COMMUNITY CONTEXT: TRAPPER CREEK WHAT IT S LIKE TODAY, HOW IS IT CHANGING?

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1 COMMUNITY CONTEXT: TRAPPER CREEK WHAT IT S LIKE TODAY, HOW IS IT CHANGING? Style Definition: Footnote Text Trapper Creek is a paradise compared to other places I ve lived. We ve got a good climate, between the heat of the interior and the rain of coast; we re protected from the wind. It s clean, we ve got an incredible view of the mountain, and first use water water that hasn t passed through some other town s sewer system. I m lucky to be here. Social and Economic Environment The Trapper Creek Cemetery Setting and Social Context Like the rest of the northern Susitna Valley, Trapper Creek is in Dena ina Athabascan Indian territory. Alaskan natives once made a life in the area based on fish, game, birds and other subsistence resources. According to the US Census 2000, the population of the community consists of 11.3% Alaska Native or part Native. The culture of the area derives from familiar Alaskan themes of mining and wilderness access. Once gold was discovered on Cache Creek in 1906, prospectors traveled up the Susitna River to Susitna Station, and overland past Trapper Creek to Cache Creek. In 1920, the Alaska Road Commission started construction of a wagon road from Talkeetna to the Cache Creek mining district in the Dutch and Peters Hills. This trail, which became the Petersville Road, crosses several creeks named for their distance in miles from Talkeetna. Federal homesteading began here in In 1959, the "Fifty-Niners," a group of settlers from Michigan, moved to Talkeetna and then on to Trapper Creek to find homesteads. They lived in trailers and tents before building log cabins. The Parks Highway opened as far as Trapper Creek in 1967, and was completed in Trapper Creek s scenic, recreational (snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, dog mushing, four-wheeling), and natural resources, coupled with good access to points north and south via the Parks Highway approximately 250 miles to Fairbanks, 82 miles to Wasilla, 115 miles to Anchorage are defining features of this community. Trapper Creek has developed since the homesteading era with new housing and cabin subdivisions. The majority of the population lives near the intersection of the Parks Highway and Petersville Road (milepost 114.9). Petersville Road is 40 miles long, leading west through the community, and then northwest into the Peters Hills. Five years ago, only the first three miles of this road were paved. Today the first nine miles are paved and maintenance is performed beyond that seasonally. Deleted: Milepost 1 Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06 COMMUNITY CONTEXT 15

2 Resident Characteristics While the population of Trapper Creek has increased over the years, the amount of people holding year-round jobs has decreased, due the lack of employment options. Most of the growth in population in the area is tied to an increase in retired people moving into the area. Trapper Creek is also a popular location for backcountry cabins and second-homes. The elementary school, attended by approximately 20 to 30 students, has come close to closing its door for the past several years because of the decrease in year-round residents with school age children. Middle and high school students attend Susitna Valley High School in the Y Community Council area, 17 miles away. While many residents fear the tourism and growth potential in Trapper Creek, they want to keep their school open and therefore moderately support business and economic development in their community. Deleted: Area Employment and Income Distribution In terms of historical development, Trapper Creek s People typically need cottage industry, subsistence, and seasonal economy and population are work to get by. You need to be willing to do a bit of everything. what they are today because of growth following the 1906 Cache Creek gold discovery, road building in the 1920 s, the 1948 Homestead Act, the open to entry programs in the 60 s and 70 s, completion of the Parks Highway in the early 1970 s, and more recently, snowmobile recreation and growth in tourism to Denali State and National Parks. According to the US Census 2000, approximately one quarter of Trapper Creek s residents, and one third of its families were listed as falling below the poverty level. Trapper Creek s median household income was at $27,031, significantly lower than the state s $51,571 median. Trapper Creek is farther from major employment and population centers than other MSB communities, resulting in a limited income base. Residents incomes are stretched further because of the distance (and price of fuel) residents have to travel to obtain goods and services not available locally. Trapper Creek incomes may, on