[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
'TU CO@ _@7 L --1 F--1 Ll 0 El mad 7 3 CO-) QH' 76.5 A4 S48 1981 @@Cb@ @ T@ Ahll L T-- I I &I y (C 7?-@ L--rJ lco "" V7, Seward Highway Scenic Corridor Plan cfi@ for the Municipality of Anchorage by Kramer, Chin & Mayo, Inc. KENAI i'v TJATf KENAI f "I" PENINi@ii SEWARD 000 GLU OF ALASKA Anchorage Coastal Management Plan JULY, 1981 , ^fs Alaska Coastal Management Program Table of Contents Page BACKGROUND .............................. 3 Man's Use ................................ 5 THE NATURAL SETTING ...................... 11 VISUAL ASSESSMENT ........................ 15 MANAGEMENTPLAN ......................... 19 MANAGEMENTFRAMEWORK ................. 25 SITE SELECTIONS (Sections/Plans) Rabbit Creek Rifle Range .................... 30 Potter Weigh Station ........................ 32 Johnson Trailhead at Rainbow ................ 34 Bird Ridge Trailhead ........................ 36 Bird Creek Wayside ......................... 38 Bird Point ................................ 40 Avalanche Safe Area ........................ 42 Twenty Mile Boat Ramp ..................... 44 Typical Wayside ........................... 46 APPENDIX Inventory of Scenic and Recreational Sites ....... 51 Model Scenic Corridor Legislation .............. 53 Bibliography ............................. 55 MAPS Man's Use ................................ 4 Natural System ............................ 10 Visual Assessment .......................... 14 Environmental Synthesis ..................... 18 Acknowledgm e-nts Project Leader: Barry Quinn The preparation of this report was financed in part through a Coastal Drawings: Todd Swan, Bonnie Heitsch Zone Management Program Grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Coordination: Kristi Farley under the provisions of Section 306 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, and the Division of Community Planning, Editor: Sheryl Ball Department of Community and Regional Affairs of the State of Alaska. Graphic Design: Betty Hagernan, Karen Pike R-10 77] @Lj Background The Seward Highway along Turnagain Arm has been Turnagain Arm is rimmed by the majestic Chugach Moun- o The Inventory: This section includes data about Man's proposed as a scenic corridor to be managed as a statewide tains, rising some 7,000 feet out of the tidelands of Cook Inlet. Use, the Natural Setting and the Visual Resources resource. This 40-mile section of highway is one of Alaska's The mountains are snow-covered in winter and lush green in Assessment. Man's Use identifies and, describes historic finest scenic and recreational areas. It is a primary attraction for summer. The coastal rain forest of the Pacific Northwest ex- land and water use, land ownership, and the communi- visitors from around the world, and contributes significantly tends into the Cook Inlet Basin and provides a variety of ties along the corridor. Existing and proposed scenic and to the state's economy by offering a variety of unique oppor- interesting trees and ground cover on both the mountain slopes recreational sites are located in the Appendix. The tunities to visiting guests. In 1979, 686,000 tourists spent and in the river valleys. A number of creek and river valleys Natural Setting identifies fish and wildlife habitats and $179 million in Anchorage alone. Besides visitors from outside, cut into the mountain range and add diversity to the landscape. categorizes major landscape types. The Visual Resource many Alaskans use this section of the Seward Highway for The coastline is rugged, with rock outcroppings interspersed Assessment evaluates and describes the scenic potential both scenic and recreational purposes. The corridor not only between the coastal marshes and river and creek bottoms. The that exists along the corridor. contains an abundance of opportunities for a variety of users, intertidal areas are dominated by extreme tides that daily fill but also provides access to the Kenai Peninsula, another primary the arm and then ebb, leaving abstract delta formations in the o The Management Plan section is composed of an recreational area. mud bottom. Environmental Synthesis and a Management Frame- work. The Environmental Synthesis is.a compilation of As the population of Anchorage grows and as fuel prices The highway, connecting Anchorage and communities the information found in the inventory. It includes an increase, more people will be using scenic and recreational areas beyond with the port of Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, analysis of scenic and recreation opportunities for closer to home. The Turnagain Arm Corridor of the Seward follows the northern coast of Turnagain Arm. The Seward each of the five sections of the corridor, and an outline Highway is one of those scenic