tyone rivers. White water rafting is also a frequent
summer activity, with several businesses offering rafting tours. A specific area for white water
rafting includes the upper Talkeetna River drainage. Jet boats travel in the Study Area, some start
their trip at Lake Louise, travel down the Tyone River to reach the upper Susitna River. Some
use motorized (jet and air) boats to access hunting grounds. For example, on September 1, 2013,
17 vehicles with boat trailers were parked on the east side of the Susitna River Bridge on the
Denali Highway.
Jet boats are used to access Clear Creek, a popular fishing destination along the Talkeetna River.
Airboats also travel on the Talkeetna, Maclaren, and Susitna rivers.
Kayaking and canoeing occur on various waterbodies, including the Tangle Lakes drainage.
Several education programs have river-floating segments. These include the Alaska Pacific
University Outdoor Studies Program that floats the Chickaloon River drainage, then the
Talkeetna River down to Talkeetna. The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) offers
courses that include packrafting on the Maclaren, Susitna, and Talkeetna rivers. Three annual
NOLS backpacking courses end via jet boat in Talkeetna. The Boy Scouts of America also take
an annual canoe trip starting in the Tangle Lakes area.
Mahay’s is the only commercial operator offering guided jet boat tours between Talkeetna and
Devils Canyon. The tours range from two hours (20 miles) to 3.5 hours (60 miles) and five hours
(130 miles). All tours include a visit to a recreated Dena’ina Indian camp. Approximately 20,000
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 39 February 2014 Draft
visitors per summer take one of these tours on this portion of the Susitna River. Mahay’s
estimates that about half of these visitors are Alaska residents.
In Alaska, 37.7 percent of the adult population lives in a household that owns a boat (ADNR
2009). Among Alaskan adults, 2009 participation in recreational boating included:
• 39 percent who power boated
• 30 percent who canoed, rafted, or floated on a river
• 22 percent who paddled a boat
• 10 percent who sea kayaked (ADNR 2009).
Preliminary survey samples (as of September 30, 2013) include 119 intercept survey respondents
used a motorized boat during the outing, with 36 indicating this was their primary activity. In the
mail survey, 37 respondents indicated they motor boated in the Recreation Use Study Area in the
past year, with five reporting it was their primary activity (Table 5.4-15).
For non-motorized boating (rafting/canoeing/kayaking/pack rafting), preliminary survey samples
include responses from 127 people who participated in non-motorized boating, with 32
indicating this was their primary activity. In the mail survey, 65 respondents participated in non-
motorized boating in the Recreation Use Study Area in the past year, with 11 indicating it was
their primary activity (Table 5.4-15).
The report on the River Recreation Flow and Access Study (ISR Study 12.7) provides additional
detail of boating recreation on the three reaches of the Susitna River within the Recreation Use
Study Area.
Camping
Guided camping tours and private tent and RV camping occurs throughout the Recreation Use
Study Area. People camp in developed campgrounds (private, borough, state, and federal) in
Talkeetna, along the Parks and Denali Highways, and at Lake Louise. Backcountry camping is
also popular, particularly in the Talkeetna Mountains. Camping is often associated with hiking,
hunting, fishing, and other forms of recreational activity.
Many of the RVs (over half by some interviewees’ estimations) are rented by non-Alaska
residents. Alaskans owning their own RV also camp in the Recreation Use Study Area. A typical
RV route entails a round-trip drive from Anchorage to Denali National Park with a stop along the
way in the Study Area (often in Talkeetna or at Byers Creek Campground). Because RV rentals
are generally not allowed on the Denali Highway (because most of the road is unpaved), RV
traffic is considerably lighter than on the Parks Highway, and largely conducted by Alaska
residents.
Education courses often include camping, such as the month-long backpacking courses in the
Talkeetna Mountains offered by the NOLS. The Boy Scouts of America Great Alaska Council
owns approximately 2,000 acres of land between the Chulitna and Susitna rivers near the
McKinley Princess Lodge and operates the Denali High Adventure Scout Base. The camp hosted
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 40 February 2014 Draft
140 campers for a total of about 1,200 recreation days in 2012. Council officials stated that their
goal was to host about 250 campers and 2,000 recreation days in 2013.
The BLM and ADNR have provided utilization data on the campgrounds they manage. Some of
that information is highlighted above.
In Alaska, 35 percent of adult Alaskans tent camped in a campground in 2009, 21 percent
camped in the backcountry, 24 percent camped in a public cabin, and 19 percent RV camped
(ADNR 2009). In terms of frequency, 19.2 percent reported camping overnight frequently or
very frequently, while 29.3 percent camped occasionally, and 15.8 percent camped rarely
(ADNR 2009).
Preliminary survey samples include 172 intercept survey respondents who reported remote tent
camping during the outing, with 53 indicating this was their primary activity. In the mail survey,
141 respondents indicated remote tent camping in the Recreation Use Study Area in the past
year, with 51 indicating it was their primary activity (Table 5.4-15).
Preliminary survey samples for camping in an RV, cabin, or campground include 324 intercept
survey respondents, with 157 of these respondents indicating this was their primary activity. In
the mail survey, 165 respondents camped in an RV, cabin, or campground in the past year, with
68 stating this was their primary recreational activity (Table 5.4-15).
Dog Sledding and Skijoring
Within the Recreation Use Study Area, dog sledding and skijoring typically take place between
November and April, weather dependent. Heaviest use occurs in February and March when
daytime temperatures rise and daylight increases. This activity occurs on solid or thick ice on the
rivers and on established winter trails. Both dog mushers and skijorers prefer groomed trails;
however, groomed trails are often shared with snowmachines and pose some safety concerns.
Skijoring activity is reportedly increasing in the Recreation Use Study Area. There are an
estimated 10 to 15 residents of Talkeetna that participate frequently in skijoring. Areas where
skijoring and dog sledding activity are known to occur include the Susitna River, the Talkeetna
River, the Chulitna River, the Lake Louise area, Byers Lake, and along the Denali Highway. XY
Lake trail is a popular dog sledding site in Talkeetna. Several other Talkeetna area trails also see
some level of activity from these users.
The Denali Highway is a popular dog sledding training route, primarily from the Cantwell end of
the highway. Mushers use the Denali Highway from about mid-October (end of peak hunting
season) until the snow closes the road. Professional dog mushers use the highway to train for the
Iditarod once there is enough snow on the ground. Recreational dog mushers run the highway
more often in February and March. Alpine Creek Lodge reported accommodating dog mushers
between October and April along with space to rest their dog teams. Maclaren Lodge indicates
recreational dog sledding activity, although at a lesser rate than seen at Alpine Creek Lodge, as
Maclaren Lodge is usually closed from late October through February.
There are numerous dog sledding races occurring in the Recreation Use Study Area. The Copper
Basin 300 Dog Sled Race is an annual winter event that draws people into the Lake Louise area
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 41 February 2014 Draft
in January. Also, there is reportedly a dog sledding race from the Maclaren River to Paxson. The
Sheep Mountain 200/300 Dog Sled race was held March 26, 2013. The race started at Sheep
Mountain Lodge (on the Glenn Highway), with checkpoints at Eureka, Lake Louise Lodge,
Tolsana Lodge, a remote tent near Tyone Lake and the Susitna River, and back to Sheep
Mountain Lodge. Usually, Sheep Mountain Lodge owner and musher Zack Steer puts on the
Sheep Mountain 150- mile dog sled race in December. However, due to lack of snow, this year's
race was rescheduled and changed to a 200- and 300-mile race (in March). Twenty-two
participants, all from Alaska, started the race. Many of the dog teams had just finished the
Iditarod. Sheep Mountain Lodge is expected to be closed during the 2013-2014 winter season
and will not be sponsoring the Sheep Mountain Lodge race in December 2013.
An informal skijor event occurs on the day after the Oosik Classic ski race, using the same race
course as the Nordic skiers. The event is currently very informal and loosely organized by the
Skijor Club of Anchorage. Dog mushers also use the Oosik race trail after the event.
Commercial dog sled tours occur in the Recreation Use Study Area, some including overnight
stays. Tour companies use the Susitna River, from Cantwell to Tangle Lakes along the Denali
Highway, and the Talkeetna River. Off-season dog sled tours are also available at Crazy Dog
Kennels at the Maclaren River on the Denali Highway.
According to the 2009-2014 Alaska SCORP, in 2009, 5.0 percent of adult Alaskans participated
in dog sledding or skijoring, and 4.2 percent reported owning a dog team (ADNR 2009). Railbelt
residents were twice as likely to own a dog team as rural residents, and very few non-residents
participated in these activities within the Recreation Use Study Area (ADNR 2009).
Preliminary survey samples include 18 intercept survey respondents who were dog sledding
during the outing, with 311 indicating this was their primary activity. In the mail survey, 11
respondents indicated they dog sledded in the Recreation Use Study Area in the past year, with
four indicating it was their primary recreational activity (Table 5.4-15).
Hiking/Backpacking
Hiking and backpacking are integral to many recreation activities that take place in the
Recreation Use Study Area. Camping, fishing, hunting, berry picking, wildlife viewing, and
many other activities involve hiking during the activity.
Hiking within Denali State Park occurs along both Curry Ridge (southern ridge accessed from
Byers Creek Campground) and Kesugi Ridge (the northern ridge accessed from Little Coal
Creek Trailhead).
A number of businesses offer hiking and backpacking tours in the area. Many of the tours
involve drop-offs or pick-ups by aircraft, including helicopters in the Talkeetna Mountains, and
others include a river-based element, such as floating on a river. One business interviewed
estimates they take thousands of visitors (about half resident and half non-resident) on hikes in
the Recreation Use Study Area. While a majority of hikes are taken in the summer, some hiking
occurs with snowshoes in the winter, including on the Susitna River.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 42 February 2014 Draft
Educational programs also offer hiking and backpacking courses, especially for non-Alaska
residents and international visitors. The Alaska Mountaineering School offers guided
mountaineering and backcountry travel trips. NOLS offers eight backpacking courses per year in
the Talkeetna Mountains. NOLS courses are a month in duration. In total, about 135 NOLS
students and instructors participate in these courses each year. It is estimated that NOLS
backpackers represent over 4,000 recreation days in the Recreation Use Study Area.
In 2009, approximately 62 percent of adult Alaskans hiked (ADNR 2009).
For hiking and backpacking, preliminary survey samples include 263 intercept survey
respondents who hiked or backpacked during the outing, with 32 indicating this was their
primary recreational activity. In the mail survey, 182 respondents indicated they hiked or
backpacked in the Recreation Use Study Area in the past year, with 41 indicating it was their
primary recreational activity (Table 5.4-15).
Nordic Skiing
While alpine touring and heli-skiing may occur in the Recreation Use Study Area, the most
common type of skiing is Nordic skiing. By some accounts, Nordic skiing activity is growing,
perhaps as much as doubling in the past five years. Nordic skiers use groomed trails and
snowmachine trails, as well as un-groomed backcountry.
Skiing generally occurs around Talkeetna and along the Parks Highway corridor; however, some
Nordic skiing was observed on the Denali Highway and in the Lake Louise area. Skiing is also
popular on the Talkeetna, Susitna, and Chulitna rivers when ice conditions are safe (December at
the earliest, April at the latest). The Chulitna River is often accessed off of the Parks Highway at
the Chulitna River Bridge. Skiing also occurs between the Susitna and Chulitna rivers.
Ungroomed backcountry use is focused to the east of Talkeetna via access trails from town.
The Denali Nordic Ski Club, a local ski club in the area, grooms Nordic ski trails on the Susitna
and Talkeetna rivers. The group also organizes ski outings and the annual Oosik Classic race and
tour in March. The club has approximately 50 to 60 members (including families and
individuals). Most members are from Talkeetna.
The March Oosik Classic is a 50-km/25-km race and tour that starts in Talkeetna and uses
portions of the Susitna River and Talkeetna rivers for the race route. The race course varies
annually. The race is dependent on safe ice conditions on the rivers. Recently, as interest in the
event has increased, organizers have had to limit participation to 700 individuals. An additional
700 family, friends, and spectators attend the event. The 13th annual Oosik Classic was
completed in 2013.
Curry is a popular Nordic skiing destination, with several groups organizing “ski trains” to the
area. Over the past five or so years, the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage has been
organizing an annual ski train (on the Alaska Railroad) to Curry. The event attracts
approximately 800 participants per year, including volunteers. The Denali Nordic Ski Club also
organizes a smaller ski train up to Curry, during which participants ski back down the Susitna
River to Talkeetna.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 43 February 2014 Draft
According to the 2009-2014 Alaska SCORP, in 2009, 26 percent of adult Alaskans cross-country
skied (ADNR 2009).
Preliminary survey samples include 67 intercept survey respondents who went Nordic skiing
during their outing, with 26 indicating this was their primary activity. In the mail survey, 43
respondents indicated they Nordic skied in the Recreation Use Study Area in the past year, with
19 indicating it was their primary recreational activity (Table 5.4-15).
Snowmachining
According to the Alaska State Snowmobile Association (ASSA), approximately 50 percent of
the recreational snowmachine activity in the state occurs in the Recreation Use Study Area.
According to many interviewees, snowmachine activity in the Study Area has increased
markedly over the past 10 to 15 years. Anchorage, Wasilla, and Fairbanks snowmachiners
frequently trailer snowmachines to the area, and local use is heavy as well. Most recreational
snowmachiners in the area are Alaska residents.