average, be lower than state averages, but residents have the advantage of direct access to world-class scenery, recreation and subsistence resources. They enjoy a sense of freedom and remoteness that more affluent communities cannot buy. Many Trapper Creek residents have large gardens, subsistence fish and hunt, and have wilderness out their backdoors. Trapper Creek, like most Alaskan rural communities, has limited government services. This combination of local features makes it apparent why residents stay, despite limited cashbased economic opportunities and the higher costs of living. It appears that Trapper Creek selfselects residents who love the area, who want to be off the beaten path, and who are resourceful enough to try and make a go of generating an income in an area with limited employers. Of the total potential work force (over the age of 16), only 43% are employed. This is due primarily because of the large amount of retired folks in the area. Of the people employed, 57% are private wage and salary workers, 23% are government workers, and 20% are self-employed. 2 2 Alaska Department of Community and Economic Development, Community Profiles 16 COMMUNITY CONTEXT Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06

3 In terms of the most recent census data on jobs, the main industries providing employment in Trapper Creek are: Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services 17.6% Agriculture, forestry, mining, fishing and hunting 16% Construction 12% Transportation, warehousing and utilities 11.2% Public administration 11.2% Education, health and social services 9.6% Manufacturing 7.2 % Other 15.2% According to local residents, these categories represent only a few steadily employed residents. Many residents work an assortment of jobs that often change from season to season. Seasonal work includes government jobs such as wintertime Alaska Department of Transportation maintenance or MSB School District work, or on-again off-again schedules on Alaska s North Slope. Some seasonal or occasional employment can also be found in the Talkeetna/Sunshine area, approximately a 30-minute one-way commute for most Trapper Creek residents. Others do seasonal tourism work through small, local enterprises (B&Bs, lodges, summer mountain guiding, and snowmachine, ski and dog mushing tours) or alternatively, with Princess Tours and other large tourism companies. Many do a combination of natural resource related service or retail work. This includes agriculture, raising livestock, farming, logging and mining often in combination with cottage industry operations such as video rental, tow truck operation, construction, woodworking, trail clearing and maintenance, or other craft activities. At a median age well above the state average (44.1 median age in Trapper Creek compared to statewide median of 32 years), most Trapper Creek s residents are not Cheechakos, or tenderfooted newcomers as that term is defined. Rather, the community consists of wellseasoned Alaskans with a broad range of practical skills they need to make a go of living in the area. As one resident said, people typically need cottage industry, subsistence, and seasonal work to get by. You need to be willing to do a bit of everything. According to one resident, Trapper Creek is a major center for cottage industry Trapper Creek is crawling with it, but it s typically not enough to make a living. Season to season, year to year, residents face economic challenges. This trend will likely continue into the foreseeable future due to the area s lack of major employers. Trapper Creek parents are especially aware of this and are eager to address the issues and create more employment options for their children, if they choose to stay. As one resident put it, I have a bright, capable daughter but she doesn t want to stay in the area because there are so few opportunities. I want to work to make Trapper Creek a place where she would want to stay and live. This planning effort has raised multiple concerns for the need to capture a market for local products and services and encourage jobs that pay a real wage. Residents would like to find a way to gain income from the range of cottage industries, crafts and skills the community posses, yet keep this economic growth modest so that the self-reliant attitude and natural rural character of the place is maintained. Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06 COMMUNITY CONTEXT 17