and recreational areas. It is high- Highway was 'built in the late 1940s and is presently being of management objectives and recommendations. ly valued, generates jobs and revenues, and will only appreciate widened and realigned. This provides an opportunity to in- The Management Framework sets forth the basic over time. The challenge is to protect and conserve the re- ventory sites along the highway, as well as assessing the scenic concepts of a management plan and describes how to sources within the corridor and in doing so, maintain the value and recreational potential. The various levels of governmental implement the scenic corridor concept. of this natural asset. agencies have been prompted to take stock in the future of the highway corridor. o The Sites section of this report illustrates and describes The scenic corridor is by no means a new concept; in fact, the conceptual design of ten sites. The sites are either parkways, boulevards, avenues, and other scenic thoroughfares newly recommended scenic or recreational waysides, or were planned and built, in Europe and America, long before The Seward Scenic Highway Corridor Plan existing waysides selected for special treatment. There is the advent of the automobile. Over time, the federal govern- a Site Plan, Elevation and description for each recom- ment and a number of state governments have developed scenic The Municipality of Anchorage District Coastal Manage- mended site. highway programs which incorporated the scenic corridor into ment Program designates the Seward Highway from the coastal a national or state system. The National Park Service Blue Ridge bluff above Potter Marsh to the Kenai Peninsula Borough as Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina, and the Natchez Trace an "Area Meriting Special Attention." The designation is based Parkway in Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee are well known on the natural values of the corridor, an expanded Seward examples within the federal system. Highway and future community development-and eliminat- Turnagain Arm is well known for its beauty and its ing the potential conflicts between these concepts. In order abundant resources, and has long served as a major transporta- to accommodate future development and highway expansion, tion route between the Pacific Ocean and interior Alaska. The yet protect the scenic and recreational resources, the munici- arm has supported the progression of man from prehistoric pality has proposed establishing the Seward Highway Scenic times to the present; first Eskimos and Indian hunters, then Corridor. The Seward Highway Scenic Corridor Plan follows Russian and European explorers arrived, followed by prospec- three basic steps necessary to establish and manage a scenic tors seeking gold. corridor: it assesses the scenic and recreational potential along the corridor, outlines a framework for managing the corridor, and recommends sites for special consideration within the corridor. These three processes are discussed in detail in this report. New Seward Scenic Overlook Rabbit Creek Rifle Range Potter Marsh Wayside 9tter-Nature CAritarl7 61, Ott P.4 on TrqH reek IMM's USE _,W, 0 @jg 3-n j, "'k 'T tr'_W,_@_ Z,': Crab"' Z:. Y@, d A TV 1v &N, Z-_ 5T j, W W Q @2M Rot m gg-v - lki)" ZM@ iN V' NINE g 4 W '0 T I I ,I I INV Legend TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR Efl CHUGACH STATE PARK STATE LANDS Opp 1 4 PRIVATE OWNERSHIP CHUGACH NATIONAL FOREST lz@ EC MINING CLAIM L@E BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT u:p9D RECREATIONAL SITES E@] STATE LANDS-MUNICIPAL SELECTED 5 Man's Use Man's activities in Turnagain Arm have been traced as far Iditarod Trail: The Iditarod Trail, named after an interior Johnson Trail: Once the Alaska Northern Railroad had back as 6,000 B.C. (Antonson and Reger, 1976). An archaeolog- mining town, was actually a series of trails that developed in been purchased, the Alaska Engineering Commission began ical site at Beluga Point has turned up an 8,000-year-old pre- increments as the need arose to push further into Alaska. The improving the route between Kern and Ship Creek town historic record from artifacts which may help explain the trail ran between Seward and Nome and is well-known today (Anchorage). By 1916 a horse trail had been cleared and im- native migration into the region. It is suggested that Eskimos as a mining trail used during the gold rush of 1910. A traveler proved between Indian and Potter. This route became the main inhabited the upper Cook Inlet at least seasonally until 1700 could get to Anchorage by leaving the Iditarod and traveling trail during the 1916-1918 construction period and linked the A.D., when the Tanaina Indians crossed the Alaska Range and along Turnagain Arm or by crossing