The heavy snowmachine use in the area may be partially attributed to the fact that much of the
area can be accessed from the rail and road system. Also, there are several well-groomed trails,
as snowmachine registration fees help pay snowmachine clubs and others to groom Study Area
trails, including those on and accessed from the Denali Highway, near Trapper Creek, and
around Lake Louise.
The 150 to 200-member Lake Louise Wolf Pack Club grooms 250 miles of trails, primarily
around Lake Louise. The 100-member Curry Ridge Riders club maintains trails in the Trapper
Creek community boundary, Denali State Park, and west of the Chulitna River (however, many
trails maintained by the club are outside of the Recreation Use Study Area). Also, Maclaren
River Lodge owners have received a state grant to groom trails on part of the Denali Highway in
recent years. Snowmachine clubs and area lodges also organize group rides and races.
Executive interviews conducted with local area lodge owners suggest at least 2,000 overnight
stays by snowmachiners during the spring season (March-April).
Use is particularly heavy along the highways, where access to trails is easiest. Riding occurs
between the Talkeetna and Susitna rivers and between the Chulitna and Susitna rivers, as well as
north of the Susitna River in the mountains. The Susitna River corridor from Talkeetna to Curry
receives a lot of use by snowmachiners. The area north of Talkeetna River to Devils Canyon
receives some snowmachine use, as there is private property located in the area; however, access
is limited there.
The Lake Louise and Tyone River drainage area is also a popular snowmachine recreation area.
One common snowmobile recreation trail in the area is accessed from the west end entrance of
the Denali Highway, where the State Department of Transportation ends their winter plowing.
Another common ride from the Denali Highway is the Butte Creek Trail to Butte Lake. The
annual Arctic Man snowmachining event occurs in April at Summit Lake adjacent to the
Recreation Use Study Area. With nearly 20,000 people attending the event, some
snowmachining recreation spills over into the Study Area with visitation occurring before,
during, and after the Arctic Man event.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 44 February 2014 Draft
Private cabin owners, including many recreational cabins, utilize snowmachines to reach their
properties during the winter. Trails groomed by snowmachiners provide winter recreation access
for a variety of other types of recreation as well, including skiing, dog sledding, skijoring, ice
fishing, and hiking.
In Alaska, 52,400 snowmachines were registered in the 2010/2011 season (ISMA, 2013).
Preliminary survey samples include 239 intercept survey respondents who snowmachined during
their outing, with 166 indicating this was their primary activity. In the mail survey, 58
respondents indicated they snowmachined in the Recreation Use Study Area in the past year,
with 23 indicating it was their primary recreational activity (Table 5.4-15).
Sightseeing and Wildlife Viewing
Given the spectacular vistas, scenic turnouts, and wildlife viewing potential offered along the
Denali Highway, Parks Highway, Alaska Railroad, regional flightseeing tours, and Susitna River
tours, it is assumed that most (if not all) travelers, including visitors and residents, are engaged in
some level of sightseeing and wildlife viewing.
A total of 343 intercept survey respondents indicated that they were viewing wildlife on their
outing, but only 26 indicated this was their primary activity. Of the mail survey respondents, 226
reported they viewed wildlife in the Recreation Use Study Area in the past year, with 51
indicating this was their primary recreational activity (Table 5.4-15).
5.5. Recreation Facilities and Carrying Capacity
5.5.1. Facility Inventory
There are a variety of public and private recreation facilities within the Recreation Facilities
Study Area. From June to mid-October 2013, the study team inventoried public summer
recreation facilities along the Parks Highway, Talkeetna Spur Road, Denali Highway,
Richardson Highway, Lake Louise Road, and Glenn Highway as well as the portion of the
Alaska Railroad passing through the Recreation Use Study Area. These facilities ranged from
large, well maintained recreation complexes to small, rustic trailheads.
Nineteen public facilities in the Study Area had been identified by AEA in 2012. An additional
34 public facilities were identified by the study team in 2013 and all 53 were inventoried in the
field. Additional information was collected from published sources. The figures in Appendix G
identify the locations of the inventoried facilities. Some map attributes may be located on private
lands; this study report is not intended to suggest that the recreating public is authorized to access
these lands for recreation purposes. Table F-1 lists all 53 facilities and indicates the type of
facility as well as information on signage, parking, trash receptacles, toilets, drinking water,
condition, maintenance, and managing agency. Facility condition refers to the current quality of
the facilities; maintenance refers to routine cleaning and upkeep. For example, a recently
installed facility could receive little cleaning and upkeep, and have a summary rating of good
condition but poorly maintained. Tables F-2 through F-5 list the facilities that have boat
launches, campgrounds, day use areas, and trailheads, respectively. The tables also provide
details on those facility features. A discussion of each facility can be found in Appendix F.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 45 February 2014 Draft
Condition and maintenance information was collected for 36 public recreation facilities in
summer and fall of 2013 (Table F-1). The remaining facilities, with no condition and
maintenance information, provided rustic access to trails or waterbodies and were added to the
recreation facilities data after the 2013 field season. These facilities will be assessed for
condition and maintenance in the next study season.
To provide context and describe setting, developed facilities are summarized regionally along
with brief descriptions of those regions.
Parks Highway
The Parks Highway runs north-south and is within the Recreation Facilities Study Area’s
western boundary by one quarter of a mile between the Talkeetna Spur Road junction and
Cantwell. It is a paved, two-lane road that is open year-round. For over 36 miles the Parks
Highway runs through Denali State Park. Nine of the 13 recreation facilities on the Parks
Highway are in Denali State Park. Five of the facilities include a campground, one has a boat
launch, five have day use areas, and six have trailheads. Six of the facilities on the Parks
Highway are considered viewpoints, most of which offer views of Denali and the Alaska Range.
Talkeetna Spur Road and Alaska Railroad
Talkeetna Spur Road is a paved 14-mile road from the Parks Highway to the unincorporated
community of Talkeetna. Talkeetna is a small, historic community of less than 900. It is a
popular tourist destination and a base for Denali climbing expeditions. There are nine recreation
facilities in Talkeetna or off Talkeetna Spur Road. A tenth facility, Curry Interpretive Walk, is
located on the railroad corridor north of Talkeetna. The Curry Interpretive Walk can be accessed
from Talkeetna via the Alaska Railroad on the Hurricane Turn. Of these 10 facilities, two have
boat launches, two have campgrounds, four have day use areas, and five have trailheads. One of
these facilities is a scenic viewpoint for Denali, Mt. Foraker, and the Alaska Range.
Denali Highway
The Denali Highway stretches 134 miles from the Parks Highway junction in Cantwell, east to
the Richardson Highway junction in Paxson. The Denali Highway is unpaved except for the first
three miles from Cantwell and the first 21 miles from Paxson. The Denali Highway is closed to
motorists in the winter, though it is frequently traveled by snowmachiners. Sixteen of the
inventoried facilities are along the Denali Highway. Three of these have boat launches, two have
campgrounds, eight have day use area, and 10 had trailheads. Four are considered scenic
viewpoints.
Richardson Highway
The Richardson Highway runs north-south and is within the eastern boundary of the Recreation
Facilities Study Areas by one quarter of a mile between Paxson and the Glenn Highway junction.
The Richardson Highway is paved and open year-round. Four of the inventoried recreation
facilities are along the Richardson Highway. Two have boat launches, campgrounds, and day use
areas; one has a campground and day use area; and the other only has a trailhead.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 46 February 2014 Draft
Lake Louise Road
Lake Louise Road connects Glenn Highway to the south end of Lake Louise. Both of the
facilities on this road have boat launches that provide access to Lake Louise. One facility also
has a campground and day use area.
Glenn Highway
The Glenn Highway is a paved road that is open year-round. The stretch between Glennallen and
Chickaloon is part of the Recreation Facilities Study Area. Eight recreation facilities were
inventoried along that part of the Glenn Highway. Two have boat launches, two have
campgrounds, five have day use areas, and two have trailheads. Two of the facilities have scenic
views of the Chugach Mountains and one has a view of Matanuska Glacier.
5.5.1.1. Boat Launches
Twelve of the facilities inventoried have boat launches. For the purposes of this report, a boat
launch is a designated location for launching a boat into a river or lake. Most of the boat
launches are gravel but some are paved with pre-cast concrete planks. None of the boat launches
have designated lanes. Six of the boat launches have “Kids Don’t Float” life jacket stations that
provide personal floatation devices that can be borrowed and returned at no cost. Table F-2
provides additional details on inventoried boat launches.
Recreation facilities with developed boat launches are listed below, starting with those
surrounding Talkeetna and moving clockwise on the road network around the Recreation
Facilities Study Area. Each boat launch facility is further described in Appendix F:
• Byers Lake
• Christiansen Lake Park
• Talkeetna Boat Launch & Campground
• Nenana River Boat Launch
• Delta National Wild & Scenic River Wayside
• Tangle Lakes Campground
• Paxson Lake Campground
• Sourdough Creek Campground
• Lake Louise State Recreation Area
• Lake Louise Boat Launch
• Long Lake State Recreation Site
• Bonnie Lake State Recreation Site
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 47 February 2014 Draft
5.5.1.2. Campgrounds
Of the 53 recreation facilities inventoried, 15 have campgrounds. The number of campsites in
each facility ranged from 10 to 68. Nightly camping fees ranged from no fee to 20 dollars. A
third of the campgrounds had bear boxes and a third had firewood for purchase. Two
campgrounds had RV dump stations. Additional information about the inventoried campgrounds
is detailed in Table F-3.
Recreation facilities with developed campgrounds are listed below, starting with those
surrounding Talkeetna and moving clockwise on the road network around the Recreation
Facilities Study Area. Each campground facility is further described in Appendix F:
• Denali View South
• Lower Troublesome Creek
• Byers Lake
• Denali View North
• East Fork Chulitna Campground
• Talkeetna Boat Launch & Campground
• Talkeetna River Park
• Brushkana Creek Campground
• Tangle Lakes Campground
• Paxson Lake Campground
• Sourdough Creek Campground
• Dry Creek State Recreation Site
• Lake Louise State Recreation Area
• Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Area
• King Mountain State Recreation Site
5.5.1.3. Day Use Areas
Twenty-six of the inventoried facilities had day use areas. For the purposes of this report, picnic
tables, benches, day use pavilions, and interpretive displays make up a facility’s day use area.
Interpretive panels are the most common day use area feature. They were present in all but three
day use areas. Three sites also had interpretive walks. Day use areas also included amenities such
as viewing scopes, swimming beaches, and band shells. Additional day use area details are
shown on Table F-4.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 48 February 2014 Draft
Recreation facilities with developed day use areas are listed below, starting with those
surrounding Talkeetna and moving clockwise on the road network around the Recreation
Facilities Study Area. Each day use facility is further described in Appendix F:
• Denali View South
• Lower Troublesome Creek
• Byers Lake
• Alaska Veterans Memorial & Visitor Center
• Denali View North
• Christiansen Lake Park
• Talkeetna Boat Launch & Campground
• Village Park
• Curry Interpretive Walk
• Denali Highway Orientation Turnout
• Brushkana Creek Campground
• Alaska Range Interpretive Site
• Clearwater Creek Wayside
• Delta National Wild & Scenic River Wayside
• Tangle Lakes Campground
• Denali Highway Information Turnout
• Wrangell Mountain Viewpoint
• Paxson Lake Campground
• Sourdough Creek Campground
• Dry Creek State Recreation Site
• Lake Louise State Recreation Area
• Mendeltna Turnout
• Chickaloon-Knik-Nelchina Trailhead
• Sheep Mountain Turnout
• Matanuska Glacier State Recreation Site
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 49 February 2014 Draft
• Long Lake State Recreation Site
5.5.1.4. Trailheads
Of the inventoried facilities, 24 had trailheads. These trailheads, their associated trails, and
parking lot fees are shown on Table F-5.
Recreation facilities with developed trailheads are listed below, starting with those surrounding
Talkeetna and moving clockwise on the road network around the Recreation Facilities Study
Area. Further detail on each trailhead facility is listed in Appendix F:
• East-West Express Trailhead
• Lower Troublesome Creek
• Upper Troublesome Creek
• Byers Lake
• Ermine Hill Trailhead
• Little Coal Creek Trailhead
• Luthman Trailhead
• Tigger Lake Trailhead
• Talkeetna Lakes Park
• Talkeetna Denali Viewpoint
• Chase Trailhead
• Brushkana Creek Campground
• Clearwater Creek Wayside
• Maclaren Summit Trailhead
• Osar Lake Trailhead
• Glacier Gap Lake to Sevenmile Lake Trailhead
• Landmark Gap South Trailhead
• Landmark Gap Lake Trailhead
• Tangle Lakes Campground
• Rusty Lake Trailhead
• Swede Lake Trailhead
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 50 February 2014 Draft
• Middle Fork Trailhead
• Chickaloon-Knik-Nelchina Trailhead
• Purinton Creek Trailhead
5.5.2. Site Easements
ANCSA Section 17(b) designates the reservation of site easements to retain access rights across
Native corporation lands to public lands and waters. Site easements are not larger than one-acre
and are related to transportation: vehicle parking, temporary camping, loading or unloading at a
trailhead, or along access routes or waterways. They are not to be used for recreational purposes,
but instead to provide for transportation and access to public lands on private property (43 FR
55329). In the Recreation Facilities Study Area, there are two trailhead easements, and six
campsite easements, shown on the figures in Appendix G.
