Seven New Grants Awarded
The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation board of directors approved seven new grants at the end of June. This grant program would not be possible without the support of the Mat-Su Health Foundation and individuals like you who help support our program. These seven grants continue our vision and mission of an integrated trail and park network throughout the Mat-Su Borough. Please join us in celebrating these new grant awards!
Aurora Dog Mushers Club ~ Funding to help with long-term lease for non-motorized winter trail easements through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. They maintain a network of over 20 miles of trails the club uses for training and sprint race competitions. While the trails are open to the public for all non-motorized winter trail uses, they are maintained primarily for the dog mushing community so if you are out and about not mushing….give those mushers the right-of-way. They are moving fast!
Great Land Trust ~ Funding to help establish a community park project in Settlers Bay. This future park will be a wonderful community asset with wooded trails, and views out along the tidal flats.
Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center ~ Funding to assist with the installation of multiple avalanche safety signs in Hatcher Pass. Look for the new “Are You Beeping?” signs this winter. These are the first to be installed in Alaska. Helping all winter users stay safe in the backcountry.
Hatcher Alpine Xperience ~ Funding to continuing clearing additional alpine ski trails. If you haven’t seen the work this volunteer group has accomplished, you should travel up next winter to Mile 10.6 on the road to Hatcher Pass and get out and carve a few turns. They are a hard working group!
Mat-Su Borough ~ West Butte Trail improvements. OK, I think most anyone in the valley who has traversed the Butte knows that cutting trails simply causes more erosion! Well here is one project to address some of the most imperiled sections. The Borough trail crew will installing new trail stabilization walls.
Mountaineering Club of Alaska ~ Are you a fan of huts like Snowbird, and Bomber…well…a new one is on the way. This grant will help fund the construction of the Seth Holden Hut in a valley north of Montana Peak. This will add another loop to your Bomber traverse.
Student Conservation Association ~ Getting youth engaged in conservation and trail work is important. Each generation has a turn at being good stewards of our lands. This grant will help SCA work with the Mat-Su Borough to identify and have their youth trail crew actively engaged in maintaining high priority trail projects in our Borough.
EASIEST WAY TO DONATE For Alaskans
While applying for their PFD online, Alaskans can choose to Pick.Click.Give. in increments of $25. All donations are tax deductible and donors will receive tax documentation from the State once their donations have been processed. Permanent Fund Dividend applications are available from January 1 to March 31, though Alaskans may choose to add or adjust their pledges online through August 31.
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Grants and Event Sponsorships
The Mat-Su Trails & Parks Foundation partners with organizations and local governments on projects and efforts that expand and enhance the valley’s network of trails and parks. Find out how we can help fund your next trail, park, or recreation project!
