2025 MSTPF Grants

Over $675,000 was granted out to 14 different organizations working to improve trails and parks across the Mat-Su Borough! These exemplary projects work to increase and support the long-term viability of outdoor access in the MSB, address health and safety concerns for Mat-Su residents, and continue to provide outdoor opportunities for a diversity of users.

Alaska Trails – Pioneer Peak Trail Rehabilitation – $27,300
The primary objective of this project is to continue rehabilitation of the first section of the Pioneer Peak Trail, a steep and popular route in the Mat-Su Borough. The trail has long suffered from wet, muddy sections and erosion, limiting access and creating safety concerns. This project builds on last season’s progress by completing remaining reconstruction work, stabilizing problematic areas, and improving trail sustainability. Enhancements include improved drainage, tread reinforcement, and safer, more accessible trail surfaces. The work will reduce long-term maintenance needs while enhancing the overall experience for hikers, supporting a trail heavily used for recreation, training, and local outdoor education.

City of Wasilla – Lake Lucile Park Improvements – $37,500
This project aims to enhance Lake Lucile Park’s trail network, parking facilities, and signage system. The upper parking area will be widened and paved to reduce congestion and improve safety, particularly during peak use by families, seniors, and recreational groups. Trail improvements will enhance the 0.4-mile inner loop by widening paths, clearing overgrowth, and providing smoother, safer access for walkers, runners, and bikers. Updated signage throughout the park will improve wayfinding and highlight rules and amenities. These upgrades build on prior work and aim to maintain Lake Lucile Park as a safe, welcoming, and ADA-compliant community resource used by thousands annually.

Mountaineering Club of Alaska – Hut Assessment – $4,000
This funding supported a scouting and maintenance trip in the Talkeetna Mountains to advance the region’s hut network. A two-person MCA team will evaluate potential sites for a new hut, focusing on water access, terrain suitability, and environmental impact. The team will also inspect the existing Dnigi Hut for maintenance needs, including structural elements, walls, and windows. These efforts ensure the long-term safety and usability of the Dnigi Hut while planning for expanded access, benefiting over 450 annual users, including local adventurers and visitors seeking year-round opportunities for hiking, skiing, and mountaineering.

Meadow Lakes Community Development – Meadow Lakes Pump Track – $25,000
The goal of this project is to construct a one-acre pump track within Meadow Lakes Community Park, providing a safe, dedicated space for cycling away from roads and parking areas. The track will be nearby existing multi-use trails and serve children, teens, and adults, offering a venue for skill-building, recreation, and community events. Serving 8,000–10,000 residents annually, the park is the only multi-purpose recreational area within a 35-mile radius, making this track a valuable addition. The project encourages active lifestyles, enhances outdoor recreation opportunities, and supports inclusive, safe play for local families.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough – Jonesville Public Use Area Design – $50,000
This project focuses on planning and design for improvements at the heavily used Jonesville Public Use Area, which sees over 50,000 visitors annually. Design work will include a designated shooting range, restrooms, and a separated campground, along with signage to clarify rules and improve user safety. Completing this planning phase will establish a foundation for future construction, improved access, and long-term site management. These enhancements address critical safety and sanitation needs while expanding recreational opportunities for both local residents and visitors.

Mat-Su Ski Club – Government Peak Recreation Area Trail Planning – $20,000
This funding supports professional engineering and design services for GPRA multi-use trails. The project will map potential trail extensions, evaluate stadium and equipment building expansions, and identify bridge locations and structural requirements. Detailed planning ensures sustainable trail design that meets increasing demand from recreational and competitive skiers, while enhancing accessibility and safety. These efforts will guide future construction, support year-round outdoor recreation, and ensure trail expansion aligns with community needs.

Student Conservation Association – Mat-Su Borough Corps Team – $62,332
The goal of this project was funding a six-week corps team to maintain and improve trails across the Mat-Su Borough, including Lazy Moose, Morgan Equestrian, Eska Falls, and Talkeetna-area trails. The team will reopen overgrown corridors, improve drainage, and maintain tread surfaces, ensuring year-round trail access and sustainability. Benefits extend to hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and Nordic skiers, while providing conservation experience and land management training for young adults entering the field. The project strengthens trail systems used by a wide range of residents and visitors.

Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers – Uptrack Trail Design – $11,230
This project will fund design work to reroute 1.5 miles of lower mountain bike trails at GPRA. The new route will provide a one-way uphill path for cyclists while keeping trails two-way for hikers, reducing conflicts and improving safety. The design will also facilitate maintenance, adaptive biking, and emergency access. These improvements support a more sustainable trail system and better serve Mat-Su recreational users.