5.5.3. Dispersed Recreation Sites
AEA collected data on dispersed recreation sites (Appendix H, and photograph in Appendix K)
along the Denali Highway portion of the Recreation Facilities Study Area. The study team tallied
170 overnight dispersed recreation sites. Of these, 151 were determined to be Occasional Use
Sites and 19 were determined to be Well-used Sites. Seventeen percent of Occasional Use Sites
were inventoried in detail as were 79 percent of Well-used Sites (Table 5.5-2). Common
characteristics of each category (Occasional Use Sites and Well-used Sites) are shown in Table
5.5-1. The highest concentration of sites were found in a twenty mile segment directly west of
the Susitna River and the lowest concentration of sites were found on the eastern end of the
highway (Figure 5.5-1). Some attributes shown on Figure 5.5-1 may be located on private lands;
this study report is not intended to suggest that the recreating public is authorized to access these
lands for recreation purposes. Results of the overnight dispersed recreation site inventory are
summarized below; for more details and graphical representations, see Appendix H.
For Occasional Use Sites, 60 percent (15 sites) were found to be less than 50 square feet in area.
Only one site was greater than 500 square feet in area; however, this site was a large gravel pit,
and the camping took place on only a small portion of the disturbed area. Conversely, for Well-
used Sites, those with the greatest amount of impact, 100 percent (15 sites) were found to have
disturbed camp areas greater than 50 square feet in area.
For most Well-used Sites, 51-75 percent or 76-95 percent of the disturbed camp area had mineral
soil exposed. The mode for mineral soil exposure at Occasional Use Sites was 76-95 percent;
however, the majority of the sites had less.
Dispersed recreation sites on the Denali Highway were most commonly found in
shrub/scrubland. The ground vegetation had been worn away around the fire ring(s) or center of
activity at typical Occasional Use Sites. At these locations, the site and the surrounding area
were usually different by one Cole (1989) vegetation cover class. Bare mineral soil was
widespread and tree roots were exposed at typical Well-used Sites. At these locations, the site
and the surrounding area were usually different by two or more Cole (1989) vegetation cover
classes. Most Occasional Use Sites had one fire ring and all had five or less. Well-used sites
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 51 February 2014 Draft
typically had three fire rings but one site had as many as 12. Over 50 percent of Occasional Use
Sites and over 70 percent of Well-used Sites did not have a natural water source (e.g., stream,
lake, pond) nearby.
Most dispersed recreation sites did not have noticeable amounts of human or domestic animal
waste. Some human waste was found at 44 percent of Occasional Use Sites. Human waste was
abundant at 13 percent of Well-used Sites. Domestic animal waste was not abundant at any
dispersed recreation sites and less than 10 percent of Occasional Use or Well-used sites had a
noticeable amount. Sixty percent of Occasional Use and Well-used sites did not have a
noticeable amount of litter. Litter was abundant at 7 percent of Well-used Sites and was not
abundant at any Occasional Use Sites.
5.5.4. Access Points
During the 2013 summer and fall field season, information was collected on points used by
recreation users to gain access the Recreation Use Study Area. Through this inventory, 107
access points were documented along the road and rail network (Table 5.5-3). An additional 46
remote access points, primarily airstrips and float plane landing sites, were identified though
executive interviews and desktop analyses. Results for the geographical distribution of all access
points are shown in Table 5.5-4. Remote access points were not inventoried, and so are not
included in Table 5.5-3, however they are listed in Appendix I. The figures in Appendix J show
access points that have been identified in the Study Area. Some map attributes may be located on
private lands; this study report is not intended to suggest that the recreating public is authorized
to access these lands for recreation purposes.
Access points were classified into seven different types based on the width and/or use that each
point can accommodate. A summary of each access point type is provided below; more detailed
access point information for all inventoried sites is provided in Appendix I.
Non-Motorized Use
These sites include trail access points that accommodate non-motorized access such as hiking,
skiing, horse riding, etc. A total of fifteen non-motorized access points were inventoried, 40
percent of which were along the George Parks Highway (see Table 5.5-4). Of these points, six
are maintained, six have signage, and six have a designated use. Only one point has a toilet that
is wheelchair accessible (Little Coal Creek Trail). Twelve have available parking and eight are
associated with a recreation facility. See Table 5.5-3 for results.
ATV Trail
ATV trail access points accommodate all-terrain vehicle travel and generally have a 2-track entry
point. A total of 65 ATV trail access points were inventoried, 62 percent of which were along the
Denali Highway (Table 5.5-4). Of these points, 28 are maintained, 17 have signage, and 13 have
a designated use. Only one point has a toilet that is wheelchair accessible (Chickaloon-Knik-
Nelchina Trailhead). Parking is available at 40 sites and 17 are associated with a recreation
facility. See Table 5.5-3 for results.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 52 February 2014 Draft
Unmaintained Road
These points provide access for off-road vehicle travel such as a full-size truck or jeep and may
include the start of an old road. A total of nine road access points were documented, 66 percent
of which were along the Denali Highway and the Alaska Railroad corridor (see Table 5.5-4). Of
these points, five points are maintained, two have signage, and two have a designated use.
Parking is available at six points, and no points have ADA accessible features or are associated
with a recreation facility. See Table 5.5-3 for results.
Plane Landing, both Fixed Wing and Float
Plane landing points refer to access sites that can accommodate aircraft. These points include
float plane landing sites or airstrips, airports, or gravel beds. During the inventory, a total of six
plane landing access points were documented, 66 percent of which were along the Denali
Highway (see Table 5.5-4). Of these points, five are maintained, two have signage, and four have
a designated use. Six sites have available parking, and none have ADA accessible features or are
associated with a recreation facility. See Table 5.5-3 for results.
An additional 46 remote float/wheeled plane access points were identified through executive
interviews and desktop analyses. These points have not been field verified and are not included
in Table 5.5-3, but are shown in Appendix J.
Boat Launch
A boat launch access point refers to a site that can accommodate watercraft entry to a river or
lake. A total of nine boat launch access points were documented, four of which are along the
Denali Highway (see Table 5.5-4 and photograph in Appendix K). Of these points, seven are
maintained, five have signage, and four have a designated use. Seven points have available
parking, five are associated with a recreation facility, and none have ADA accessible features.
See Table 5.5-3 for results.
Train Stop
Although the Hurricane Turn Train may stop anywhere on the tracks between Talkeetna and
Hurricane Gulch to allow passengers to embark or disembark, three important locations were
identified and inventoried by the field team. Two of these train stop access points are in
Talkeetna and one is in Curry (see Table 5.5-4). All three of these points are maintained, two
have signage, and two have a designated use. All three are ADA accessible with prior
notification to the Alaska Railroad, only one has available parking, and one is associated with a
recreation facility (Curry Interpretive Walk). See Table 5.5-3 for results.
5.6. Survey Data Collection
As the Recreation User Intercept Survey and observational tallies sampling period will not be
completed until the next study season and the Regional Recreation Household Mail Survey
(Phase 2) sampling continued until December 31, 2013, no preliminary results from the intercept
and mail surveys conducted in 2013 are presented. Data are incomplete as the surveys are still in
progress. Additionally, the second Nonresponse Bias Telephone Survey is expected to be
conducted in Q1 2014. After that survey is completed, results will be combined with the first
nonresponse bias survey data (conducted in August/September 2013) and then analyzed.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 53 February 2014 Draft
However, summary information on the sampling and frequency of responses of these current
surveys (intercept, mail (June mailing) and tallies) through September 30, 2013 are presented
below.
5.6.1. Identification and Analysis of Salient Data from Existing Survey
Research
As described in Section 4.6, there are some existing sources that provide relevant survey data
and context to recreational use in the Recreation Use Study Area, including types of
participation, user characteristics, experiences and expectations, and estimates of use levels.
Alaska’s Outdoor Legacy Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
2009-2014
The Alaska’s Outdoor Legacy Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP)
2009-2014 was released in July 2009. SCORP identifies outdoor recreation priorities and
preferences throughout Alaska through 600 household telephone surveys, 517 mail out surveys,
and 2,338 online surveys. Recreation providers and students in various school districts were
included in the online survey.
Alaska was divided into three regions, including the Railbelt. The term “Railbelt” was defined as
“those communities accessible from Alaska’s limited road and rail system, generally from the
southern end of Kenai Peninsula, north to Fairbanks, and east to the Canadian border” (ADNR,
2009). While the Railbelt area boundaries are not aligned with the Recreation Use Study Area,
they do overlap. Additionally, SCORP data do not provide place-specific details of where
recreation occurred and the frequency of that recreation.
On a statewide basis, the top 10 most popular outdoor recreation activities that people
participated in (based on the percentage of the population reporting participation activity levels
of at least occasionally – i.e. a few times per month in season) included: hiking (90.9 percent
percent), fishing (84.1 percent percent), bird/wildlife viewing (83.7 percent percent), walking the
dog (83.5 percent percent), backpacking (83.3 percent percent), berry picking (82.2 percent
percent), playgrounds (82.0 percent percent), driving/sightseeing (81.5 percent percent), biking
(81.4 percent percent), and beach activities (71.4 percent percent).
The top 10 favorite activities were, in order: hiking, fishing, hunting, snowmachining, cross
country skiing, camping, biking, ATV riding/4-wheeling, skiing/snowboarding, and running.
Respondents were asked about their attitudes regarding Alaska’s recreation facilities,
management and resource protection. The highest level of support was expressed for maintaining
existing trails (87.7 percent agreed this should be supported) and improving maintenance of
existing facilities (74.1 percent), followed by expanding the public use cabin system (70.9
percent), establishing new parks and recreation areas (70.5 percent), developing more trailheads
along roads and highways for trail activities (68.7 percent), providing roadside toilets at regular
intervals (62.1 percent), and developing more trails for non-motorized use only (61.4 percent).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 54 February 2014 Draft
In a separate survey under the SCORP project, a total of 165 community and regional outdoor
recreation providers statewide were asked to rank the outdoor recreation needs in their
community or region in order of importance. In the Railbelt, the needs of highest priority were:
1. Maintenance of existing facilities
2. Develop facilities
3. Access to existing facilities
4. Park land acquisition
5. Need for organized programs and staff.
Other statewide telephone survey result highlights included:
• 48.7 percent thought interconnected, marked and maintained trails were very important.
• 46.3 percent thought off-road trails were very important.
• 45.5 percent participated in non-winter outdoor sports (very frequently or frequently).
• 32.4 percent participated in water recreation other than fishing (very frequently or
frequently).
• 30.0 percent participated in outdoor winter sports (very frequently or frequently).
• 22.2 percent participated in sports fishing (very frequently or frequently).
• 19.2 percent participated in overnight camping (very frequently or frequently).
• 15.5 percent participated in motorized vehicle (ATV) riding (very frequently or
frequently)
• 15.0 percent participated in hunting, trapping or target shooting (very frequently or
frequently).
SCORP also reported the tourism trends that could affect outdoor recreation in Alaska,
including:
• There was a reported increase in independent travelers (as opposed to cruise passengers)
who tend to be more interested in customized tours showcasing Alaska’s scenery,
wildlife, Alaska Native culture, and adventure.
• Aging baby-boomers prefer road-oriented travel (resort facilities) as opposed to activities
that are more physically demanding (ADNR 2009).
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Visitor Surveys
During Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, BLM conducted several visitor satisfaction surveys, including the
Brushkana Creek Campground Visitor Survey (BLM FY2011a) and the Denali Highway Visitor
Survey (BLM FY2011b). These surveys collected visitor satisfaction data regarding visitor
information, developed facilities, managing recreation use, resource management, BLM staff and
customer services, and educational and interpretative materials. Survey results also included
respondent primary recreational activities, indicating that camping, hiking/walking, fishing,
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 55 February 2014 Draft
sightseeing, and wildlife viewing and bird watching were the most often reported primary
activities (Table 5.6-1). BLM facilities (Brushkana Creek and Tangle Lakes campgrounds) are
only open during the summer months. As such, these survey data do not include any winter
recreation activities or experiences. While the surveys did capture opinions about BLM facilities
and infrastructure, data regarding specific locations of recreation use, length of activity, and
other important factors to assess demand were not included in the content of the survey.
Benefits-Based Management Study (Denali Highway)
BLM adopted a strategy to move from an activity-based approach to one that focuses on
recreation experiences and benefits (Stegmann et al. 2008). Central to the Benefits-based
Management are four levels of recreation demand:
1. Desired activities – activities in which one hopes to participate.
2. Desired settings – locations with certain characteristics where the participant plans to
recreate.
3. Desired experiences – motivations for visiting the setting and participating in a particular
recreational activity.
4. Benefits – positive contributions to nearby communities and the broader society that can
be provided through the management of the area.
In 2008, a multi-phase study was designed to assess:
• Experiences sought along the Denali Highway recreation corridor,
• Experiences attained along the Denali Highway recreation corridor,
• Settings and activities that facilitated these experiences,
• Benefits to be managed for,
• Consistency between expectations and attained outcomes.