4 Housing During the US Census 2000, total housing units in Trapper Creek numbered 361, of which 85% were single-family detached. In fact, 0% of Trapper Creek s housing was multi-family. The remaining 15% of housing were trailers and mobile homes. Of the total housing, 45% is vacant due to seasonal use. The median house value is at $47,500, significantly lower than the state s $144,200 average. As shown in Table 2.1, the biggest boom in house construction occurred in the 1980 s. Table 2.1. Trapper Creek House Construction Year Number of New Homes 1990 to March to to to to to or earlier 6 Economic Environment Statewide Trends Over the last two decades, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough has almost doubled its population, and tourism growth and second homes purchases and construction have expanded dramatically. This positive economic growth in the region is an outgrowth of larger Alaska economic trends including: Federal Spending: Alaska currently receives more federal funds per capita than any state in the US, (residents receive approximately $7.50 back for every dollar paid in taxes). One in three jobs in Alaska depends on these federal funds. Oil: Federal spending along with the oil industry accounts for two thirds of Alaska s jobs; production losses in recent years have been offset by strong oil prices. Tourism: In the summer of 1985 it is estimated that 431,200 out-of-state visitors took trips to Alaska. By the summer of 2001 this number was up to 1,202,800 3, with 43% (517,204 people) visiting Denali National Park. This growth was part a global upsurge in tourism between 1990 and 1998, when pleasure travel in the United States grew by 45%. By 2000, World Travel and Tourism Industry (WTTI) estimated that worldwide the travel and tourism industry provided one in every 12.4 jobs, and was the fastest growing and largest industry in the world. These strong points of Alaska s economic growth may continue into the future, especially if oil prices remain high and military spending increases in Alaska. However, these current trends should be balanced against the following notable concerns: The sectors of Alaska s economy that did grow over the last decade services and tourism generally offer low average salaries and are seasonal. There have been declines or stagnation in major sectors of the Alaska economy commercial fishing, forestry, mining and state and local government spending. 3 Alaska Visitor Statistics Program Data, Alaska State Division of Tourism. 18 COMMUNITY CONTEXT Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06

5 Federal spending in Alaska will not continue at current levels indefinitely. Recently, the level of federal funding in Alaska has received criticism from other states and their legislators. Alaska had the lowest rate of wage increase in the US it was number 50 among all states in Alaska is losing population in the segment of ages 20 to 55, the primary wage-earning years. Older and younger populations which tend to be supported by the earnings of the middle age group are growing. As a percentage of total earnings, earnings in Alaska from transfer payments are rising. In the rest of the US, earnings from transfer payments are falling. This issue is particularly acute in rural Alaska. Contractions either in the price of oil, or in oil revenues as the North Slope's output naturally diminishes, could create serious fiscal impacts and shortfalls at the state level that would impact residents statewide. Economic Environment Regional and Local Trends Exactly how these trends or considerations will impact the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, or Trapper Creek, is hard to foresee. While the growth in MSB is very much dependent on the overall growth of Alaska, the MSB anticipates that future population and economic growth will be steady as people continue to discover the region s unique qualities. The Borough and State governments are both working actively to create a more diverse and stable locally-based economy. Actions include work on the following projects: A Bridge across Knik Arm The Point MacKenzie Port The Hatcher Pass Ski Area South Denali tourism development Movement of retail and service jobs from Anchorage Table 2.2. Population Change in MSB Communities Population Change in Select MSB Communities, Population Trends In terms of populations, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is the fastest growing area in Alaska. Over a remarkably short period of time, places like Wasilla have gone from just a handful of buildings and residences, to large diverse communities. Wasilla was a sleepy, wide spot in the road with a population of 300 people in 1974; in 2000 the population was 5,469. In the MSB, population grew from 39,683 to 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 Meadow Lakes Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06 COMMUNITY CONTEXT 19 Wasilla Palmer Houston Willow Talkeetna Trapper Creek Data: US Census 2000; State of Alaska, Department of Labor and Workforce Development

