Frequently Asked Questions

Government Peak Recreation Area

PLANS:

Does the Hatcher Pass Management Plan affect how the area can be developed, how the area will be managed and what types of activities are allowed?

Yes. The Hatcher Pass Management Planwas developed and adopted by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. That plan covers a large geographic area including the Government Peak Unit. The HPMP gives general management intent and provides management guidelines for both state and borough-owned land.

Why does the Hatcher Pass Management Plan apply to borough-owned land?

When some of the most developable land within the Government Peak Unit was proposed to be conveyed to the MSB, the conveyance was challenged in court by the Cascadia Wildlands Project. In an out of court settlement it was agreed between the parties that the conveyance could proceed, provided the conveyances were made subject to a provision that the MSB would manage the land pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Hatcher Pass Management Plan.

Does the Borough have any say on how the land is to be managed?

Yes. The Hatcher Pass Management Plan provides general management intent and has general management guidelines for the land in the Government Peak Unit. The plan generally defers to the MSB on what types of recreational facilities will be development and how recreation and land use in the area will be managed, even for many those activities on state land. In addition the Hatcher Pass Management Plan makes it very clear that the state cannot take any action that would interfere or prevent the future recreation development in the Government Peak Unit on state-owned land.

Does the Borough need a development and land use plan as well?

Yes. The Hatcher Pass Management Plan requires that the MSB have a management plan in place. It is to the MSB’s advantage to have a “step down” development and management plan in place in order to ensure that the entire Government Peak Unit is managed consistently. The MSB is in the process of developing the Hatcher Pass – Government Peak Unit Development and Asset Management Plan. This plan is required to be consistent with the already adopted Hatcher Pass Management Plan.

Will there be any commercial or residential development allowed in the area?

The Borough Assembly specifically stated that they want to see areas identified that are suitable for possible light commercial and residential development in the future. This will be addressed in the “Development and Asset Management Plan.” Areas suitable for commercial and residential development will be integrated into the trail systems and requirements recommended to ensure that development activities complement the recreational facilities.

Does the Hatcher Pass Management Plan currently allow for commercial and residential development in the area?

Yes, as long as the revenue derived from the development is used to develop, operate and maintain the recreational facilities in the Government Peak Unit. If the revenue is go be used for a different purpose, the Hatcher Pass Management Plan must go through a plan amendment process.

What facilities will be provided?

The Hatcher Pass Ski and Recreation Area will be developed in phases to provide an opportunity for development of a ski and recreation area that is both financially feasible and environmentally sensitive.

The following charts are a general summary of the facilities by phase.

Northern (Alpine) Area:

PHASES	FACILITIES	MARKET
Phase I	Two lifts, Day Lodge, Snow Making, Night Lighting	Beginner Intermediate Schools
Phase II	1 Lift (3 total) Mid-Mountain Chalet	Beginner Intermediate Advanced Schools
Phases III & IV	High Speed Detachable Quad	Beginner Intermediate Advanced Schools

Southern (Nordic) Area:

PHASES	FACILITIES	MARKET
Phase I	12 km Nordic Competitive and Family Trails	Families Ski Teams Schools Organizations
Phase II	16 km Family Trails (20 km total) 4 km Competitive Trails (6 km total) Day Lodge	Families Ski Teams Schools Organizations
Phases III & IV	Night Lighting Biathlon Range General Hiking Trails Equestrian Center and Trails, Mountain Biking Trails Camping and Picnic Areas	Families Ski Teams Schools Organizations

What trails and facilities are being built now?

A one-mile access road will also be constructed from the Edgerton Parks Road north to the Government Peak Nordic Ski Trails. A parking lot accommodating buses and private vehicles will be included. The new access road and parking area will be drivable for winter use, but will not be fully completed until June of 2013.

All four Nordic ski trail loops were completed in late August. The trails were seeded this fall and are expected to be skiable this winter once the snow flies and the tracks are set; they should be ready for hiking by June of 2013. Mat-Su Ski Club will work on continued trail route clearing and on-going maintenance.

A more extensive and difficult trail system designed for Olympic level competitors, as well as lighting, will be developed in the future.

View great pictures that show how much work was done this summer of 2012!

When can I going skiing?

This winter but please stay off of the trails until the snow flies and they have been groomed for skiing.

When will the rest of the Phase I and the additional phases be built?

It is not known when Phase I will be completed or additional phases built. That will depend on a variety of factors including: public acceptance, cost, the amount of users, revenue generated, and the ability of the area to cover operational costs.

See Timeline - Government Peak Management Unit

I have seen plans like this many times over the last few years – why is this plan different?

Past plans have varied from a large four-season resort tone similar to this, but with a large residential and commercial development component. This plan is designed to be a regional day-use recreation area without a residential or commercial component.

LAND AREA USES AND REGULATIONS:

Are motorized uses allowed in the Government Peak Management Unit?

No. The Hatcher Pass Management Plan and its enabling regulations (11 AAC 96.014) prohibit the use of off- road vehicles and landing of aircraft. There are some exceptions and a permit is required. These exceptions include: use for mineral development (the entire Government Peak Unit is closed to mining), commercial recreation, trail construction or maintenance. Those uses can only occur, and a permit issued, if it is determined that the use would not substantially interfere with recreational use of the area.

How about the use of firearms?

Like off-road motorized uses, Hatcher Pass management Plan and its enabling regulations (11 AAC 96.014) prohibit the discharge of firearms in the Government Peak Unit, as well as some other units covered by the HPMP. Even though the area is closed to the use of firearms, the entire area is open to lawful hunting by other means other than firearms.

What uses are allowed in the area?

The entire area is open, and the use is encouraged, both winter and summer, for skiing, hiking, running, mountain biking horseback riding, berry picking, para-gliding and sailing along with other similar non-motorized activities.

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