The Denali Highway was divided into three zones:
1. Cantwell to Susitna River,
2. Susitna River to Maclaren Summit,
3. Maclaren Summit to Tangle Lakes area.
A survey of 220 visitors was conducted along the Denali Highway between June 6, 2007 and
August 30, 2007 with a response rate of 86 percent. While these data are limited to summer use
only, it does provide information regarding experiences and expectations of the recreational
users. The top five primary recreational activities were: driving and sightseeing, fishing, hiking,
watching wildlife, and berry picking (Table 5.6-2). “Enjoying the sights and smells of nature”
and “being away from crowds of people” were the top two desired recreational experiences
sought (Table 5.6-3). “A greater connection with nature” and “enhanced sense of freedom” were
the top two personal benefits desired (Table 5.6-4). The top two community benefits desired
included “heightened awareness of natural world” and “greater protection for fish and wildlife
habitat” (Table 5.6-5).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 56 February 2014 Draft
Alaska Resident Statistics Program (ARSP) (2009)
ARSP Survey (Fix 2009) is a statewide mail survey conducted between October 2006 and March
2007. A total of 10,003 Alaska residents were randomly selected from the Alaska voter
registration database, and 2,264 completed the survey (for a response rate of 27 percent once
non-deliverable addresses were removed from the sample). The goal of the survey was to gather
information regarding Alaska residents’ in-state travel, including:
• Travel in Alaska for any reason within a 12-month timeframe
• Recreation activities in which they participated throughout Alaska
• Use of facilities and types of areas, such as undeveloped backcountry, campgrounds, and
visitor centers
• Visitation to public lands
• Recreation areas they no longer visited or where they had changed their visitation
patterns (i.e., displacement)
• Significant activities and reasons for participating in those activities
• Factors that contributed to quality of life
• Demographic information, including how long they had lived in Alaska and where they
lived prior to moving to Alaska.
This study provided a highly relevant model to develop the Regional Resident Household
Recreation Use Mail survey sample design, methodology, and survey design, including:
• Determination to use a mail survey
• Process to determine sample selection from voter registration databases
• Use of a non-response bias telephone survey to evaluate voter registration and non-
response bias
• Use of maps in the survey design
• Examples of survey questions regarding primary activities, expectations, level of activity,
facility use, motivators, and demographics
• Applied use of the Dillman method to maximize response.
ARSP divided Alaska into five regions and four sub-regions. Data are separately presented using
these regional and sub-regional divisions. Areas relevant to the Regional Resident Household
Recreation Use Mail survey include:
• Interior Region, including the Fairbanks-Ft. Yukon and Southern Interior sub-regions
• Southcentral region, including Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna and Copper River Basin
sub-regions.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 57 February 2014 Draft
While not an accurate match, the areas relevant to the Recreation Use Study Area include:
• Southern Interior sub-region
• Matanuska-Susitna sub-regions.
Hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing were the three most popular recreation activities in the
Southern Interior sub-region (Table 5.6-6). These same three activities, plus freshwater fishing
were most popular in the Matanuska-Susitna sub-region (Table 5.6-7).
Frequency of annual visitation for each region stratum to the Southern Interior and Matanuska-
Susitna sub-regions were represented based on 1, 2-4, 5-10, and 11+ times. Survey results imply
that Interior residents were most likely to have visited the Southern Interior sub-region and
Southcentral residents were most likely to have visited the Matanuska-Susitna sub-region, when
compared to other region resident stratums. Interior residents who visited the Southern Interior
sub-region were most likely to visit 2-4 times annually (22.9 percent); whereas Southcentral
residents were more likely to have visited once (11.3 percent) (Table 5.6-8). Interior and
Southcentral residents who visited the Matanuska-Susitna region were most likely to have visited
2-4 times annually (17.9 percent and 20.4 percent, respectively) (Table 5.6-9).
Data are also presented on how often regional residents used developed campgrounds, developed
trail systems, public use cabins, and undeveloped backcountry sites within the Southern Interior
and Matanuska-Susitna sub-regions (Table 5.6-10 and Table 5.6-11). For example, 12.6 percent
of Interior residents used developed campgrounds and developed trail systems in the Southern
Interior sub-region 2-4 times annually (Table 5.6-10).
Alaska Visitors Statistics Program (AVSP) VI
The AVSP VI Survey was a statewide survey research program commissioned by the Alaska
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. Out of the 6,747 visitors to
Alaska (nonresidents) surveyed in the summer of 2011, 1,124 visited Talkeetna. (McDowell
2012). The AVSP Summer 2011 report estimated that a total of 205,000 out-of-state visitors
traveled to Talkeetna between May and September 2011. Additionally,
• 66 percent of summer visitors to Talkeetna were part of a multi-day package.
• 86 percent were traveling for the purpose of vacation/pleasure.
• 83 percent also visited Denali National Park.
These data and volume estimates do not include Alaska residents. Additionally, the AVSP VI
survey content was designed to capture information regarding visitor activity not necessarily
specific to recreational use activity. While these data limitations are acknowledged, AVSP
remains the most relevant data available to estimate non-resident volume to Talkeetna (a key
location within the Recreation Use Study Area).
A special run of AVSP data was conducted to enable a profile of Talkeetna summer visitors,
including their recreational activity while in Talkeetna, their length of stay in Talkeetna, and
selected visitor demographics of Talkeetna visitors. Hiking/nature walking (31 percent), wildlife
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 58 February 2014 Draft
viewing (27 percent), and flightseeing (25 percent) were the top three recreation activities (Table
5.6-12). Visitors spent an average of 1.6 nights in Talkeetna, and nearly half stayed at a lodge
(45 percent) (Table 5.6-13). Eighty-five percent of the nonresident visitors to Talkeetna were
from the United States. Visitors tended to be highly educated (64 percent had completed at least
a Bachelor’s degree).
5.6.2. Ongoing Incidental Observation, Recreational User Intercept and
Regional Recreation Household Mail and Nonresponse Bias Telephone
Surveys
5.6.2.1. Incidental Observational Survey (IOS)
Completed IOS’s noted activity on July 19, 2012, August 21 and 23, 2012, September 18, 2012,
and March 21, 23, and 24, 2013. Observed activity occurred at Lane Creek (near the mouth),
Indian River, Sunshine Creek, Trapper Creek, Montana Creek, Skull Creek, Curry, and Whiskers
Slough. Activities observed included: dogsledding, skiing, snowmachining, camping, jet boating,
sportfishing, and hunting. Party sizes ranged from one to 25.
5.6.2.2. Recreational User Intercept Survey
As of December 18, 2013, approximately 1,048 intercept surveys were conducted. This includes
940 intercept surveys in person, and 108 intercept surveys completed online. All of the intercept
survey participants recreated in the Recreation Use Study Area.
Tables 5.6-14 and 5.6-15 provide an overview of the Spring and Summer sampling period
(March-September 2013), including completed surveys by days of the week, by month, and by
day time periods. Tables 5.6-16 and 5.6-17 provide data on Intercept Online Survey completions
by month and by recreation area (including day and overnight visits).
Frequencies of early returns suggest that wildlife viewing, camping, hiking, and snowmachining
are popular recreation activities in the Recreation Use Study Area (both general participation and
primary activity) (Table 5.4-14). Many other types of recreation were also mentioned.
5.6.2.3. Regional Household Recreation Mail Survey
As of December 18, 2013, 4,019 mail surveys were completed/received, of which approximately
690 preferred to respond online rather than completing and returning a paper survey. This
response includes June and October mailings. Tables 5.6-18 and 5.6-19 provide some further
details on the June and October survey returns (as of December 18, 2013).
As of surveys completed by September 2013 (June mailing only), approximately 591 of the mail
survey respondents (or 34 percent of the mail survey respondents) recreated in the Recreation
Use Study Area. Phase 1 of the mail survey captured recreation activity from May 2012 to April
2013. Phase 2 of the mail survey captures recreation activity from November 2012 to October
2013.
Frequencies of current returns (as of September 30, 2013) suggest that wildlife viewing,
camping, hiking, and snowmachining are popular recreation activities in the Recreation Use
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 59 February 2014 Draft
Study Area (both general participation and primary activity) (Table 5.4-18). Many other types of
recreation were also mentioned.
Table 5.6-18 provides details on the June mailing of the mail survey, including sample size,
undeliverable surveys, refusals, completes, and response rate. Table 5.6-19 provides details on
the October mailing of the mail survey, as of December 18, 2013. The October survey will
remain open until December 31, 2013 and more responses are expected by the end of the year
(with some late returns in January 2014).
An incentive of $1 was used in both the June and October mailings. For the June mailing, half of
the 7,500 households were randomly selected to receive a $1 bill attached to their survey.
Surveys with and without the $1 incentive were monitored for rate of response. There was a 38
percent higher rate of response for those surveys with a $1 bill, demonstrating how incentives
can result in higher responses rates. With this lesson learned, all households included in the
October mailing received a $1 bill. Additionally, all surveys mailed in October 2013 received a
post-mailer postcard to remind people to complete the survey. As of December 18, 2013, given
the strength of the ongoing survey returns, it is anticipated the October mailing response rate will
be higher than the rate of return observed in the June mailing. It is assumed the use of the $1
incentive and the post-mailer postcard will have positively affected the rate of return as no other
methodologies differed.
5.6.2.4. Nonresponse Bias Telephone Survey
A total of 418 telephone surveys (including 205 cellphone lines, and 213 landlines) were
conducted in the first Nonresponse Bias Telephone Survey. Preliminary results indicated 39
percent have snowmachined, 36 percent have hunted, 67 percent have sportfished, and 44
percent have recreational boated in Alaska. The randomly-selected sample included 51 percent
Anchorage households, 17 percent Fairbanks households, and 10 percent Wasilla. Respondents
also lived in North Pole, Eagle River/Chugiak, Palmer, Big Lake, Glennallen, Girdwood,
Talkeetna, Butte, Chickaloon, Healy, Knik-Fairview, Petersville, Sutton-Alpine, Trapper Creek,
and Two Rivers.
6. DISCUSSION REGIONAL RECREATION ANALYSIS
To inform a regional recreation analysis, the study team reviewed the community and resource
management plans specified in Section 12.5.4 of the Study Plan. An additional six plans were
identified as relevant to recreation resources within the Recreation Use Study Area and
incorporated into the analysis. These efforts fulfill the objectives specified in the RSP Section
12.5.2. The data presented in Section 5.1 and Appendix A will be used for further analyses
throughout the study and to develop a future Recreation Management Plan for the Project.
6.1. Trails
Per Section 12.5.4 of the RSP, the study team conducted an initial inventory of existing trails in
2013 (Section 5.2) to identify summer and winter trails within the Recreation Use Study Area
(Appendix B). As specified in the RSP, both summer and winter trails as well as RS 2477 and
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 60 February 2014 Draft
17(b) easements were mapped and shown in Appendices C and D. When possible, the study
team used existing high resolution imagery to map trail segments at the FERC requested
1:24,000 scale for the immediate Project area. Additional high resolution aerial imagery was
acquired during 2013 to ensure that trails potentially affected by the Project can be mapped at the
1:24,000 scale. The land managing agencies for formally managed trails and 17(b) easements
were identified to inform the development of a future Recreation Management Plan. The trail
data documented in Section 5.2 and Appendices B through D, when combined with trail efforts
during the next study season, will establish a complete baseline inventory of trails within the
Recreation Use Study Area and ensure that trails potentially affected by the Project are mapped
at the 1:24,000 scale. These efforts will fulfill the objectives set forth in Section 12.5.2 of the
RSP.
6.2. Recreation Use Areas
Fulfilling the requirements set forth in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP, NRRS criteria for
classification and prescription of ROS classes were developed and applicable special resource
use designations including Scenic Byways and Wild and Scenic Rivers (WSRs) were identified
and described in Section 5.3.2.
6.3. Recreation Supply, Demand, and Use
BLM and ADNR data on public campgrounds, trailheads, boat launches, and other facilities use
and visitation data do not include 2013 activity. These data are particularly relevant in describing
the current baseline demand for these facilities and areas, and also will inform the analysis of the
intercept and regional resident household mail surveys. However, the accuracy of BLM and
ADNR data is low to moderate, as few of the data are based on actual counts, but rather are
based on observational estimates.
Per Section 12.5.4 of the RSP, secondary data sources from BLM and ADNR on public
campgrounds, trailheads, boat launches, and other facilities use and visitation data were collected
and reviewed. These data help describe current demand for these facilities and recreation areas,
and will inform the analysis of the intercept and regional resident household mail surveys.
However, the accuracy of BLM and ADNR data is low to moderate, as the majority of the data
are based on observational estimates, rather than actual counts.
Following the requirements set forth in RSP Section 12.5.4, hunting and trapping effort data for
the Recreation Use Study Area were collected. As shown in Section 5.4.1.1, the study team has
used ADF&G harvest permit data to estimate baseline hunting levels by species (see Table 5.4-
12) and determined methods of access used by hunters and trappers (see Table 5.4-13).
Additionally, high-use hunting and trapping locations (Figures 5.4-1 and 5.4-2) and seasonal
patterns for overall hunting effort (Table 5.4-14) have been identified. Future results from
surveys (Section 12.5.4 of the RSP) will be needed to assess user preferences and opinions about
the quality of these recreational resources and experiences and enable hunting and trapping
demand to be estimated.
As specified in Section 5.4.1.1 of the Study Plan, the study team used ADF&G sport fishing
survey data to assess angling effort within the Recreation Use Study Area. The study team
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 61 February 2014 Draft
developed estimates of baseline sport fishing levels by species and number of angling days
(Section 5.4.1.1; Appendix E) for sites with sufficient survey responses to establish accurate
angling estimates. Additionally, the analysis was able to determine the location of high-use sport
fishing locations within the Recreation Use Study Area (see Figure 5.4-3). While this
information provides an estimate of existing sport fishing effort within the Recreation Use Study
Area, the data do not specify methods of access and the seasonal distribution of sport fishing
effort. This analysis will need to be derived from future recreation demand assessments planned
for the next study season. These results will also provide angling users preferences and opinions
about the quality of these recreational resources and experiences needed to develop estimates of
sport fishing demand.