6 59,322 between the US Census 1990 and 2000, an increase of almost 50% in 10 years. In contrast, Alaska s population as a whole grew 14% in the same period. While most of the Borough s growth took place in Wasilla, Palmer and Meadow Lakes (see Table 2.2), Trapper Creek has also seen modest growth, due primarily to retirees and second home owners, many of whom are transplants from Anchorage, Palmer and Wasilla. Between the US Census 1990 and 2000, Trapper Creek's population increased by 127 people, or about 30%. Also during that time, several new businesses opened in the area, and winter visitation increased. Tourism Growth Rates Like Alaska as a whole, tourism grew dramatically in the MSB between 1990 and Most recently, as Table 2.3 shows, out-ofstate visitors to Alaska have continued to grow, but at a declining rate. Trapper Creek s natural features and proximity to Denali National Park have brought an increase of tourists to the area. Denali attracts nearly half of all the tourists that come to Alaska. Table 2.3. Out-of-State Visitors Trends for Alaska Source: Alaska Visitor Statistics Program and ATIA Trapper Creek is directly affected by the following tourism growth: McKinley Princess Lodge, located just north of the Trapper Creek Community Council area, already employs about 250 people. Princess is currently working to increase the number of rooms at its McKinley lodge by 1/3. Holland America is acquiring land north of Trapper Creek for the purpose of building a lodge. The preferred alternative building site in the Draft South Denali Implementation Plan is on the Parks Highway, just north of the Trapper Creek Community Council boundary; other components of the proposed development are in and around the Trapper Creek Community Council area. Projections for visitation to the South Denali Visitors Center estimate the area will grow to 250,000 visitors or more to the site each year. The Alaska Railroad is working to develop a new visitor destination north of Talkeetna in the Curry Ridge area. 20 COMMUNITY CONTEXT Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06

7 Currently, 70% of the revenues generated by the MSB bed tax come from the Upper Susitna Valley. 4 Visitation to nearby Talkeetna has increased from approximately 30,000 annual visitors to over 150,000 visitors in the last decade. The North Denali Park Entrance saw slightly more than 400,000 visitors last year, representing a 12% increase over the previous year. The number of out-of-town snowmachine visitors has been increasing yearly. The number of fishing recreators is increasing. Such issues are important for the community of Trapper Creek to acknowledge and plan for. Goals and strategies the community has identified for such growth are detailed in the Land Use, Recreation, Environment and Economic Development sections of this plan. Natural and Physical Environment The Trapper Creek Community Council Area is located at the northern end of the Matanuska- Susitna Borough, at the base of the tallest mountains in North America, the Alaska Range. The land rises slowly from the south, starting with the open, mostly forested Susitna River drainage, to central highlands that form the upper reaches of Moose Creek, Kroto Creek and other smaller creeks and streams, and then fall again gently to the north, draining into the Chulitna River. Elevations range from approximately 400 feet at the lowest point in the south, to Bunco Bump at 1100 feet in the north (see Physical Characteristics: Topography & Natural Features map on page 29). Overall, the Trapper Creek Community Council area is fairly flat. Topography and Climate Just north of the Trapper Creek Community Council area rise the foothills of the Alaska Range. From east to west, these include the Peters Hills, the sharp peaks of the Tokosha s just across the Tokositna River, then the rolling hills of Denali State Park, and in the northeast, the southern extension of Curry Ridge. The Physical Characteristics: Soil Suitability map (see page 30) identifies major stream corridors in the area, as well as the general reveals: a significant portion of the Trapper Creek area probably at least 50% of the land is physically marginal for development, largely due to wet, poorly drained soils. Travel overland in the summer on foot in the area is difficult due to the large wetland areas and numerous small streams. Likewise, road and trail construction is difficult and costly. At the same time, the same features that are such barriers to summer travel become vast highways for rapid travel by snowmachine, dog sled and skis in winter, often with breathtaking views of the Alaska Range. Located in a climatic transition zone, Trapper Creek is between the maritime zone of Cook Inlet and the continental climate to the north. The area is far enough inland to get summer temperatures that can be 5-10 degrees warmer than what is common closer to Cook Inlet. At the same time, the area s more northern location and slightly higher elevation means colder, longer winters. Situated on the south side of the Alaska Range with Mt. McKinley, North America s 4 Since 1996, the amount of bed-tax revenues has soared from more than $160,000 a year to more than $800,000 this year. All but about $87,000 of the more than $640,000 increase has come from the Upper Susitna Valley. Source: Anchorage Daily News article, Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06 COMMUNITY CONTEXT 21

