The Tripod, June 2020

The Tripod Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance, PO Box 2323, Seward AK 99664 http://www.Iditarod100.org IditarodHTA@gmail.com The Iditarod Historic Trail Alliance is an equal opportunity program provider and employer. June 2020 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. Effect of Coronavirus pandemic on trails American Trails has collected data from a nationwide survey filled out by over 250 participants on the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on trails. The effects on the ground range from closing of trails to modification of trail use, increased signage, new regulations and more.

We also collected data on how trail organizations are being affected including employment, funding, working from home modifications, etc. The trails industry has seen a significant impact due to the Corona 19 pandemic. The overall numbers we have projected based on our survey are: Total value of contracts lost: $13.8 million plus Total volunteer hours lost: 383 thousand plus Total projects or events cancelled or postponed: 3865 plus Although the highest numbers of losses came from larger organizations, such as state agencies, even very small organizations are seeing impact from volunteer hours and donations cut due to the current situation.

American Trails believes the trails industry can play a significant role in boosting the economy of the country as a whole and now more than ever it is important to lobby for full funding and recovery of trail industry losses so the outdoor recreation industry can help move the country forward. You can download the full report at http://www.americantrails.org/images/documents/Covid 19-TrailsReport.pdf From the past… “Iditarod Pioneer” July 5,1913 TRAMWAY MOTOR CAR TRIAL TRIP David Mutchler, of the Iditarod Tramway Co. and Ed J.

Uhl, the machinist, with a party of six or seven friends, on last Thursday night, gave the reconstructed gasoline engine tramcar a “try out.” The engine used was one that was shipped in from the Outside in the spring of 1912 by the tramway people, it proved to be useless owning to the very low position in which it was installed in the car, in fact, any elevation between the rails came in violent contact with the motor. The car, as constructed by Mr. Uhl overcomes this difficulty, and he is very much encouraged with the result of the first trial. After reaching a point within a mile of Flat City the connecting rod of the motor snapped in two and experiments were called off for the night. The tramway track with its worn wooden rails is not considered an ideal place to develop speed, but Mr.

Mutchler says the car on some stretches of track clipped along at an eight-mile-an-hour speed, and is satisfied that when his construction crews now at work along the line get the track more level the distance between Iditarod and Flat will be covered easily in 40 minutes. Preparatory for further experiments Mr. Uhl is making another and stronger connecting rod, and in the meantime overcoming a few minor defects which his practical eye told him where essential. 1 The Tripod June 2020 It is sincerely hoped that the car will, shortly, be able to make the time mentioned by Mr. Mutchler. For it certainly would revolutionize travel between this city and the creeks. The mere fact of knowing that one could come or go in from 50 to 75 minutes would stimulate short journey making amazingly. The tram between Iditarod and Flat City was completed in 1911. It was at that time power by mules.

Alaska State Parks photo contest Walking along the Iditarod Trail through Seward, with Resurrection Bay and Mt. Alice in the background. As a part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Alaska State Parks the Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation is sponsoring monthly photo contests. The deadlines for entry is the last day of each month to the end of the year. The contest is open to the general public There are no specific categories for the contest; photos can include, but are not limited to the following: people travelling, playing, resting, working, plants, animals, fish and birds, scenic views, historic structures or sites, aerial or underwater perspectives. Each entrant may submit up to six photos each month. Digital files are preferred and can be submitted via email or on a thumb drive. Each entry must be accompanied by a complete, legible and signed entry form.

All photos must be original and solely created by the submitting entrant. Winning photos may be used to create 18” x 24” commemorative posters for the 50th anniversary of Alaska State Parks. A panel of three judges will select the top five winning entries each month and photos will be posted on social media for the final winner to be selected by the public. For more information: Alaska State Parks/50th Anniversary Photo Contest 550 West 7th Ave., Suite 1380 Anchorage AK 99501 (907) 269-8738 Wendy.sailors@alaska.gov http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/photocontest.htm