6.4. Recreation Facilities and Carrying Capacity
As specified in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP, the study team inventoried and evaluated developed
public recreation facilities based on review of published information and site-specific field
investigations. This inventory is summarized in Section 5.5.1 and presented in Appendix G. GPS
coordinates for facilities have been captured and are displayed on geo-referenced facility maps
(Appendix G), per RSP Section 12.5.4 requirements. This inventory fulfills the objectives set
forth in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP to collect site attributes for developed recreation facilities.
The tally and inventory of dispersed recreation sites along the Denali Highway provide a portion
of the data needed to describe existing sites and support the estimate of carrying capacity within
the Recreation Facilities Study Area, as set forth in the Section 12.5.4 of the RSP. These data,
summarized in Section 5.5.3 and presented in Appendix H, document the attributes of Well-used
Sites and representative Occasional Use Sites in a region of the Recreation Facilities Study Area
with a high number of dispersed recreation sites. As required by the RSP Section 12.5.4,
attributes documented by the study team include the type of location, access, vegetation, and the
presence of campfire rings, tables and cleared camping area.
To support the carrying capacity assessment set forth in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP, data were
collected on capacity of developed public recreation facilities for the Recreation Facilities Study
Area and the impact of overnight dispersed recreation on biophysical characteristics along the
Denali Highway. For recreation facilities, capacity information included the number of campsites
per campground, number of picnic tables at day use areas, and number of lanes per boat launch
(Section 5.5.1; Table 5.5-2; Table 5.5-3). For inventoried dispersed recreation sites, the
information collected; including vegetation type, disturbed camp area, mineral soil exposure, and
the Frissell (1978) and Cole (1989) classification systems; will help determine biophysical
carrying capacity as described in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP.
As specified in Section 12.5.4 of the RSP, public access to recreation sites, including dispersed
recreation use areas and sites, within the Recreation Facilities Study Area have been inventoried
and documented. These data categorize and identify known points of access used for recreational
activities within the Recreation Facilities Study Area and this information may help inform the
future development of a Recreation Management Plan for the Project.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 62 February 2014 Draft
6.6. Survey Data Collection
6.6.1. Existing Survey Data
Salient data from existing survey research on the area have been reviewed and it is presumed that
no other relevant survey data are available.
Data were summarized with salient highlights from these secondary sources, as well as an
assessment (low, moderate, high) of each source based on the following factors: relevancy of the
data (degree of the data’s relevance to recreation within the Recreation Use Study Area), level of
confidence (degree in certainty of the survey results), and level of adequacy (sufficiency of the
available information to the desired level of analysis) in development of the recreation use
demand assessment (Table 5.5-1).
6.6.2. Ongoing Survey Data
6.6.2.1. Incidental Observational Survey
IOS response has been relatively limited as field contractors do not always have the time or staff
resources to complete the survey. However, the IOS is fulfilling its purpose as providing an
opportunity for field researchers to report observed recreational activity.
6.6.2.2. Recreational User Intercept Survey
The Recreational User Intercept Survey is ongoing until March 2013. The intercept survey
instrument and sample plan are working well.
It is anticipated that for activities with a significant number of participants especially fishing,
hunting, camping, hiking, snowmachining, and wildlife viewing, large enough frequencies will
be obtained for subsample analysis. Because of small populations engaging in certain other
activities (such as dogsledding, snowshoeing, rock climbing, etc.) and the nature of survey
sampling, some activities may not have adequate sample sizes for further in-depth predictive
quantitative analysis. In these cases, qualitative and analogous research will be used to
supplement the quantitative survey research.
6.6.2.3. Regional Household Recreation Mail Survey
The response rate to the mail survey (both June and October mailings) indicates the survey
instrument is working well, and response rate goals have been met. Because the survey sample
was split into two mailings, results of the mail survey will not be analyzed until the next study
season.
Preliminary data results from the June mailing regarding sportfishing, recreational boating,
snowmachining, and hunting were shared with the socioeconomics team in Q3 2013 after the
June mailing of the survey and data were entered into a database. Socioeconomics contractors
have used this data to develop and refine their Random Utility Model (RUM) and have indicated
the data have been useful and informative in that process (see Social Conditions and Public
Goods and Services, ISR Study 15.6, Section 4.1).
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 63 February 2014 Draft
When completed, the large mail sample will provide a statistically significant number of regional
households that have visited and used the Recreation Use Study Area for recreational purposes.
This will facilitate the development of quantitative demand estimates for those categories.
However, even with a large overall sample size, a statistically significant sample for some of the
smaller recreational user groups (such as dogsledding, snowshoeing, rock climbing, etc.) may not
be found. In all cases, qualitative and analogous research will be used to supplement the
quantitative survey research.
6.6.2.4. Nonresponse Bias Telephone Survey
The survey instrument worked well and the sample goal was reached. Cell phones and landlines
were both surveyed.
6.6.2.5. Executive Interview Research
As stated in 12.5.4 of the RSP, executive interviews were conducted in 2013 to collect
qualitative and quantitative data from businesses, organizations, and individuals that use the
Recreation Use Study Area. This data provided important information on the volume of
recreation users, their thoughts on the quality of recreation, as well as their satisfaction with
current facilities and potential recreation facility needs. Based on an assessment of the interviews
conducted, user groups and organizations with low or missing representation were identified and
prioritized for future executive interviews.
6.7. Interrelated Studies
Interdisciplinary coordination is an essential component of the Recreation Resources Study.
During 2013, coordination has occurred with Project engineering studies, and other biological,
social, and physical resources. The Fish and Aquatics Resources Study (Study 9.15) and
ADF&G provided fish harvest data characterizing baseline harvest levels and harvest locations
for sport and personal use within the Recreation Use Study Area. These data were used to
understand the geographic distribution and abundance of and fisheries-based recreation
opportunities within the Study Area. The Wildlife Harvest Analysis (Study10.20) provided
baseline wildlife harvest data which was used to characterize existing hunting opportunities and
hunter distribution. Coordination efforts with both studies are consistent with those outlined in
Section 12.5.7 of the Study Plan.
Coordination with social resources has included obtaining data from the Social Conditions and
Public Goods and Services study (Study 15.6), including initial efforts to identify data on
anticipated post-project changes to use, commercial opportunities related to recreational
activities (e.g., fishing, hunting, sightseeing). For the Transportation Resources Study
(Section15.7), initial coordination efforts confirmed that data will be available when needed to
assess current transportation conditions and access constraints to recreation use. Coordination
efforts with both studies are consistent with those outlined in Section 12.5.7 of the Study Plan.
The recreation use surveys (intercept and mail) provided for multi-use data collection to support
the Social Conditions and Public Goods and Services Study (see Section 15.6.4.1). Space was
reserved in the Regional Residents Household Mail survey for questions to gather recreational
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 64 February 2014 Draft
spending data as an input to the REMI modeling being conducted by the Regional Economic
Evaluation Study (see Section 15.5.4.1). Anticipated coordination actions and outcomes are
proceeding as outlined in Section 12.5.7 of the Study Plan.
7. COMPLETING THE STUDY
[As explained in the cover letter to this draft ISR, AEA’s plan for completing this study will be
included in the final ISR filed with FERC on June 3, 2014.]
8. LITERATURE CITED
ADN (Anchorage Daily News). 2013. New hours for Alaska Veterans Memorial Visitor Center
store. Anchorage Daily News, Anchorage. 11 July 2013
http://www.adn.com/2013/07/11/2971683/new-hours-for-alaska-veterans.html.
ADNR (Alaska Department of Natural Resources). 1985. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Susitna
Area Plan. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Department of Fish and
Game and Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Anchorage.
ADNR. 1986. Copper River Basin Area Plan for State Lands. Alaska Department of Natural
Resources with assistance from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. December
1986.
ADNR. 1991. Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers Management Plan. Alaska Department of Natural
Resources and Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau.
ADNR. 2000a. Alaska Recreational Trails Plan. Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Juneau, Alaska.
ADNR. 2000b. Nelchina Public Use Area Fact Sheet. Alaska Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Mining, Land & Water. January 2000.
http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/factsht/nelchina_pua.pdf.
ADNR. 2008. Knik River Public Use Area Management Plan. Alaska Department of Natural
Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water, Resource Assessment and Development
Section, Anchorage, AK.
ADNR. 2009. Alaska’s Outdoor Legacy Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
(SCORP) 2009-2014. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Juneau.
ADNR. 2011. Susitna Matanuska Area Plan. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Juneau.
ADNR. 2013a. RS2477 Casefile Search. Accessed November 5, 2013.
http://www.knikriver.alaska.gov/mlw/trails/rs2477/rst_srch.cfm.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 65 February 2014 Draft
ADNR. 2013b. ANSCA 17(b) Easements Information. Accessed November 5, 2013.
http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/trails/17b/index.cfm.
ADNR. 2013c. Byers Lake Campground. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of
Parks & Outdoor Recreation.
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/matsu/byerslkcamp.htm.
ADNR. 2013d. Denali State Park. Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/brochures/denalisp.pdf.
ADNR. 2013e. Cabin Descriptions – Mat-Su Area. Alaska Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation. http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/matsu.htm.
ADNR. 2013f. Little Coal Creek Trailhead. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division
of Parks & Outdoor Recreation. http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/trails/lilcoalck.htm.
ADNR. 2013g. Denali State Park utilization information (2010-2012), Alaska Department of
Natural Resources, Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation. Letter received via facsimile
October 5, 2013.
ADNR and BLM (Alaska Department of Natural Resources and Bureau of Land Management).
No date. Tangle Lakes Archaeological District: Information Guide and Trails Map.
ADF&G (Alaska Department of Fish and Game). 2013a. Wildlife harvest information collected
by ADF&G and other agencies and provided by Mark Burch, special Projects
Coordinator, for the express purpose of analyses relative to the FERC Integrated
Licensing Process (ILP) for the proposed Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric project, FERC
No. 14241.
ADF&G. 2013b. Alaska Sport Fishing Statewide Harvest Survey Data provided by Gretchen
Jennings, Project Coordinator, for the Susitna-Watana Hydro Study.
ADOT&PF (Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities). 2008. George Parks
Highway Scenic Byway Corridor Partnership Plan. Published online at:
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/plans/georgeparkshwyscenicbyway.pdf
ADOT&PF. 2012. George Parks Highway Scenic Byway Master Interpretive Plan (in draft).
Published online at:
http://dot.alaska.gov/stwdplng/scenic/assets/DRAFT_Parks_Hwy_MIP.pdf
ADOT&PF. 2013. About the Scenic Byways Program. Alaska Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities, Alaska’s Scenic
Byways. http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/scenic/about.shtml.
AEA. 2012. Revised Study Plan: Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project FERC Project No.
14241. December 2012. Prepared for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by the
Alaska Energy Authority, Anchorage, Alaska. http://www.susitna-
watanahydro.org/study-plan.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 66 February 2014 Draft
Alaska Railroad Corporation. 2012. Hurricane Train and Denali Start Train Ridership, 2011-
2012. Alaska Railroad Corporation, Anchorage.
BLM (Bureau of Land Management). 2004. GIS/GPS Trail Condition Inventories: A Virtual
Toolbox for Trail Managers. U.S. Department of the Interior. Glennallen Field Office.
BLM. 2006a. East Alaska Resource Management Plan. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau
of Land Management. Glennallen Field Office.
BLM. 2006b. River Management Plan Revision for the Gulkana River. U.S. Department of the
Interior, Bureau of Land Management, Glennallen Field Office. August 2006.
BLM. 2010a. Instruction Memorandum No. 2011-004: Transmittal of Revised Recreation and
Visitor Services Land Use Planning Guidance, Updated Checklist, and Three Land Use
Planning Templates.
http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/info/regulations/Instruction_Memos_and_Bulletins/nationa
l_instruction/2011/IM_2011-004.html
BLM. 2010b. Exploring the Delta Wild and Scenic River. U.S. Department of the Interior.
http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/nlcs/delta_nwsr.html.
BLM. 2010c. Exploring the Gulkana Wild and Scenic River. U.S. Department of the Interior.
http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/content/ak/en/prog/nlcs/gulkana_nwr.html.
BLM. FY 2011a. Brushkana Creek Campground Visitor Survey, University of Idaho Park
Studies Unit for the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior.
BLM. FY 2011b. Denali Highway Visitor Survey, University of Idaho Park Studies Unit for the
Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Department of the Interior.
BLM. 2011a. BLM Alaska Outdoor Facilities Amenities. Bureau of Land Management, Alaska.
http://www.blm.gov/ak/st/en/prog/recreation/denali_highway/00/camp_amenities.html.
BLM. 2011b. Susitna Dam Recreation Summary, Recreation Management Information System
Report. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management. Glennallen Field
Office.
BLM. 2012. Denali-Clearwater Recreation Management Area, Recreation Management
Information System Report. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management. Glennallen Field Office.
BLM. 2013a. Special Rules for the Gulkana National Wild River. U.S. Department of the
Interior.
http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/ak/gdo/pdf_files.Par.16929.File.dat/gulkana
_special_rules.pdf
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 67 February 2014 Draft
BLM. 2013b. Denali-Clearwater Recreation Management Area, Recreation Management
Information System Report. U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land
Management. Glennallen Field Office.
