The Alaska Association for Historic Preservation (AAHP) has announced the state’s Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties for 2016. The list has been announced each year for 25 years, and is intended to bring public awareness to Alaska’s threatened historic properties. Heightened awareness often leads to increased support for the conservation of endangered historic properties, which are assets important to tourism, economic development, and the cultural heritage of Alaska. |
This year, for the first time, the Iditarod National Historic Trail was listed as one of the Ten Most Endangered Historic Properties. The Iditarod National Historic Trail is currently under threat from numerous construction, mining, and development projects. Subdivisions, airstrips, roads, railroads and urbanization have all posed a threat to front country sections of the trail. Additionally, pipelines, mining, construction camps, gravel pits, airstrips, and land conveyances and disposals have all posed a threat to the rural nature of the trail. These threats greatly disturb the “isolated, primitive quality of this historical environment that makes the National Historical Iditarod Trail proposal unique. Nowhere in the National Trail System is there such an extensive landscape, so demanding of durability and skill during its winter season travel. On the Iditarod, today’s adventurer can duplicate the experience and challenge of yesteryear.” (1978 Congressional Intent) |
The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance is actively working to educate the public and protect the Iditarod National Historic Trail. One of the best ways you can help us protect the Trail is by becoming a member of the Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance. Your dues go to great programs like iTREC!, trail safety projects, and protecting the Trail!
Already a member, or looking for other ways to help protect the Trail? You can:
Together, we can protect Alaska’s only National Trail – the Iditarod National Historic Trail, commemorating the last great American gold rush!
Already a member, or looking for other ways to help protect the Trail? You can:
- Check out the Alaska Association for Historic Preservation! They do great work protecting historic sites across Alaska. This Saturday, October 8th 2016 is their eat.drink.preserve. dinner and silent auction – get your tickets today!
- Visit the Partnership for the National Trails System website! PNTS works around the year to protect our country’s National Trail System. In addition to workshops, webinars, and conferences, they travel to Washington DC every year to Hike the Hill! A joint effort between PNTS and the American Hiking Society, they work to increasing congressional and federal agency leader awareness of funding and other needs that sustain the National Trails System through agency funding and programs such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
- Speak out during public comment periods in support of the Iditarod National Historic Trail! The Alliance will frequently post on our Facebook and report in our Newsletter when public comment periods are open on projects that impact the trail. Make your voice heard!
- The Office of History and Archaeology is working to update the Alaska State Historic Preservation Plan. A survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AKHPP and share historic places that matter to you at bit.ly/AKThisPlaceMatters
- Stay tuned for more information on the Kenai Hydro/Grant Lake Hydro Project!
- Tell your legislators to support the Iditarod National Historic Trail! Find your State Representatives and Congressional Delegation and let them know you think the Iditarod National Historic Trail should be a priority.
Together, we can protect Alaska’s only National Trail – the Iditarod National Historic Trail, commemorating the last great American gold rush!