In This Issue
Text of this issue
Iditarod HistoricTrail Alliance February 2018 The Tripod PO Box 2323 Seward AK 99664 IditarodHTA@gmail.com http://www.Iditarod100.org The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. The Trail for all Seasons The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance promotes public awareness of the Iditarod Trail and its gold rush and AlaskaNative heritage by encouraging education programs and historical research, assisting in the protection, improvement, maintenance and marking of the trail and developing partnerships that foster stewardship commitments and support. Some background about 50/40 2018 is the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act and the 40th of the Iditarod National Historic Trail. The National Trails System Act, Public Law 90 – 54 passed by Congress, was signed into law by President Lynden B. Johnson on October 2, 1968.
This act stated that in order to provide for the ever increasing outdoor recreation needs of an expanding population and in order to promote public access to, travel within and enjoyment and appreciation of the open-air, outdoor areas of the Nation, trails should established (1) primarily, near urban areas of the Nation and (2) secondarily, within established scenic areas more remotely located. The original Act instituted a national system of recreation and scenic trails, designated the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails as the initial components of the National Scenic Trails System and prescribed methods by which additional components could be added to the system. The act directed that 14 specific routes would be studied for the purpose of determining the possibility and desirability of designating each as a national scenic trail.
As a result of this Act the Gold Rush Study Team was formed in September 1973. In September 1977, that Study Team recommended to the President and to Congress that the 2,037 mile Iditarod Trail be included in the National Trials System and designated a National HistoricTrail. The Seward-Nome Route became one of the first National Historic Trails selected when Public Law 95-625 (The National Parks and Recreation Act) was signed by President Jimmy Carter on November 10, 1978. The Act, amending the National Trails System Act, provided for and specifically named the Iditarod as a National Historic Trail. A vital element in the creation of the Iditarod National Historic Trail was the support of Senator Mike Gravel and the lobbying efforts of Joe Redington Sr., Dorothy Page, Leo Rasmussen, Howard Farley and many others who wanted the Trail preserved for future generations.
Today the National Trails System includes 11 National Scenic Trails, 19 National Historic Trails and more than 1,200 National Recreation Trails (including 21 National Water Trails). Alaska members remember when you file for their 2018 Permanent Fund Dividend on line, you can chose to give a donation of $25 or more to the Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance as a part of the Pick. Click Give. Program. 1 Iditarod HistoricTrail Alliance February 2018 From the past… Grant to ITC "Iditarod Pioneer" January 26, 1918 The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance has given a $51,000 grant to the Iditarod Trail Committee to help clear and mark where needed three segments of the Iditarod Trail: Opher to Shageluk, Farewell Lake to Salmon River and Puntilla Lake to Rainy Pass.
Sustainable Trails Conference Some of the world's foremost trail experts will gather in West Virginia March 26-28 to present hands-on instruction in trail construction, design, maintenance, development and management. The annual conference of the Professional Trail Builder's Association features multi-day workshops, classes, equipment and construction demonstrations to provide attendees with practical tools to bring great trails to life. There will be workshops before and after the conference, for more information: http://www.trailbuilders.org/training/sustainabletrails-conference-stonewall-2018 2018 Alaska Railroad Poster The 2018 Alaska Railroad poster is a watercolor by Alaskan artist Beverly Stevens entitled "Here Comes the Train". It shows a dog team approaching 20 Mile River as an Alaska Railroad train crosses the bridge over the river. 2