Boy Scouts of America Great Alaska Council. 2013. Denali High Adventure Scout Base
(DHASB) Strategic Long Range Plan.
BUCY Associates. 1999. Denali Highway Interpretive Master Plan.
Center for Economic Development. March 2011. Economic Impacts on the Implementation of
the Proposed South Denali Visitor Center. University of Alaska Anchorage.
Cole, David N. 1989. Wilderness Campsite Monitoring Methods: A Sourcebook. U.S.
department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment
Station. Gen. Tech. Rep. INT-259.
Denali Borough. 2009. Denali Borough Comprehensive Plan. Denali Borough Planning
Commission. Adopted 24 January 2009, amended through November 2011.
DMLW (Division of Mining, Land and Water). 2011. Fact Sheet: Generally Allowed Uses on
State Land. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and
Water. http://dnr.alaska.gov/mlw/factsht/gen_allow_use.pdf
DPOR (Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation). 2006. Denali State Park Management
Plan. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Juneau.
DPOR. 2007. Alaska’s Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation Ten Year Strategic Plan 2007-
2017. Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Juneau.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). 2013. Federal Aviation Administration Registration
Database, http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry.
Accessed November 7, 2013.
Federal Register. 2007. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board;
36CFR1195 Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Accessibility Guidelines for Outdoor
Developed Areas; Federal Register Vol. 72, No. 118, June 2007
Fix, P.J. 2009. Alaska Residents Statistics Program Final Report. School of Natural Resources
and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Resources Management, University of Alaska
Fairbanks.
Frissell, Sidney S. 1978. Judging recreation impacts on wilderness campsites. Journal of
Forestry. 76(8): p 481-483
Harza-Ebasco Susitna Joint Venture (Harza-Ebasco). 1985. Pre-Application Document Appendix
4.9-3, Aesthetic Value and Visual Absorption Capability Ratings.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 68 February 2014 Draft
International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA). 2013. Website:
www.snowmobile.org. Accessed November 7, 2013.
LLCNC (Lake Louise Community Non-Profit Corp.). 2013. The Wolf Pack: Lake Louise
Snowmachine Club. Accessed November 6, 2013.
http://www.lakelouisesnowmachineclub.com/About.html.
McDowell Group, 2012. Alaska Visitor Statistics Program. Alaska Department of Commerce,
Community, and Economic Development.
Meyer, K. G. 2002. “Managing Degraded Off-Highway Vehicle Trails in Wet, Unstable, and
Sensitive Environments”. USDA Forest Service Technology & Development Program,
Federal Highway Administration, & National Park Service. Missoula, MT.
Meyer, Kevin. 2011. “A Comprehensive Framework for Off-Highway Vehicle Trail
Management”. USDA Forest Service Technology and Development Program, Federal
Highway Administration, & National Park Service. Missoula, MT.
More, T. A., S. Bulmer, L. Henzel, and A. E. Mates. 2003. Extending the Recreation
Opportunity Spectrum to Nonfederal Lands in the Northeast: An Implementation Guide.
Gen. Tech. Rep. NE-309. Burlington, VT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest
Service, Northeast Research Station. 29p.
MSB (Matanuska-Susitna Borough). 1993. Chase Comprehensive Plan. Matanuska-Susitna
Borough Planning and Land Use Department, Palmer.
MSB. 1998. Comprehensive Plan Lake Louise. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning
Department. November 1998.
MSB. 1999. Talkeetna Comprehensive Plan. MSB Planning and Land Use Department, Palmer.
MSB. 2000. MSB Parks and Recreation Open Space Plan. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning
and Land Use Department, Palmer.
MSB. 2005. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Comprehensive Development Plan. Matanuska-Susitna
Borough Planning and Land Use Department, Palmer.
MSB. 2008. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Recreational Trails Plan. Adopted March 2000,
Updated August 2008. Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning and Land Use Department,
Palmer.
MSB. 2013. Talkeetna River Park. Matanuska-Susitna Borough.
http://www.matsugov.us/port/economicdevelopment/featured-
businesses/doc_details/639-0200218795.
NPS (National Park Service). 2006. Final South Denali Implementation Plan and Environmental
Impact Statement. U.S. Department of the Interior, Denali National Park and Preserve,
Denali Park, Alaska.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 69 February 2014 Draft
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA). 2012. Outdoor Recreation Participation Report. Boulder,
Colorado.
Schmeeckle Reserve Interpreters. 2009. South Denali Interpretive Center Complex Interpretive
Master Plan. Submitted to Alaska Department of Natural Resources, National Parks
Service-Alaska Region, and Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Funded by Matanuska-Susitna
Borough and State of Alaska. August 2009.
Stankey, G., and R. Manning. 1986. Carrying capacity of recreation settings. A Literature
Review: The President’s Commission on Americans Outdoors. Washington, D. C.: U. S.
Government Printing Office, M-47-M-57.
Stegmann, A. Jennifer, Peter J. Fix and Tara L. Teel. August 2008. Benefits-Based Management
Study for the Dalton, Taylor and Denali Highways. Department of Resources
Management, University of Alaska Fairbanks and Department of Human Dimensions of
Natural Resources, Colorado State University.
TIP Strategies Inc. 2010. Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy. Prepared for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Palmer.
USFS (U.S. Forest Service). 1979. The Recreation Opportunity Spectrum: A Framework for
Planning, Management, and Research. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service.
U.S. Forest Service. 2008. “Trails Management Handbook”.
U.S. Forest Service. 2011. “Trail Fundamentals and Trail Management Objectives”.
VanderHoek, R. 2011. Cultural Resource Plan for the Denali Highway Lands, Central Alaska.
Office of History and Archaeology Report Number 112. Division of Parks and Outdoor
Recreation, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Anchorage.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 70 February 2014 Draft
8.1. Figure (Maps) References
Data Source Date File Name and Description
URS Corporation 11/18/2013 REC_Facilities: Recreation facilities including campgrounds, trailheads, boat launches,
and day use areas.
URS Corporation 11/19/2013 REC_RS2477: Easements with a State of Alaska RS 2477 designation.
URS Corporation 11/20/2013 REC_Summer_Trails: Trail compilation for the Study Area. From URS digitized trails,
ADNR USGS 63,360 Trailset, BLM trails, MSB trails, and executive interviews.
URS Corporation 6/4/2013 REC_StudyArea_Use: The spatial extent of the study area for both Recreation Use
Studies and the Recreation Supply and Demand Studies
URS Corporation 11/22/2013 REC_Dispersed_Recreation: Class 3 dispersed recreation sites along the Denali
Highway.
URS Corporation 11/22/2013 REC_Dispersed_Rec_Tallies: The Denali Highway divided into 5-mile segments
containing counts of dispersed recreation sites.
URS Corporation 11/13/2013 REC_Intercept_PTS: Locations of intercept surveys.
ADF&G 11/2013 REC_ADFG_Angling_Locations: ADFG geographic locations used to represent areas
where angling occurs.
ADF&G 11/2013 REC_ADFG_0EST_30_Sums: Table containing sums and averages of estimated days of
effort spent angling.
ADF&G 11/2013 REC_ADFG_0EST: Table containing number of responses for angling survey (i.e.
sample size).
ADF&G 11/22/2013 REC_Hunting_Effort_All_Res: Raster displaying average days of effort for all residents in
the Recreation Use Study Area.
ADF&G 11/22/2013 REC_Hunting_Effort_Non_Res: Raster displaying average days of effort for non-
residents in the Recreation Use Study Area.
ADF&G 4/5/2012 Game_Management_Units: Alaska Department of Fish and Game game management
units.
BLM 10/28/2013 BLM_TLAD: Boundary of the Tangle Lakes Archaeological District.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 71 February 2014 Draft
9. TABLES
Table 5.4-1. Denali-Clearwater Recreation Management Area, Annual Visits to Selected Sites and Trails, FY 2007-2011
Site FY2007 FY2008 FY2009 FY2010 FY2011 Average
Visits
Brushkana Creek Campground 9,063 7,271 8,497 9,146 11,964 9,188
Butte Creek Trail 1,500 1,500 1,600 1,600 1,600 1,560
Butte Lake Trail 1,500 1,500 1,600 1,600 1,600 1,560
Brushkana Creek Trail South 300 300 300 300 300 300
Seattle Creek Trail 200 200 200 200 200 200
Jack Creek Trail 300 300 500 500 500 420
Mile 87.6 Trail 100 100 100 100 100 100
Cantwell Portal Denali Highway (winter) 2,250 2,250 2,250 2,250 2,250 2,250
17 (b)s south of Cantwell 500 2,000 3,500 3,500 3,500 2,600
Source: BLM RMIS 2011.
Table 5.4-2. Denali-Clearwater Recreation Management Area, Selected Sites and Trails, FY2012
Site People/Vehicle Counts Total Visits
Tangle Lakes Campground 12,003 18,005
Delta WSR Wayside 6,483 11,118
Upper Tangles Lake - 495
Round/Lower Tangles Lakes - 394
Tangle Lakes Foot Trail - 2,050
Source: BLM RMIS 2012.
Table 5.4-3. Denali-Clearwater Recreation Management Area, Selected Sites and Trails, FY2013
Site Primary Site
Type Visits Visitor Days
Round/Lower Tangle Lakes Water Access 400 357
Tangle Lakes Campground Site Campground 20,252 22,849
Upper Tangle Lakes Water Access 501 791
Source: BLM RMIS 2013.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 72 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.4-4. Tangle Lakes and Brushkana Creek Campground Use Data, Summer 2011 and Summer 2012
Tangle Lakes
Campground 2011
(May 25-Aug. 28)
Tangle Lakes Campground 2012
(May 25-Sept. 10)
Brushkana Creek Campground 2011
(May 28-Sept. 10)
Brushkana Creek Campground 2012
(May 23-
Sept. 11)
Campsites Occupied by Auto/Tent 311 735 391 352
Campsites Occupied by Motor Home/Trailer 838 1687 340 413
Campsites Occupied by Boat Trailers 84 11 0 0
Hiking Trail -- 840 0 0
Boat Launch—Vehicles 152 195 0 0
Boat Launch—Vehicles with Boat Trailer 42 28 0 0
Boat Launch—Vehicles with Raft or
Canoe Trailers 32 76 0 0
ATVs in Campground 12 20 0 0
Source: Raw, unverified data provided by BLM. Compiled by McDowell Group.
Table 5.4-5. Denali State Parks Trails and Viewpoints Annual Visitation Data, By Month, 2011 and 2012
Month Resident Visits 2011
Nonresident Visits 2011
Total Visits
2011
Resident Visits 2012
Nonresident Visits 2012
Total Visits
2012
January 266 177 433 710 476 1,183
February 285 190 475 34 16 50
March 811 489 1,300 2,016 1,326 3,342
April 0 0 0 1,568 1,045 2,613
May 0 0 0 25,972 16,969 42,941
June 27,994 17,886 45,880 31,056 19,876 50,932
July 33,751 20,992 54,743 41,715 26,570 68,285
August 91,141 59,472 150,613 33,968 22,079 56,047
September 20,196 12,333 32,529 22,655 14,055 36,710
October 15,984 10,605 26,589 6,056 4,009 10,065
November 0 0 0 3,020 2,013 5,033
December 443 295 738 2,541 1,694 4,235
Total 190,871 122,439 313,310 171,311 110,125 281,436
Source: ADNR 2013g.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 73 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.4-6. Lake Louise State Recreation Area Summer Visitation Data, By Month, 2011 and 2012
Month Resident Visits 2011
Nonresident Visits 2011
Total Visits 2011
Resident Visits 2012
Nonresident Visits 2012
Total Visits 2012
May 206 52 258 78 20 98
June 406 102 508 648 72 720
July 886 222 1,108 816 204 1,020
August 310 78 388 300 75 375
September 258 65 323 196 49 245
Total 2,066 519 2585 2,038 420 2,458
Source: ADNR 2013g.
Table 5.4-7. Southcentral and Interior Alaska Resident Recreational Visitation to the Mat-Su Borough
Population base (18+) 333,066
Total Visitors 159,848
Total Visits (lower bound estimate) 736,222
Total Visits (best estimate) 1,021,852
Activity Frequency Lower Bound Estimate Best Estimate
Developed trail systems 196,827 270,466
Hiking 190,633 262,895
Wildlife viewing 180,310 249,819
Camping 148,653 208,527
Fishing (freshwater) 131,448 181,687
Developed campgrounds 99,790 138,330
Snowmachining 109,336 126,796
Non-motorized boating 48,863 66,068
Cross country skiing and
snowshoeing 62,627 86,026
Notes: The columns “lower bound estimate” and “best estimate” reflect the range of values obtained from the same
raw data, but using two different methods for tabulating the raw data. Mat-Su Borough residents are excluded from
these counts.
