09/14/2025 UPDATE
The Fairbanks Borough Assembly unanimously accepted the donation. Read about it HERE. Thank you to all who commented!
09/07/2025 UPDATE
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner has a story about this issue, including more details about the land involved and some concerns by Fairbanks Borough Assembly members. Read the story HERE.
ORIGINAL POST
You’ve got a great opportunity to show your support for trails and public lands.
At its September 11 meeting, the Fairbanks Borough Assembly will be voting on an ordinance to accept a donation of more than 300 acres from the Interior Alaska Land Trust. The land is adjacent to the borough’s Isberg Recreation Area and would be added to the rec area. The addition would nearly double the size of the rec area. (See map below.)
Ordinance 2025-23 would protect a section of the Chena Ridge F.E. Ditch Trail and would enhance connectivity between multiple trail systems, including Cripple Creek-Rosie Creek Trail, Chena Ridge F.E. Ditch Trail, and 100-Mile Loop Trail.
How to Advocate to the Borough Assembly
Testify at the meeting
You can speak at the meeting. You have to wait until the ordinance has its public hearing, which depends on where it is in the agenda. (Ordinance 2025-23 is listed as 13b on the agenda. It is second on the list for public hearings, which start at 7 p.m.) You can speak in person or by telephone. You have three minutes. People who sign up to testify are allowed to testify first. For more information on testifying see HERE.
Call or email the Assembly
To contact the full Assembly you may either send an email to the Assembly at Assembly@fnsb.gov, or use the Contact Form HERE.
You can also call or email individual Assembly members. Find their contact information HERE.
My Take
This is a great opportunity to add land, which includes several trails, to the Isberg Recreation Area. These multi-use motorized trails are especially popular in winter, used by many, including snowmachiners, snowshoers, skijorers, skiers, and fatbikers. I don’t expect this to be a controversial issue, but nothing is guaranteed and this is a excellent opportunity to remind the Assembly that trails and public lands are important to the community.
Thanks to the efforts of the Interior Alaska Land Trust! The IALT has been one of the biggest protectors of trails and public lands in the borough. If you want to thank the group, you can contact them HERE. Better yet, either become a member or donate to the group.
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