the passes of the Chugach construction camps at Potter, Sheep Creek (McHugh Creek), settled in the region (Sumond and Male, 1978). The Tanainians into the Ship Creek or Eagle River drainages. Iditarod traversed Rainbow, Falls Creek and Bird Point. This route was also used were observed in Turnagain Arm when Captain James Cook the mountains through the Crow Creek and Indian Creek for telegraph communication lines. Today the Johnson Trail is sailed into the area in 1778. During the next century numerous Valleys. partially intact, though covered in some places by the highway, explorers visited the region including Russians, who settled in and is scheduled for rehabilitation and partial relocation as a Alaska and remained until 1867. Crow Creek Branch: The Crow Creek Branch was opened part of the Seward Highway Improvement Project. by early prospectors about 1896, and by 1900 the trail was The coastal areas of Turnagain Arm, as well as the river used regularly as a mail route to Knik. The trail followed Construction camps, built along the Johnson Trail, were valley and mountain passes in the Chugach Range, have been Crow Creek to Crow Pass and then descended Raven Creek used during the building of the railroad and abandoned shortly used as travel routes into the interior of Alaska for many years. into Eagle River and on to Knik. thereafter. The following are the major construction camps One of the first routes used to travel from Prince William Sound along the route. into Turnagain Arm was Portage Pass. This event was recorded Indian Creek Branch: This branch of the Iditarod followed in 1794, when Captain George Vancouver, while anchored in Turnagain Arm past Bird Creek to Indian Creek Valley, and Potter: In 1916 Potter was established as headquarters Cook Inlet, was visited by a group of Russians who had crossed crossed the Chugach at Indian Creek Pass into the headwaters for the district engineer. Residences, warehouses, a messhall Portage Pass from their settlement on Prince William Sound. of Ship Creek. By 1909, roadhouses and mileage points began and a number of log buildings formed this temporary communi- In the years to come, Portage Pass, the Kelly Trail and the to appear along the Iditarod, including one at Indian Pass. ty. The camp was supplied by barges and linked to the other Iditarod Trail (with its Indian Creek and Crow Creek branches) camps by the Johnson Trail. Once the rails had been laid to were all used to travel further and further into the interior. Falls Creek, Potter was abandoned, and headquarters were The following are brief descriptions of these routes. The Railroad re-established at the end of the section. Railroad history in Alaska began in 1901 with the creation Sheep Creek (McHugh Creek): A small camp and field Early Routes of the Alaska Central Railroad by John E. Ballaine, a Seattle hospital were built at what is now the parking area of McHugh newspaper and real estate man. A route between Seward and Creek picnic area. The camp and hospital were operated be- Portage Pass: A foot and sled trail that ran between Passage Ship Creek was selected and construction began in 1905. tween 1916 and 1918. Canal (Whittier) and Turnagain Arm. The trail was used early Six years after its creation, the railroad was bankrupt. The Rainbow: A supply warehouse, a dock and numerous log on by Eskimos and Indians, and later by Russian settlers and Alaska Northern Railroad was reorganized in 1909 and ex- buildings were built on a knoll overlooking the cove at Rain- explorers during the 18th and 19th centuries. tended to Kern before construction once again ceased. bow. The Alaska Engineering Commission began using Rainbow The Kelly Trail: In 1897, Luther S. Kelly, an army guide, In 1913, after two railroad companies had failed, Congress for its headquarters in August of 1918. was ordered to find a summer route between Passage Canal authorized President Woodrow Wilson to create and operate Falls Creek: The district engineer was headquartered at (Whittier) and Cook Inlet. The route he established followed the Alaska railroad. The Alaska Northern Railroad was pur- Falls Creek between December 1917 and August 1918. Horse Billings Creek to Lake Carmen, crossing the pass at the head chased for $1.2 million by the Alaska Engineering Commis- teams were stabled at this site and were used to move construc- of Twenty Mile River and descended to Glacier Creek Valley. sion and was destined to tie Anchorage and Fairbanks to the The route was rugged and never established as a permanent trail. tidewater ports of Seward and Whittier. tion supplies along the Johnson Trail. 