Source: Center for Economic Development March 2011.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 74 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.4-8. Alaska Railroad, Denali Star Train Ridership, Arrivals to Talkeetna, 2011 and 2012, Preliminary Data
Arrivals to Talkeetna 2011 2012
Anchorage 3,285 3,674
Denali 1,769 1,608
Fairbanks 299 322
Wasilla 365 491
Total 5,718 6,095
Source: Alaska Railroad Corporation 2012
Table 5.4-9. Alaska Railroad, Denali Star Train Ridership, Departures from Talkeetna, 2011 and 2012, Preliminary Data
Departures from
Talkeetna 2011 2012
Anchorage 2,732 3,024
Denali 2,726 3,111
Fairbanks 589 479
Wasilla 225 178
Total 6,272 6,792
Source: Alaska Railroad Corporation 2012
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 75 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.4-10. Alaska Railroad, Hurricane Train Ridership, Arrivals to Talkeetna, 2011 and 2012, Preliminary Data
Arrivals to Talkeetna Summer 2011 Summer 2012 Winter 2011 Winter 2012
Anchorage 0 0 37 27
Canyon 154 84 2 3
Chase 153 94 12 8
Chulitna 16 14 1 0
Curry 73 94 9 0
Dead Horse 0 4 0 0
Gold Creek 164 167 9 0
Hurricane 793 946 16 44
Sherman 33 54 0 0
Twin Bridges 0 15 0 0
Total 1,386 1,472 86 82
Source: Alaska Railroad Corporation 2012
Table 5.4-11. Alaska Railroad, Hurricane Train Ridership, Departures from Talkeetna, 2011 and 2012, Preliminary Data
Departures from Talkeetna Summer
2011
Summer
2012
Winter
2011
Winter
2012
Anchorage 0 0 26 17
Canyon 188 90 28 19
Chase 311 250 19 7
Chulitna 19 21 4 0
Curry 0 0 8 7
Dead Horse 0 3 0 0
Gold Creek 268 280 19 5
Hurricane 829 960 6 34
Sherman 58 60 13 6
Twin Bridges 0 15 0 0
Wasilla 0 0 241 15
Total 1,673 1,679 364 110
Source: Alaska Railroad Corporation 2012
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 76 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.4-12. Average Reported Hunting Effort by Species (Days), in Recreation Use Study Area3
Black Bear Brown Bear2 Caribou Moose Sheep Wolf Total
Alaska Resident 4.4 4.0 4.5 5.1 4.6 5.0 4.9
Non-Resident 4.1 5.3 4.2 5.4 4.4 4.8 5.0
Unknown Residency 4.8 5.0 3.8 5.5 4.6 6.3 5.1
Total 4.4 4.4 4.4 5.1 4.6 5.0 4.9
Notes:
1 Brown bear data include only successful hunts
2 Database entries of “Unknown” for the number of days hunted were substituted with the average number of
hunter days reported by all others hunting in the same UCU.
Source: ADF&G Wildlife Harvest Data 2003-2011
Table 5.4-13. Percent of All Hunters Reporting Use of Transportation Methods in Recreation Use Study Area
Unspecified Airplane Pack Animal Boat Airboat Snowmachine ATV ORV Highway Foot Other Grand Total Alaska
Resident 1 % 8 % 1 % 14 % 2 % 11 % 33 % 7 % 15 % 1 % 1 % 94 %
Non-Resident 0 % 2 % 1 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 1 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 5 %
Unknown Residency 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 % 0 %t 0 %t 1 %
Total 2 % 11 % 1 % 15 % 2 % 11 % 34 % 7 % 15 % 1 % 1 % 100 %
Source: ADF&G Wildlife Harvest Data 2003-2011
Table 5.4-14. Monthly Distribution of Wildlife Harvest Success
January February March April May June July August September October November December Percent of
Total
Harvest
8 % 5 % 2 % 1 % 3 % 3 % 1 % 14 % 42 % 6 % 6 % 8 %
Source: ADF&G Wildlife Harvest Data 2003-2011
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 77 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.4-15. Recreation User Intercept Survey Frequencies and Regional Resident Household Mail Survey Frequencies
(as of September 30, 2013), Preliminary Data
Type of Recreational Activity
Intercept Survey Frequencies1 (as of September 30, 2013) n=1,014
Mail Survey Frequencies2 (as of September 30, 2013) n=1,714
Participated
this outing
Primary activity
this outing Past 12 months
Participated
May 2012-April
2013
Primary activity
most recent trip
Wildlife viewing 343 26 205 226 51
Camping-
RV/cabin/campground 324 157 151 165 68
Hiking/backpacking 263 32 240 182 41
Snowmachining 239 166 260 58 23
Bird watching 210 7 154 101 6
Alaska Railroad 196 63 82 69 20
Fishing for other species 185 51 229 77 19
Walking/running 178 16 117 189 34
Camping-remote tent 172 53 227 141 51
Collecting
berries/mushrooms 137 13 196 110 15
Hunting 130 100 203 91 63
Raft/canoe/kayak/pack raft
(non-motorized) 127 32 138 65 11
Motorized boating (jet,
prop, air) 119 36 147 37 5
Riding ATV’s 113 11 178 82 15
Flightseeing 88 47 75 26 9
Bicycling 74 29 123 63 14
Skiing 67 26 130 43 19
Snowshoeing 64 15 128 27 3
Fishing for salmon 52 42 121 52 13
Dog sledding 18 11 36 11 4
Notes: A diverse list of “other” recreational activities were mentioned by survey respondents and not included in this
table. Not all frequency data added up to the sample, because not all mail respondents completed the questions
regarding activities.
1 As of September 30, 2013, including 914 intercept interviews and 100 intercept online surveys.
2 As of September 30, 2013, including 1,423 returned survey booklets and 291 surveys completed using the
online option.
Source: McDowell Group 2013.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 78 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.5-1. Characteristics of Dispersed Recreation Categories
Characteristics
Occasional Use Sites: • Ground vegetation flattened worn away only around fireplace or center of
activity.
• Some mineral soil exposure.
• Small disturbed camp area (less than 50 ft2)
• No user created structures.
• None or small amounts of litter.
Example: Small gravel pullouts and individual camping sites.
Well-Used Sites • Ground vegetation lost on most of the site, but humus and litter still
present in all but a few areas. May be signs of obvious soil erosion.
• Large mineral soil exposure.
• Size of disturbed camp area is over 500 ft2
• several fire rings.
• Low to abundant litter and garbage (cans, paper, bottles, etc.).
Example: Area used for multiple camping sites, or large gravel pull out or quarry
used for camping.
Table 5.5-2. Number of Dispersed Recreation Sites Tallied and Inventoried
Number of Sites Tallied Number of Sites Inventoried Percent of Sites Inventoried
Occasional Use Sites 151 25 17%
Well-used Sites 19 15 79%
Table 5.5-3. Total Number of Access Points for Inventory Categories
Access Type Total Maintained1 Signage Designated Use ADA Accessible Features 2 Parking Available Associated with a Facility Non-Motorized Trail 15 6 6 6 1 12 8
ATV Trail 65 28 17 13 1 40 17
Access Road 9 5 2 2 0 6 0
Airstrip/Fixed Wheel Landing 4 4 2 3 1 4 0
Float Plane Landing 2 1 0 1 0 2 0
Boat Launch 9 7 5 4 0 7 5
Train Depot 3 3 2 2 3 1 1
Notes:
1 Maintenance could occur by agency, organizations, and/or private citizens
2 Accessibility determined by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board; Federal Register
2007
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 79 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.5-4. Number of Access Points by Geographical Location
Access Type Talkeetna Spur Road George Parks Highway Denali Highway Richardson Highway Lake Louise Road Glenn Highway Alaska Railroad Remote Non-Motorized Trail 3 6 2 0 0 3 1 0
ATV Trail 3 6 40 1 0 6 9 0
Access Road 1 1 3 0 0 1 3 0
Airstrip/Fixed Wheel
Landing 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 28
Float Plane Landing 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 18
Boat Launch 0 2 4 0 2 0 1 0
Train Depot 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Table 5.6-1. Primary Recreation Activities, Brushkana Creek Campground and Denali Highway, FY 2011
Primary Recreation Activity
Percent of Brushkana Creek Campground Visitor Satisfaction Survey Respondents (n=176)
Percent of Denali Highway Visitor Satisfaction Survey Respondents (n=128)
Camping 92 55
Hiking/walking 52 48
Fishing 44 43
Sightseeing 38 67
Wildlife viewing/birdwatching 33 34
Driving for pleasure 24 -
Picnicking 14 21
Motorized recreation vehicles 10 13
Biking 7 6
Hunting 6 23
Education and interpretation 4 5
Non-motorized boating/rafting 1 11
Swimming 1 2
Motorized boating 0 4
Horseback riding 0 2
Other 12 10
Source: BLM FY2011a and BLM FY2011b.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 80 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-2. Activity Participation and Primary Activities for Denali Highway, Summer 2007
Recreation Activity Percent Participating (n=198) Percent Primary Activity (n=193)
Driving and sightseeing 70 26
Watching wildlife 56 7
Photography 55 4
Hiking 51 8
Walking 48 0
Fishing 43 13
Berry picking 39 6
Watching birds 38 4
Camping in vehicle 27 0.5
Camping near vehicle 25 5
Picnicking 23 1
Dog walking/running 16 0
Canoeing and kayaking 10 3
ATV riding 8 5
Family social gatherings 8 0
Hunting big game 6 5
Mountain biking 6 3
Mushroom picking 6 0
Backpacking 5 2
Hunting birds 5 0.5
Hunting small game 3 0.5
Rafting 3 0
Motorcycle riding 2 0.9
Building cabin/working on home site 1 1
Boating 1 1
Running 1 0
Gold panning or mining 1 0.5
Geocaching 1 0.5
Mountaineering 0.9 1
Working 0.5 0.5
Notes: About 2 percent of Denali Highway respondents indicated that they had no primary activity. Of Denali
Highway respondents, 9 percent indicated that they were driving through the region and not stopping for recreation.
Therefore, they are not included in the “percent participating” statistics.
Source: Stegmann et al. 2008.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 81 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-3. Desired Experience for Denali Highway, Summer 2007
Desired Experience Survey Item
Mean Score (1= “not at all important” to 7= “extremely important”)
Nature Enjoying the sights and smells of nature 6.14
Escape crowds Being away from crowds of people 6.14
Escape usual life Getting away from the usual demands of life 5.79
Explore Experiencing new and different things 5.43
Autonomy Being free to make your own choices 5.09
Solitude Experiencing solitude 5.07
Friends Being with friends 4.29
Fitness Getting exercise 4.54
Creativity Doing something creative, such as sketching, painting or taking photos 3.94
Family Brining your family close together 3.90
Spiritual Growing and developing spiritually 3.77
Competence Testing your abilities 3.43
Teaching your skills Teaching your outdoor skills to others 2.92
Risk Taking a chance on dangerous situations 2.31
Source: Stegmann et al. 2008.
Table 5.6-4. Desired Personal Benefits for Denali Highway, Summer 2007
Desired Personal Benefits n
Mean Score
(1 = “not at all important” to 7 = “extremely important”)
A greater connection with nature 66 6.15
Enhanced sense of personal freedom 66 5.82
Improved mental health 65 5.78
Improved outdoor knowledge 66 5.70
Improved outlook on life 66 5.65
A more exercise-oriented lifestyle 66 5.52
Gained sense of independence 66 5.35
Increased self-confidence 66 5.27
Improved physical fitness 66 5.27
Enhanced sense of competence 65 5.08
Greater job productivity 63 4.46
Enhanced work performance 64 4.45
Source: Stegmann et al. 2008.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 82 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-5. Desired Community Benefits for Denali Highway, Summer 2007
Desired Community Benefits n Mean Score (1 = “not at all important” to 7 = “extremely important”)
Heightened awareness of natural world 65 6.22
Greater protection for fish and wildlife habitat 66 5.80
Greater awareness of minimal impact recreation 65 5.54
Greater protection of cultural history sites 65 5.42
Greater opportunities for youth 65 5.40
Improved family bonding 66 5.30
Greater community involvement in land use planning
processes 65 5.18
Positive economic contribution to communities 64 4.95
Increased recreation business to local communities 65 4.60
Increased productivity at work 62 4.29
Source: Stegmann et al. 2008.
Table 5.6-6. Recreation Activity Participation in the Southern Interior Sub-region, by Respondent Stratum, by Percent
Activity Northern
(n=357)
Interior
(n=476)
Southwest
(n=423)
Southcentral
(n=486)
Southeast
(n=522)
Hiking 3.1 30.3 3.1 14.2 3.8
Camping 2.0 30.0 2.4 15.2 2.1
Wildlife viewing 4.2 31.3 4.0 14.8 3.3
Freshwater fishing 1.1 17.4 0.5 5.6 0.4
Food gathering 1.4 17.9 0.7 6.2 1.0
Hunting and trapping 0.6 13.7 0.9 7.6 0.6
Non-motorized boating 0.3 11.3 0.9 3.5 0.2
Motor boating 0.6 10.7 0.2 0.4 0.4
ATV/motorbike riding 0.6 12.4 0.9 4.5 0.4
Skiing and snowshoeing 0.6 8.2 0.0 1.6 0.2
Snowmachining 0.8 14.7 0.2 2.9 0.4
Notes: Data were collapsed into “did participate” (1x, 2-4, 5-10, 11-30 and 31+) and “did not participate” (0 and did
not check). Missing data were treated as “did not participate” (assuming respondents skipped over the regions and
sub-regions they did not visit).