Willow Area Community Organization – Summer Trail Maintenance Equipment – $17,978
This initiative will purchase a 4-wheeler and Rammy 120 Brush Cutter to improve summer trail maintenance in Willow. The equipment allows the committee to safely manage overgrowth, including fast-growing vegetation, improving trail accessibility and safety. It also supports preparation for winter trail use, benefiting hikers, bikers, skiers, and local recreation programs. By replacing manual work with efficient equipment, the project ensures long-term trail usability and community access.

Alaska Trails – Denali State Park Trail Maintenance – $37,014
The objective of this project is to fund a five-person professional trail crew to perform maintenance in Denali State Park’s Kesugi and Curry Ridge trails. Tasks include clearing downed trees, brushing corridors, improving tread, and enhancing drainage. A two-day volunteer event will engage the community in trail preservation. These efforts maintain safe and accessible trails for hikers, backpackers, skiers, and hunters, while reducing future maintenance needs and enhancing the experience for tens of thousands of visitors.

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center – 16 Mile Road Run Kiosk – $19,309
This project will construct a permanent informational kiosk at the top of 16 Mile Road Run and replace damaged signage at lower access points. The kiosk provides avalanche safety information, park rules, and other resources for winter recreationists. Highly visible, permanent signage improves safety awareness, reduces vandalism costs, and enhances outreach to the broader community.

Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center – Snowmachine Purchase – $12,482
The goal of this initiative is to purchase a snowmachine to enhance avalanche forecasting and safety outreach in Hatcher Pass. Improved terrain access allows forecasters to collect snowpack data efficiently and provide education for snowmachine users. The snowmachine also supports expanding forecast coverage, helping HPAC reach winter recreationists who may lack avalanche training, thereby improving community safety.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough – GPRA Trail Signage – $37,220
This project will develop and install a unified signage system throughout GPRA trails. Signs will include trail markers, directional arrows, and maps at key intersections and trailheads to enhance navigation, safety, and accessibility for hikers, bikers, and skiers. Durable materials ensure minimal maintenance, and collaboration with local user groups ensures the system meets community needs. The network will serve approximately 300,000 annual users.

Skeetawk – Snow Groomer – $95,000
This funding supports the purchase of a 2015 Pisten Bully 600W Polar snow groomer to support current cat-skiing operations and prepare for expansion into 500-acre Phase 1b terrain. The groomer improves trail grooming efficiency, reliability, and safety, particularly for denser man-made snow. This upgrade ensures quality skiing conditions for over 30,000 annual visitors and positions Skeetawk for future expansion.

Willow Area Community Organization – Winter Grooming Equipment – $26,000
This initiative will purchase two utility-style snowmachines and pull-behind groomers for winter trail maintenance across three Willow trail systems. This equipment replaces aging machinery, improving safety, accessibility, and consistent trail grooming. Trails maintained include those used for multi-use recreation and the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, supporting residents and visitors.

Alaska Trappers Association – Trapping Signage – $4,460
The goal of this project is to design, produce, and install 260 trailhead signs across the Mat-Su Borough to educate users about trapping setbacks, allowed and prohibited areas, and safety guidelines. Signs include pet safety information and season dates. Signs will be maintained and replaced annually, ensuring public safety and compliance.

City of Houston – Park Planning – $50,000
This funding supports development of a master plan for a 153-acre site at Little Susitna Campground, transforming it into an inclusive, environmentally resilient park. The plan will guide creation of accessible trails, multi-use ball fields, all-abilities playgrounds, picnic areas, and community gathering spaces. Fire-resistant and habitat-enhancing landscaping, ADA compliance, and community engagement will ensure the park meets long-term recreational and cultural needs. This plan serves as the foundation for phased construction and long-term stewardship.

Mat-Su Ski Club – Trailhead Signage and Improvements – $11,200
This project will install a wooden welcome kiosk and updated signage at GPRA. Improvements consolidate three entry points, enhance visitor orientation, and provide consistent trail maps for year-round users. Minor trail realignment, ADA-accessible picnic tables, and a small gravel gathering area improve safety and usability. 

Matanuska-Susitna Borough – Greenbelt Signage – $10,282
The initiative will improve wayfinding and safety across the 33-mile Matanuska Greenbelt Trail system. The project includes over 300 standardized signs with “you are here” maps, property boundary markers, QR codes linked to OuterSpatial, and directional signage at trailheads and major intersections. Additional enhancements include dog waste stations and bear-proof garbage containers. These improvements reduce confusion, improve safety, and ensure coordinated long-term maintenance across multiple landowners.