Comment Sought on Land Sale That Would Protect Greenspace, ADMA Trails

The public can comment on a plan by the University of Alaska to sell two parcels of land totaling more than 370 acres to The Conservation Fund with the intent that the land eventually be incorporated into the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge.

This land exchange, if completed as planned, would protect portions of the 19.8-mile Trail maintained by the Alaska Dog Mushers Association (ADMA) as well as portions of the Rat Ponds Loop ski trail developed by Stan Justice. The trails would be protected once they are a part of the refuge.

The two parcels, 112 acres and 264 acres, lies between College Road, Farmers Loop Road, and the refuge.

According to the university, the land is “generally considered to be wetlands with no constructed access and is zoned RA-5 (rural and agriculture district). The University intends to sell the College Road Parcels at or above fair market value.”

People must submit written comments to the University of Alaska Land Management Office by fax at (907) 786-7733, by email at ua-land@alaska.edu, or at the address found in the link no later than 5:00 P.M. on May 15, 2026, to be considered.

For more info see HERE.

The Conservation Fund is a nonprofit group that buys at-risk land with high conservation value and then transfers it to long-term owners who will protect it. Read about the group HERE.

Here are the comments I sent in:

Subject Line:
In support of sale of UA land to The Conservation Fund

To: University of Alaska Land Management Office
Re: Sale of 370 acres to The Conservation Fund (parcels FA.CO.0003 & FA.CO.0016)

I support the sale of two parcels of University of Alaska (UA) land (equaling more than 370 acres) to The Conservation Fund. It is my understanding that the land will then be transferred to the State of Alaska to be incorporated into the Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge.

If completed as planned, this sale and land exchange would protect a large amount of greenspace as well as portions of important trails, including the 19.8-mile Trail maintained by the Alaska Dog Mushers Association (ADMA) and the Rat Ponds Loop ski trail. This would enhance the quality of life for Fairbanksans, especially those, like myself, who stay active in winter for our physical and mental health. The expansion of the refuge will also help protect the environmental health of our community by protecting water, air, and wildlife resources.

Because UA will sell the land “at or above fair market value,” this will benefit the university system financially. The increased quality of life brought by the sale will also help UAF recruit and retain staff and students.

I urge UA to complete this sale.

Thank you,
Eric Troyer