Source: Fix 2009.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 83 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-7. Recreation Activity Participation in the Matanuska-Susitna Sub-region, by Respondent Stratum, by Percent
Activity Northern (n=357) Interior (n=476) Southwest (n=423) Southcentral (n=486) Southeast (n=522)
Hiking 4.5 11.3 7.6 35.4 4.8
Camping 3.4 12.0 4.3 22.4 2.3
Wildlife viewing 5.0 14.3 7.6 28.2 4.0
Freshwater fishing 1.7 8.6 3.3 24.5 1.1
Saltwater fishing 0.0 1.1 0.2 2.5 0.0
Food gathering 1.4 4.0 3.1 18.5 1.7
Hunting and trapping 0.3 2.3 0.9 12.6 0.2
Non-motorized boating 1.1 2.1 1.2 14.4 1.0
Motor boating 0.6 3.2 0.7 13.4 0.8
ATV/motorbike riding 2.2 3.4 2.8 13.6 1.5
Skiing and snowshoeing 0.6 1.1 1.9 12.3 1.0
Snowmachining 1.7 3.2 1.2 16.0 0.8
Notes: Data were collapsed into “did participate” (1x, 2-4, 5-10, 11-30 and 31+) and “did not participate” (0 and did
not check). Missing data were treated as “did not participate” (assuming respondents skipped over the regions and
sub-regions they did not visit).
Source: Fix 2009.
Table 5.6-8. Visitation to the Southern Interior Sub-region, by Respondent Stratum, by Percent
Frequency Northern (n=357) Interior (n=476) Southwest (n=423) Southcentral (n=486) Southeast (n=522)
1 time 2.0 8.8 2.1 11.3 3.3
2-4 times 3.4 22.9 2.4 10.9 1.5
5-10 times 0.3 10.3 0.5 2.3 0.4
11+ times 0.0 4.0 0.0 0.8 0.0
I lived here full time 0.0 6.9 0.0 0.0 0.2
I lived here part time 0.0 0.6 0.2 0.0 0.0
More than one checked 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0
Not checked 94.4 45.0 94.8 74.7 94.6
Notes: “Not checked” includes both respondents who answered some questions for the sub-region and respondents
who skipped the entire sub-region.
Source: Fix 2009.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 84 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-9. Visitation to the Matanuska-Susitna Sub-region, by Respondent Stratum, by Percent
Frequency Northern (n=357) Interior (n=476) Southwest (n=423) Southcentral (n=486) Southeast (n=522)
1 time 2.2 8.8 5.2 5.1 5.7
2-4 times 7.0 17.9 10.6 20.4 3.1
5-10 times 1.7 5.9 3.1 13.0 1.7
11+ times 1.1 1.7 1.2 13.4 0.2
I lived here full time 0.3 0.0 0.5 15.8 0.2
I lived here part time 0.8 0.2 0.5 0.8 0.0
More than one checked 0.0 0.4 0.0 2.7 0.2
Not checked 86.8 65.1 79.0 28.8 88.9
Notes: “Not checked” includes both respondents who answered some questions for the sub-region and respondents
who skipped the entire sub-region.
Source: Fix 2009.
Table 5.6-10. Use of Recreation “Site Type” in the Southern Interior Sub-region, Uncollapsed Responses, by Respondent
Stratum, by Percent
Frequency Northern (n=357) Interior (n=476) Southwest (n=423) Southcentral (n=486) Southeast (n=522)
Developed Campgrounds
1 time 1.7 9.9 1.2 6.8 0.2
2-4 times 0.8 12.6 1.2 4.9 1.1
5-10 times 0.6 2.5 0.2 0.2 0.2
11+ times 0.6 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0
Developed Trails Systems
1 time 1.1 6.7 0.9 5.1 1.5
2-4 times 0.8 12.6 1.2 5.3 0.6
5-10 times 0.6 3.6 0.0 0.4 0.2
11+ times 0.3 2.5 0.2 0.0 0.0
Public Use Cabins
1 time 0.6 2.5 0.2 0.8 0.2
2-4 times 0.0 1.7 0.0 0.6 0.4
5-10 times 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0
11+ times 0.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.0
Undeveloped Backcountry
1 time 1.1 6.5 1.2 5.1 1.3
2-4 times 0.3 9.5 0.9 6.6 0.8
5-10 times 0.0 5.5 0.2 0.6 0.0
11+ times 0.3 6.1 0.2 0.8 0.2
Note: The n used to calculate the percent was the overall n of the respective stratum; therefore, the n includes zeros
as well as missing values when calculating percentages.
Source: Fix 2009.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 85 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-11. Use of Recreation “Site Type” in the Matanuska-Susitna Sub-region, Uncollapsed Responses, by
Respondent Stratum, by Percent
Frequency Northern (n=357) Interior (n=476) Southwest (n=423) Southcentral (n=486) Southeast (n=522)
Developed Campgrounds
1 time 1.1 3.6 2.1 4.9 0.2
2-4 times 1.4 6.7 0.9 10.3 0.6
5-10 times 0.3 0.8 0.2 3.5 0.2
11+ times 0.6 0.2 0.5 1.9 0.0
Developed Trails Systems
1 time 0.3 5.5 2.1 7.2 1.7
2-4 times 1.4 4.8 2.4 10.9 1.3
5-10 times 0.8 0.4 0.2 6.2 0.2
11+ times 0.8 0.2 0.5 4.9 0.2
Public Use Cabins
1 time 0.3 1.1 0.5 1.2 0.0
2-4 times 0.0 0.2 0.2 2.1 0.2
5-10 times 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0
11+ times 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0
Undeveloped Backcountry
1 time 1.1 1.9 1.7 3.7 1.1
2-4 times 0.3 3.6 3.3 11.3 1.0
5-10 times 0.6 0.2 0.5 7.8 0.2
11+ times 0.8 0.4 0.7 7.8 0.2
Note: The n used to calculate the percent was the overall n of the respective stratum; therefore, the n includes zeros
as well as missing values when calculating percentages.
Source: Fix 2009.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 86 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-12. Talkeetna Visitor (Non-Alaska Residents) Recreation Activities in Talkeetna, Summer 2011
Recreation Activity Percent of All Talkeetna Visitors (Non-Alaska Resident)
Hiking/nature walk 31
Wildlife viewing 27
Birdwatching 7
Flightseeing 25
Cultural attractions (historical attractions, museums, Native cultural tour, gold
panning/mine tour) 18
Camping 9
Rafting 8
Day cruises/boat tours 6
Fishing 6
Guided fishing 3
Unguided fishing 3
Dog sledding 5
ATV/4-wheeling 2
Kayaking/canoeing 2
Biking <1
Source: McDowell Group 2012.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 87 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-13. Talkeetna Visitors, Selected Demographics, Summer 2011
Demographic Indicator Percent of All Talkeetna Visitors
Origin
United States 85
Canada 5
Other International 10
Gender
Respondent-Male 41
Respondent-Female 59
Party-Male 47
Party-Female 53
Education
Some high school/high school diploma/GED 9
Associate/technical degree 10
Some college 15
Graduated from college 35
Master’s/Doctorate 29
Lodging Types Used
Lodge 45
Hotel/motel 29
Campground/RV 12
Bed and Breakfast 4
Private home 3
Wilderness (remote) camping 3
Other
Average respondent age 55.4 years
Average party age 51.5 years
Average household income $109,000
Average party size 2.6
Average group size 4.6
Average # of nights in Talkeetna 1.6 nights
Source: McDowell Group 2012.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 88 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-14. Recreation Users Intercept Survey – Completed Surveys by Days of the Week, Field Sampling March-
September 2013, Preliminary Data
Month Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Total Weekend Weekday
March 41 8 18 6 3 7 82 165 123 42
April 65 4 7 4 12 25 66 183 131 52
May 12 4 5 4 14 5 21 65 33 32
June 23 19 23 19 19 6 22 131 45 86
July 9 18 22 30 35 17 30 161 39 122
August 32 30 15 13 12 13 16 131 48 83
September 14 17 5 9 12 7 14 78 28 50
Total 196 100 95 85 107 80 251 914 447 467
Source: McDowell Group.
Table 5.6-15. Recreation Users Intercept Survey – Sample Days, Field Surveyor Effort, Completed Surveys by Time of
Day, Field Sampling March-September, 2013, Preliminary Data
Month Sample
Days
Total
Surveys
Completed
Field
Surveyor
Hours
Weekend Weekday 7:00- 11:59
am
12:00-4:59
pm
5:00-8:00
pm
March 23 165 937 123 42 33 92 45
April 21 183 830 131 52 45 97 39
May 18 65 578 33 32 19 24 20
June 27 131 607 45 86 40 48 43
July 27 161 580 39 122 38 51 71
August 27 131 584 48 83 41 44 46
September 18 78 407 28 50 23 32 23
Total 161 914 4,522 447 467 239 388 287
Source: McDowell Group.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 89 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-16. Recreation Users Intercept Online Survey – Month of Trip, April-September, 2013, Preliminary Data
Month Total Surveys Completed
April 1
May 3
June 7
July 14
August 26
September 39
Unknown* 10
Total 100
* Did not indicate trip start date.
Source: McDowell Group.
Table 5.6-17. Recreation Users Intercept Online Survey – Selected Recreation Locations, Day and Overnight Visits,
March-September, 2013, Preliminary Data
Selected Locations Overnight Visit (n=90) Day Visit (n=90)
Talkeetna 4 8
Trapper Creek 1 5
Byers Lake Campground 3 2
Cantwell 0 20
Brushkana Campground 4 7
Tangle Lakes Campground 17 9
Lake Louise 23 1
Other Study Area Locations 47 20
Total 99 72
Source: McDowell Group.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 90 February 2014 Draft
Table 5.6-18. Regional Household Mail Survey Sample, June Mailing, June-August Responses, 2013, Preliminary Data
Mail Sample Components Number
Voter Registration List, Unduplicated households,
randomly-selected 7,500
Surveys Undeliverable for Incorrect Addresses 29
Number of surveys mailed 7,471
Surveys returned with no forwarding address 457
Surveys returned for reason the voter moved out of
Alaska 2
Surveys returned for reason the voter was
deceased 1
Surveys returned for reason the voter refused to
participate 14
Total Mail Survey Sample 6,997
Second mailing of surveys to non-respondent
Households 4,500
Completed surveys returned by mail 1,423
Completed surveys returned online 291
Total completed surveys 1,714
Response rate 24.5%
Source: McDowell Group.
Table 5.6-19. Ongoing Regional Household Mail Survey Sample, October Mailing, October-November 8 Responses, 2013,
Preliminary Data
Mail Sample Components Number
Voter Registration List, Unduplicated households,
randomly-selected 8,274
Surveys Undeliverable for Incorrect Addresses 362
Number of surveys mailed 7,912
Surveys returned with no forwarding address (as of
November 8, 2013) 473
Total Mail Survey Sample 7,439
Second mailing of surveys to non-respondent
Households (mailed November 19-21, 2013) 4,800
Completed surveys returned by mail (as of
November 8, 2013) 1,413
Completed surveys returned online (as of
November 8, 2013) 296
Total completed surveys (as of November 8, 2013) 1,709
Response rate (as of November 8, 2013) 23.0 percent
Source: McDowell Group.
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 91 February 2014 Draft
Table 8.1. Assessment of Existing Recreation Survey Data
Source Key Summary of Analysis Level of Relevance Level of Confidence Level of Adequacy
Alaska’s Outdoor
Legacy Statewide
Comprehensive
Outdoor
Recreation Plan
(SCORP) 2009-
2014
Identifies outdoor recreation priorities and preferences
throughout Alaska, including the “Railbelt.”
Moderate Moderate Low
Bureau of Land
Management
(BLM) Visitor
Surveys (FY
2011)
Provides visitor satisfaction data for Brushkana Creek and
Tangle Lakes campgrounds regarding visitor information,
developed facilities, managing recreation use, resource
management, BLM staff and customer services, and
educational and interpretative materials. Survey results
also included respondent primary recreational activities.
Moderate Low Low
Benefits-Based
Management
Study (Denali
Highway) (2008)
Assesses experiences sought and attained, settings and
activities that facilitated these experiences, benefits to be
managed for, and consistency between expectations and
attained outcomes along the Denali Highway recreation
corridor.
Moderate High Low
Alaska Resident
Statistics Program
(ARSP) (2009)
Statewide mail survey of Alaskans gathering information
regarding Alaska residents’ travel in Alaska, recreation
activities in which they participate, use of facilities, visitation
patterns, and factors contributing to the quality of life.
High High Moderate
Alaska Visitors
Statistics Program
(AVSP) VI (2011)
Statewide visitor survey administered to a sample of out-of-
state visitors departing Alaska at all major exit points. The
survey included questions on trip purpose, transportation
modes, length of stay, destinations, lodging, activities,
expenditures, satisfaction, trip planning, and demographics.
Moderate High Moderate
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 92 February 2014 Draft
10. FIGURES
Figure 3-1 Recreation Resources Study Areas
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 93 February 2014 Draft
Figure 4.6-1 Survey Intercept Locations
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 94 February 2014 Draft
Figure 5.4-1. Distribution of reported hunting effort by resident and non-resident trappers, and hunters pursuing black bear, brown bear (successful
hunters only) caribou, moose and sheep for hunts within the Recreation Use Study Area
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 95 February 2014 Draft
Figure 5.4-2. Distribution of reported hunting effort by only non-resident trappers, and hunters pursuing black bear, brown bear (successful hunters
only) caribou, moose and sheep within the Recreation Use Study Area
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 96 February 2014 Draft
Figure 5.4-3. Average Number of Angler Days per Year, per Stream, for 2003-2012
INITIAL STUDY REPORT RECREATION RESOURCES STUDY (12.5)
Susitna-Watana Hydroelectric Project Alaska Energy Authority
FERC Project No. 14241 Page 97 February 2014 Draft
Figure 5.5-1. Tallies of Dispersed Recreation Sites along the Denali Highway