The Tripod, December 2019

The Tripod Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance, PO Box 2323, Seward AK 99664 http://www. |ditarod100.org IditarodHTA@gmail.com The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. TRAIL * STORY * STEWagnsHip December 2019 The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance promotes public awareness of the Iditarod Historic Trail and its gold rush and Alaska Native 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. Membership dues @ Thanks to all the members who renewed their membership in the Alliance and to those who sent in their ballots and proxies.

Thork ‘ If you have not yet renewed your membership please do so now. oil yes | Annual meeting and board election Officers for 2020 elected at the annual meeting on December 5 are from left to right: Judy Bittner, President, Anchorage, Jonathan Sewall, Vice- President, Seward, Lesli Schick, Treasurer, Anchorage, Stephanie Johnson, Secretary, Nome, Board members elected by the members: Seat E, Cook Inlet/Susitna region, Judy Bittner, Anchorage, Seat F, Kuskokwin region, Mike Terney, McGrath, Seat G, at large #2 Dan Seavey, Seward, Seat H, at-large #3, Lesli Schick, Anchorage. Board members appointed by the board to fill out the terms of Annie Bill and Erin Berg, who had resigned: Seat K, at-large #5, Kirsten Bey, Nome, Seat C, at large #1, Allegra Hamer, Anchorage. There were reports by various agencies and organizations at the annual meeting.

The Trails Initiative, which is a coalition of trail groups, public agencies, businesses, state legislators and our Congressional delegation who want to build and maintain trails in Alaska and raise the profile of trails across Alaska, reported that the organization’s featured project is a continuous trail connecting Anchorage and Seward that would foster economic development through world-class recreational opportunities. The 120+ mile route from Anchorage to Seward goes through awe inspiring terrain ranging from coast to alpine, along the same route traveled by people for hundreds of years and connecting several communities. People The Tripod December 2019 of all abilities and interests enjoy existing trail segments year-round. Nearly the entire route is part of the Iditarod National Historic Trail.

Much of it is already in place, ranging from paved paths to primitive backcountry trails. Investments and continuing partnerships can make the vision a reality by connecting the existing trail segments. The U. S. Forest Service is working in partnership with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to design and construct 7 miles of paved accessible trail adjacent to the Seward Highway from Twenty Mile River to Ingram Creek, five new trailheads and a trail connection to the Trail of Blue Ice in Portage Valley. Also, as a mitigation project for the new Sterling Highway crossing the Resurrection Pass Trail the Highway Department has agreed to build a 188 foot pedestrian bridge attachment to the Snow River Bridge at Mile 18 on the Seward Highway.

The Forest Service also reported plans to add 115 feet to the Rocky Creek to Victor Creek Trail this summer and work on the Grant Lake trail. From the past... By legislation adopted in the U.S. Congress, subsequent to a referendum put before Alaska voters by the territorial Legislature in 1916, Alaska’s so-called “bone dry law” went into effect on New Year’s Day 1918, prohibiting both the sale and manufacture of alcohol. Alaska voters approved the ban by a 2-to-1 margin, and Alaska’s delegate to Congress, James Wickersham, dutifully and diligently moved the proposed law through the legislative process in Washington, D.C. The “Iditarod Pioneer” of January 5, 1918 reported what happened in Iditarod and Flat when the law went into effect: WHEN OLD JOHN SAID “GOODBY” The passing of John Barleycorn last night was somewhat disappointing to those who expected and looked for a spectacular finish.

Both in Iditarod and Flat the event was very commonplace, scarcely a ripple to break the monotony. ‘Tis reported that shortly after 11 o’clock on that evening the resorts had “closed out” their goods and not a “cough drop” could be obtained at any of them long before midnight. Beat wishes jor the New Year!