8 highest peak at 20,320 feet, Trapper Creek captures twice the rain and snow than areas north of the mountain range. Geology and Soils The Alaska Range was created by the collision of the Pacific and Continental plates, and past volcanic activities. Besides dominating the weather (and creating potential earthquakes on the Denali Fault) the range influences regional drainage patterns and is home to several large glaciers ranging between 35 and 45 miles long and up to 4 miles in width. The glaciers from the north, and the water and waterborne sediments of the Chulitna, Susitna and Talkeetna Rivers, have historically shaped the land. The most visible evidence of the glaciers effects is the strong pattern of vegetation crossing north-south through the community. A closer look reveals a number of low glacial moraines lying in parallel bands across the area. Larger glacial erratics, the size of small houses, are scattered over the land and in the midst of an otherwise low-relief landscape. Much of the area is covered by poorly-drained, silty soils, left behind by retreating glaciers, which in turn contribute to the area s extensive system of wetlands. The Physical Characteristics: Soil Suitability map (see page 30) shows the general pattern of wetlands in the area. At least half of the community is made up of bogs, requiring hip waders for a dry crossing. Soils in the region are a complex mix resulting from past glaciation (with ground moraines, drumlin fields, eskers and glacial outwash) and past and current drainage. On the community s southeastern side, rivers have brought in very different soils relatively deep, river sediments capable of supporting a range of crops. Hydrology Two major rivers run through the Trapper Creek Community Council area the Chulitna and Susitna rivers. Additional, tributaries of a third major river run through the area, along with Kroto and Moose creeks which feed the Deshka River. Drainage in the area extends down from the Alaska Range via snowfall, rain and glacier melt, across the rolling tundra-covered hills through the lowlands below and toward Cook Inlet. There are numerous lakes, streams, and wetlands in the area. The public value of two local drainage corridors for recreation and subsistence, Kroto and Moose Creeks, has been recognized by the Alaska Legislature. Both these creeks feed into the Deshka River, and provide significant habitat areas for the small fry. In 1988 they were designated Susitna Basin Recreation Rivers. A management plan for them was adopted in 1991 that dictates use and management of State and MSB land for habitat, recreation, and water quality. Vegetation Vegetation in the area includes bands of willow, alder, spruce, birch, aspen and cottonwood, separated by bands of wetlands. At higher elevations in the north, alders are more common. Wetland sites are primarily muskeg (peat bog) which provides a home for an abundance of plants that thrive in the wet, acid soil; sphagnum moss is the mainstay. Fish and Wildlife The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife and also provides migratory corridors for a number of species. 22 COMMUNITY CONTEXT Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06

9 Small mammals include lynx (listed a species of concern under the Endangered Species Act), fox, beaver, wolverine, land otter, mink, short tailed weasel and least weasel, marten, snowshoe hare, red and flying squirrels, porcupine, muskrat, marmot, pica, and coyote. 5 The streams that cross the community bring in runs of several salmon species. Fish species include five species of Pacific salmon and eight other important freshwater game fish. These include king, coho, sockeye, chum, and pink salmon, lake and rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, northern pike, whitefish, and burbot. Non-game fish species include blackfish, longnose sucker, slimy sculpin, and Arctic lampreys. 