Newsletter for Winter 2007

Message from the Hay Flats

Winter Family Fun Day at Reflections Lake
What a day! Once again, APH hosted a great winter recreation day on beautiful Reflections Lake. The weather was a calm and a balmy 10 degrees. Pioneer Peak, Twin Peaks, Matanuska Peak and the Talkeetna Mountains were stunning beauty to behold. Folks of all ages came from miles around to enjoy ice skating, skiing and snowshoeing in this quintessential Alaskan wilderness setting. There was even enough snow for Board member Bob Neubauer and several of the younger set, to build a snow cave! Warming fires, tasty treats and happy conversation rounded out the day’s fun.

Popularity continues to grow for this wonderful event, and the number of our community partners grows, as well. Once again, Warren and Dennis of Mat-Su Parks & Recreation kept the welcome warming barrels going, and this year, they even brought hot coffee and gave us a groomed x-country ski trail. So, too, did MSB provided skates and an instructor for icy fun on the lake. R.E.I., for the second year lent skis, poles and snowshoes; new volunteer Board member Dan Wiggins and Alcan Electrical & Engineering, Inc. were a huge help, working with Board member Dave Hopper to clear snow for parking and skating; of course, our faithful, dedicated volunteer Jack Mosby, of Alaska Trails brought cocoa, supplies and provided constant equipment assistance for anyone gearing up to enjoy their outing.

This annual winter event is definitely growing in awareness, support and community involvement. Turnout was nearly three times what it was last year, with everyone agreeing, it’s a wonderful way to get out and enjoy Alaska in winter.

Scout Ridge Overlook Takes On A New Look!
Looking out, over the edge of Scout Ridge at Cottonwood Creek, one realizes the true sense of what Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge is about. A vast expanse of rich estuarial wetland stretches for miles before you. Uncountable ponds and thousands of acres of stunning tundra and mountain views are beautiful testament to the importance of this Pacific Flyway habitat.

For many years, the Scout Ridge Trail and Overlook viewing deck provided a ready opportunity to revel in this place. However, deteriorating badly over the years, it was time to rebuild it.

Eagle Scout Alex Allred, and his fellow Scouts of Troop 33 put sweat to brow with Troop Leader Dan Wood and local contractor Dan Halsey, in building the newer, bigger, *covered* version. The result is a wonderful deck, with generous bench and protective roof for sitting. To further enhance the experience, this spring APH will be installing interpretive panels. We also will be looking to enlist a group or organization for a dedicated native plant display to replant the area around the deck.

After completion, APH members and supporters gathered to celebrate and congratulate Alex for his dedicated, hard work!

Scout Ridge Trail Gets An Upgrade
Long overdue, the beautiful but deteriorating woodland walk to Scout Ridge Overlook finally received a well deserved rehabilitation. Upgrading of the old trail was no small feat. Deeply rutted, all the damaged and worn subsurface materials had to be removed, hauled away, new stabilizing material placed, and final new top material spread. This was hard work requiring true dedication!

In the initial stages of preparation, Alaska Trails leader Jack Mosby provided his invaluable, experienced guidance as to what would be needed. Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District partnered with Teeland Middle School students, and joined with APH Board members in many hours of hard toil preparing the trail for grading and new material.

Throughout the entire project, APH received valuable support and assistance from the community. This much needed project was a great example of the community partnership and stewardship for which APH has built its reputation. From receiving our Mat-Su Bed Tax Grant award, to volunteer design assistance and labor, to discounted services from the business community, we have established a great beginning for enhancing the experience of this popular Refuge access—in all seasons. When spring arrives, the access road is scheduled for grading, the parking lot will be expanded and improved and an informative kiosk will be installed at the trailhead. So, go!

Cottonwood Creek Access Mitigation Begins
As anyone who has visited Cottonwood Creek to hunt, fish, bird or simply to revel in the wonder of vast wilderness expanses can attest, this place has suffered long and hard. Years of abuse by trashing and irresponsible shooting have degraded waterfowl habitat and created dangerous conditions for responsible recreationists on their public resource. APH, through partnership support with ADF&G, Mat-Su Borough, Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District, Alaska Railroad, the business community and volunteers has finally begun the much needed mitigation.

As we finish our project improvements on the upland habitat, we are moving to the wetland habitat below. First step in restoring the damage was performed last fall with ADF&G and Alco Construction to install a boulder barricade to the worst offended area. After spring thaw, Wasilla Soil & Water Conservation District will once again recruit youth from the community to replant the damaged area with natural vegetation. Parking area improvements are on the list of future needed projects.

Beyond the bridge, more wetland habitat restoration and methods for protection are being contemplated. APH successfully applied for a Technical Assistant Grant from Recreational Trails & Conservation Assistance program, and will be looking into alternative approaches for long term solutions to this problem.

Featured Member- Jack Mosby
If you love Alaska’s trails. If you have a trail in need of improvement. If you need a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, can-do expert for building or fixing a trail, then Jack Mosby is definitely your guy! You might say, he’s the ambassador extraordinaire for the Alaska Trails organization.

His guidance, enthusiasm for APH’s efforts and expert advice have been invaluable resources. Always available, always supportive, we count Jack as one of APH’s greatest friends. From calculating proper grade and width, to the best trail materials, or using the right tools, in other words how to get the job done, we have come to greatly appreciate his contribution to all our projects. (Of course, when he brings treats to our fun events, we appreciate that, too.) Thanks, Jack!

Opportunities
APH is currently in need of assistance in the following ways:

Membership records tracking & development
Newsletter Editor
Historian

Also, at the annual meeting held on April 28, 2007, we will have Board of Director elections. Please consider stepping forward to be part of this great organization and a great future for your Refuge. For information on how you can help, contact us at Alaskans@PalmerHayFlats.org or telephone (907) 373-7484 to volunteer or to join.

More on our Palmer Hay Flats Calendar of Events page.

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats is a citizen member 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation dedicated to caring for the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge through civic awareness, education and enhancement projects.

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