The Chugach National Forest is seeking public comment on proposed construction of five new public use cabins funded by federal infrastructure funding.
According to a Tuesday news release by the forest, a need was identified for the forest to increase the capacity and accessibility of cabins — owing to changes in user trends.
The five cabins are set to be constructed in four locations in the Glacier and Seward Ranger Districts.
At Granite Creek Campground, located near Moose Pass, two cabins are proposed.
Along the Turnagain Pass Trail segment of the Iditarod National Historic Trail, the Tincan Cabin is proposed. The release notes that most users will access the cabin by a roughly 3-mile hike from Center Ridge Trailhead near Girdwood.
The Porcupine Cabin is proposed for construction within Porcupine Campground near Hope, between campsites 14 and 15 and close to the Gull Rock Trail.
Finally, the Meridian Cabin is proposed for the east side of Meridian Lake, close to Bear Creek and Seward. The cabin would be accessed using either the Grayling Lake Trail and the Iditarod National Historic Trail.
According to the release, input and ideas from the public are “crucial in designing, analyzing, and implementing successful cabin projects.” Helpful comments identify specific issues or suggestions to improve the projects. The comment period, which does not have a set end date, will be followed by public meetings that will be scheduled later this summer.
Comments can be submitted via email to darin.watschke@usda.gov or by mail to Darin Watschke, 161 E 1st Ave, Door 8, Anchorage, AK, 99501.
Further details on each of the cabins — including maps and images of proposed styles — can be found at fs.usda.gov/projects/chugach/landmanagement/projects.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