6 These fish in turn attract numerous brown and black bears, who den in uplands to the north, and stagger down into the region in early summer. Other large mammals include caribou, moose, wolves and coyote. Black bear range in forested areas while brown bears show a preference for open areas. Caribou, moose and wolves use a range of habitats. The area s streams, lakes and wetlands attract a wide range of migratory birdlife, including swans, loons, raptors, golden eagles, bald eagles (mostly in summer), sand hill cranes and three species of concern under the Endangered Species Act the northern goshawk, olive-sided flycatcher, and the American peregrine falcon. Non-migratory birds are also abundant, including ravens, magpies, downy woodpeckers, chickadees, spruce grouse, brown creeper, gyrfalcon, pine grosbeak, redpoll, willow and rock ptarmigans, and several species of owls. Waterfowl are numerous including the migratory trumpeter swans, harlequin ducks, Canadian geese and tule greater white-fronted geese. Land Ownership, Management and Use Patterns Because the majority of the Trapper Creek area s land is state-owned and managed, and because a major goal of the state has been to use public land to contribute to the local and regional economy when state oil revenues decline, 7 Trapper Creek s land resources have been carefully mapped and evaluated for economic and settlement potential in the Susitna Area Plan. The Land Use, Recreation, Environment section includes a map showing the land use designations established in this area by the Susitna Area Plan. See page 34. Existing Land Ownership Today, the Trapper Creek area is home to approximately 440 full-time residents. Land ownership, shown on the Land Ownership map (see page 2), follows a fairly simple pattern. Private land is found in two main areas: concentrated along the Petersville Road, a consequence of the original homesteads in the area, and in outlying areas which generally lack road access. These latter parcels reflect different state land disposal programs, including the open to entry programs in the 1960 s and 1970 s, and continuing to the subdivision and remote parcel programs of the 1980 s and 1990 s, with most parcels clustered near lakes and streams. The University of Alaska holds title to approximately 4,600 acres of land in several large parcels within the Trapper Creek Community Council area. A bill pending the State Legislature would grant the University additional lands in this area. While the University is affiliated with the State government and receives public funding, University lands are managed essentially as private 5 DNR 1980 data, Petersville Road Corridor Management Plan page DNR 1980 data, Petersville Road Corridor Management Plan page Susitna Area Plan, page 10. Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06 COMMUNITY CONTEXT 23

10 property. The University land management staff is aggressive in carrying out their mandate to use these lands to generate revenue for University financial needs. Borough lands surround these private lands, stretching along the Parks Highway and the first 6 miles of Petersville Road. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough manages its lands for the benefit of all borough residents. This means that in some instances the Matanuska-Susitna Borough retains lands for public uses such as schools and parks, and in other instances sells lands to generate revenue to pay for public services and to open up land for residents. The Matanuska- Susitna Borough owns a large majority of the most accessible, developable land in the area, and is likely to sell at least portions of this land in the next 5-20 years. The State of Alaska is the owner of the remainder of the land in Trapper Creek, a total of approximately 91,000 acres. Community Infrastructure Trapper Creek s infrastructure is provided by a mixture of MSB or State funds, and private residents, with a limited number of public utilities and facilities contributing to service delivery. Utilities There is no public water and sewer system in Trapper Creek. Residents water and sewer service is provided by individual wells and septic tanks. The school also is self-sufficient, operating its own permitted well water system. Trash is removed by residents, who have access to a MSB refuse transfer station located on the Parks Highway, milepost Electricity is provided by Matanuska Electric Association and is available along the Parks Highway (until milepost 121, north of Trapper Creek), along the first 6 miles of the Petersville Road, the first mile of Oilwell Road, along the first 3 miles of East Petersville Road and the first 2 miles of Bradley Road. Residents beyond these points use individual generators or solar/battery systems. Regular telephone service is available to parts of the community, and where it is not available, Matanuska Telephone Association provides radio telephone service. 