Plan + Resources
Nestled in the Mat-Su Borough is our dream of world-class trails and parks, always honoring the Dena’ina and Ahtna lands. Our mission: To be the Resource, Inspiration, and Catalyst for Trail and Park Development in the Mat-Su Borough.
Our Core Pillars
- Creating opportunities and building robust connections.
- Nurturing partnership, fostering stewardship.
- Advocating equity & accessibility for all.
Key Objectives
- People: Engage the community, underscoring trails’ transformative essence.
- Partnerships: Collaborate widely, ensuring trail inclusion in major plans.
- Resources: Power our initiatives, aiming for a $10 million investment future.
- Connections: Craft a standout trail system, bridging park gaps.
Together, we’re making the Mat-Su Borough a beacon for trails and parks. Be part of this journey.
Trail Resources
Whether you are just starting to work on a new trail project within your community or seeking information on the trails throughout the borough, the following pages provides ample data for your use. Don’t see something you need? Please contact us at 907-746-8757, and we will do our best to locate that information for you. If you have resources you would like to suggest we add to these pages, please reach out and let us know.
US Forest Service Trail Fundamentals – Lots of guidelines and definitions
US Federal Highway Administration – Includes information for most types of terrestrial trails
IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) – Free online list of resources
NOHVCC (National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council) – Many resources for all trails, including off-highway vehicles
Alaska Trails – Statewide nonprofit with a wealth of trails information on their website. They also provide many services, including instruction in trail building.
Alaska State Parks Trail Plans
Alaska State Parks Trail Management Handbook (2015)
U.S. Forest Service – Designing Sustainable Off-Highway Vehicle Trails
U.S. Forest Service – Managing Degraded Off-Highway Vehicle Trails
USDA – A Comprehensive Framework for OHV Trail Mgmt
Mat-Su Borough Trails Plan – This plan was adopted by the Mat-Su Borough in 2000 and has been updated most recently in 2008. This – and other local trails plans – provided some background for the trails plan being developed by the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation (this website) in collaboration with the Mat-Su Health Foundation and Mat-Su Borough.
Alaska 2023-2027
2013 Master Plan
The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation worked for over a year on the development of a trails and parks master plan for the Mat-Su. This report is the result of many one-on-one meetings, as well as nine community meetings. The plan was released in July 2013, and we have begun implementing the plan with the trails community and our partners the Mat-Su Health Foundation and Mat-Su Borough. Join us is completing this vision for our communities! Download the document here and contact us on how we can work together for the future of our trails and parks.