- Willow Dog Mushers Association – Iditarod Interpretive Sign Project, $16,000: aims to create an engaging and informative interpretive panel through comprehensive research, writing, design, editing, and printing by Alaska State Parks Interpretive and Education Unit. Strategically positioned in a high-visibility area adjacent to the Willow Public Library, Willow Community Center, Willow Historical Museum, and the winter trailhead parking area, the sign will offer valuable insights into the rich history and significance of the Iditarod, providing an educational resource for the community and visitors alike. This project underscores the association’s commitment to enhancing public awareness and appreciation of the iconic Iditarod Trail.
- Alaska Trails – Alaska Mountain Bike Summit at GPRA, $3,500: a pivotal two-day conference uniting mountain bike enthusiasts, groups, and supporters from around Alaska. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Government Peak Chalet, this event on October 14th and 15th, 2023, served as a collaborative platform for sharing resources, knowledge, best practices, and fostering enthusiasm to advance the development of more robust and high-quality mountain bike trails across Alaska. The summit reflects Alaska Trails’ commitment to community engagement, knowledge exchange, and the continuous improvement of mountain biking experiences throughout the state.
- Alaska State Parks – Tarn Point Trail Planning, $3,000: enhance the Tarn Point Trail, the existing terminus for the Curry to K’esugi Connector Trail Project. The proposed trail work aims to address the sensitivity of the habitat through strategic planning, ensuring its sustainability and ability to accommodate increased traffic expected from the Curry Connector Project. This grant underscores Alaska State Parks’ commitment to thoughtful trail management, fostering ecological preservation while facilitating outdoor recreational access in the region.
- Meadow Lake Community Council Park Trail Development, $25,000: aims to expand and enhance trail infrastructure within the Meadow Lakes Community Park. Situated on a recently deeded 40-acre wooded site, the project is a collaboration between Meadow Lakes Community Council (MLCC) and Meadow Lakes Community Development (MLCD), a 501(c)(3) organization. With a trail plan designed by Happy Trails, LLC and marked in 2022, the project’s 2023/2024 objectives include constructing two bridges, addressing trail surface challenges, removing hazardous trees, and installing directional signs to improve approximately 2 and 1/2 miles of trails, fostering community engagement and outdoor recreational opportunities.
- Skeetawk Mid-Mountain Trail System, $60,000: aims to transform Skeetawk’s mid-mountain terrain into a versatile recreational hub for both summer and winter activities. By developing trails that provide access to the higher alpine region, the project seeks to offer hiking and biking opportunities during the summer, catering to enthusiasts of all skill levels. In the winter, the trail network will facilitate snowcat access to the mid-mountain terrain, supporting the growth of winter alpine activities such as education courses, tour cat services, competition teams, and eventually expanding lift-accessed skiing and snowboarding. The trail development not only addresses a significant parking issue for Mat-Su summertime recreationists in Hatcher Pass but also contributes to the broader vision of connecting with the proposed GPRA to 16-mile traverse, aligning with the AK Long Trail Project and enhancing outdoor recreational experiences in the region.
- Mat-Su Ski Club – Grooming Equipment, $100,000: acquire a new PistenBully 100, a crucial asset aimed at ensuring impeccably groomed trails for Nordic skiers, walkers, and bikers across popular trail systems. With the additional benefit of a second PistenBully providing backup capability, this investment holds particular significance in preparing for the Arctic Winter Games in 2024 and aligns with the commitment to elevate the Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA) into a world-class venue. Furthermore, the grooming equipment may offer a potential solution for grooming at Independence Mine and Archangel Road, extending the positive impact of this grant beyond the immediate scope of the Mat-Su Ski Club.
- Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers – GPRA Mountain Bike Trail Repairs, $19,851: the primary objective to enhance existing mountain bike trails at the Government Peak Recreation Area (GPRA). Focused on rectifying damages caused by 2022 rain events and fortifying the trails against future environmental challenges, the project employs innovative methods such as a chartered helicopter to transport super sacks of gravel to 23 identified trail sections. VMBaH volunteers, equipped with new tools including a plate compactor, will diligently work to improve trail surfaces, and a rented mini excavator will be employed to add necessary drainage features to key sections, ensuring the long-term resilience of GPRA’s mountain biking infrastructure.
- City of Wasilla – Iditapark Paved Trails, $35,000: the primary goal of connecting two currently unpaved sections to enhance accessibility and ease of use in the park. Spanning approximately 0.21 miles on the west side and a quarter of a mile in a shortcut loop in the middle, the completion of these sections will result in a fully ADA accessible trail network, providing a valuable asset to the park’s users. As the busiest of the City’s parks, this project aligns with the City of Wasilla’s commitment to maintaining and improving its recreational infrastructure, with dedicated staff and budget resources allocated for the continued care and enhancement of the completed trail network.
- Great Land Trust – Settlers Bay Coastal Park Expansion, $10,000: Grant funding for expansion of Settlers Bay Coastal Park.
- Alaska State Parks Lynx Lake Loop, $49,944: primarily aimed at enhancing visitor safety on the Lynx Lake Canoe Loop at Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. Deteriorating infrastructure and obstacles posed by beetle-killed spruce trees have compromised trail accessibility and campsite conditions, prompting Alaska State Parks to rehabilitate boardwalks, replace latrines, improve signage, and clear trails of hazardous trees. The allocation of funds will primarily support a dedicated 3-person crew and cover the purchase of necessary tools and materials, ensuring the successful implementation of these vital safety and infrastructure improvements in the Lynx Lake area.
- Mountaineering Club of Alaska – Mint Hut Expansion, $60,000: aiming to increase the capacity of the Mint Hut, a crucial facility along the renowned Bomber Traverse in the Talkeetna Mountains above Palmer. As the most popular hut on this iconic route, the expansion is pivotal in alleviating overcrowding during the peak summer season, providing essential additional shelter, and reducing the environmental impact of camping in the surrounding meadow. Leveraging Mountaineering Club funds and volunteer in-kind labor for planning and construction, the project aligns with the club’s commitment to maintaining these huts and supporting trail maintenance, with approvals secured from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and State Parks.
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game – Old Nelson Road Fish Passage Improvement, $34,750: This initiative aims to design alternatives addressing the critical issue of four failing Spring Creek culvert crossings on a relic section of Nelson Road within the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge. MSTPF funding will help secure all three pedestrian crossings, fostering increased accessibility for pedestrians and bikers along the entire length of Nelson Road. This comprehensive approach not only ensures immediate improvements but also lays the groundwork for future trail expansion and connectivity, aligning with the project’s commitment to enhancing ecological sustainability and recreational opportunities in the area.
- Rotary Club of Susitna – Little Su Rotary Park, $40,000 – the primary objective of constructing a boardwalk to complete an accessible trail within the City Limits of Houston, Alaska. This trail will not only feature an interpretive section with educational signs on Water Safety but also extend Susitna Rotary’s Water Safety Project, aiming to educate young children and prevent child drownings. The trail’s non-interpretive portion will include an accessible viewing platform and loop trail, providing nature and river viewing in the core area of Houston, addressing current impassable sections affected by standing water and marshy conditions during the spring, summer, and fall. The project aligns with Susitna Rotary’s commitment to enhancing community safety and recreational opportunities in the region.
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.
Apply for Funding
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!