8 More details on these topics are presented in the Public Services & Facilities section. Deleted: Milepost Deleted: Milepost Public Facilities There is one school located in the community and this is an elementary school. Local hospitals or health clinics include Valley Hospital in Palmer or Sunshine Community Health Center in the Sunshine area. Trapper Creek is classified as a highway village, it is found in EMS Region 2C in the Mat-Su Region. Emergency services have highway and air access. Emergency service is provided by 911 telephone service and volunteers. Auxiliary health care is provided by Trapper Creek Ambulance Service, Valley Hospital in Palmer, Sunshine Community Health Center in Talkeetna or Anchorage hospitals. 9 Talkeetna Ambulance Service will also serve the area when in need. Trapper Creek s infrastructure strengths include the elementary school, an EMS system and ambulance bay, community center and park, library and museum. They also have auxiliary power, postal service with a local post office and a decent telephone system (microwave). The area also boasts several gas stations and a general food store. The community s infrastructure 8 Petersville Road Corridor Management Plan, page 4. 9 State of Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development 24 COMMUNITY CONTEXT Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06

11 weaknesses include only one main road, no helicopter medevac, no public safety building and no sewage lagoon. There is a lack of trails along the roadside for those wishing as many residents do to safely travel by non-motorized means. Transportation Trapper Creek is accessible from the Parks Highway about 17 miles north of the Talkeetna Spur Road. The Parks Highway provides access to Alaska s major transportation and population centers and serves local and through traffic between the coastal and interior areas of Alaska. It serves the everyday mobility needs of people who live in the communities located along the length of the highway. There are no alternate routes and few access roads join the highway. It also serves the scenic and recreational demands of Alaskan residents and tourists. From Willow to Trapper Creek, the 2000 traffic volume was 2,200 vehicles per day. This average annual daily traffic volume is expected to grow to 4,700 by Although residents state that there is more residential traffic than tourism traffic, summer volume may be twice the annual average. 10 At the intersection of the Parks Highway and the Petersville Road, the possibility of a future diamond interchange has been explored. This will be studied to see if it is the ultimate solution to reduce through and local traffic conflicts. The project requires an 18-degree realignment and relocation of one business, is estimated to cost $19.7 million (in 2001 dollars) and would include frontage roads that would extend from milepost 114 to Starting at milepost of the Parks Highway, Petersville Road connects the Trapper Creek and Petersville communities. It leads northwest 40 miles, and has an average daily traffic count of 200 vehicles. The Petersville Road area is becoming a popular snowmachine destination because of the abundant snow, suitable terrain, and public access to the backcountry. The traffic volume on Petersville Road is now higher in the winter than summer. 12 Deleted: Milepost Deleted: Milepost Summary While not definite, history and research supports the theory that Trapper Creek will experience substantial change in the coming years. The continued population growth of Matanuska-Susitna Borough, improvements in access and communications technology, large quantity of land potentially available for development, and proximity to Denali State and National Parks all set the stage for change in the area. The following page contains quotes from the Trapper Creek Tomorrow Workshop and community member interviews, where residents described aspects of their community that they enjoy. The prevailing opinion is that Trapper Creek is a special place. Trapper Creek recognizes the pressures for change, and the benefits that could come from it, yet want to maintain the quality of life that initially brought them to the area. Through this comprehensive planning process, the community has developed a plan which will guide such change to benefit local residents and maintain the qualities residents enjoy most about their community. 10 Parks Highway Corridor Management Plan, ADOT, November 2002, page Parks Highway Corridor Management Plan, ADOT, November 2002, page Parks Highway Corridor Management Plan, ADOT, November 2002, page Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06 COMMUNITY CONTEXT 25

12 Residents Views What Is Special About Trapper Creek? Deleted: Speak Deleted: about Trapper Creek Good people, good neighbors dream of a different kind of life History mining, homesteads, tradition of agriculture Recreation opportunities open land for exploring, hunting, fishing Beautiful countryside; incredible views of Alaska Range Healthy natural environment Rural lifestyle homesteads and wilderness, cheap to live here 26 COMMUNITY CONTEXT Trapper Creek Comprehensive Plan January 06