6 Bird Poin t: In 1914 a roadhouse, workhouse and two Kenai Peninsula. Roads also serve Girdwood along Glacier in steep sloping areas and 2 1/2-acre sites elsewhere, due to in- cabins formed an overnight stop at the eastern end of the Valley and Portage Glacier Visitor Center along Portage Creek. sufficient water and marginal soil. Presently, commercial point. A sawmill was added in 1917 to supply the material to The old corduroy road at the arm end is now a well-paved activity is limited to the Seward Highway Corridor. The Muni- build the causeway leading north around the arm. A construc- highway that follows the old Iditarod route into Seward, cipality of Anchorage has selected a tract of state land, adjacent tion camp, built about the same time, included a section house Sunshine and Hope. to both the road and residential area, which it plans to keep (which was operated until the 1900s), several log buildings undeveloped due to wetlands, flood plain and avalanche haz- and tent frames. The Seward Highway between Potter and McHugh Creek ards. Indian also has a community park and is the trailhead for was recently widened and realigned and now includes a bike the Indian to Arctic Valley Trail. In addition to the temporary communities and construction pathway along the shoulder of the road. This next phase of the camps that grew up along the Johnson Trail, there were also Seward Highway Improvement, Phase III, is scheduled to Bird Creek: In 1915 Bird Creek was the site of major other historic communities related to the railroad. begin this year and will include a bike trail along the shoulder sawmill and lumber companies that supplied material to from McHugh Creek to Indian Creek where it will join an Anchorage and the Alaska railroad. Roadhouses were located Kern: When the Alaska Northern Railroad went bankrupt Indian/Bird Creek community bike trail also to be constructed in the vicinity of Bird Creek and at Bird Point prior to 1909. in 1909, its tracks had been laid to Kern Creek. Kern remained as part of the highway improvement project. Eventually, the There are approximately 140 people living at Bird Creek today, the end of the Seward section until the northern line from bike trail will extend from Anchorage to Girdwood as proposed and they expect an increase to 340 in 20 years. There -are Anchorage was joined in 1918. At that time there was a road- in the Municipality of Anchorage's Bike Trail System. about 100 acres located along the highway that are available house and a number of out-buildings clustered near the creek for development. East of the community is a large tract of located some 68 milesfrorn the beginning of the line in Seward. The telegraph lines along the old Johnson Trail have also state land, selected by the municipality, that is@ intended for use been replaced by electrical power lines serving Turnagain Arm, as a major regional park. The State Division of Parks operates Portage: Portage was the main stop on the Iditarod and had Whittier and the Kenai Peninsula. An old military fuel line that the Bird Creek campgrounds and a wayside for fishing adjacent been a part of the old Portage Pass route used by natives and supplies the Alaskan military bases with petroleum products to the bridge at Bird Creek. Commercial activity is now limited foreign explorers alike. There was a roadhouse, a section house, shipped into Whittier parallels the highway, railroad and power to the Seward Highway. and several out-buildings that have since been destroyed. The lines. buildings that can presently be seen settling into the mudflats GirdwoodlAlyeska: Girdwood was named after James were all built after 1947, and were destroyed during the 1964 The highway, railroad and utility right-of-way often overlap. E. Girdwood, a Belgian immigrant, who in 1896 explored earthquake. The right-of-ways, extend from Potter to Portage where the the Crow Creek area and later formed the Crow Creek Alaska highway splits and follows the arm into Turnagain Pass. The Hydraulic Gold Mining Company. Girdwood, with its log railroad and power line follow Placer River,through Johnson residences and roadhouse,' was a true frontier settlement and Pass. was even chosen as a set for the "Cheechakos," a silent, frontier saga produced in 1923. Communities Girdwood, today, is a growing community in one of Alaska's most popular resort/recreational areas. The developed Rainbow Va .fley: A small, community-planned subdivision areas are in the Glacier and the Crow Creek valleys, surrounded by the Chugach National Forest. Alyeska, a fine ski resort, TMIL of approximately 160 acres. Due to steep slopes, avalanche is located on the western slopes of Mount Alyeska. There are hazards, and restricted access, residents have limited the com- about 1,000 permanent residents and 1,600 seasonal residents munity to 30 homes on (minimum) 5-acre sites. The present in the area. There are approximately 2,000 acres of suitable population is approximately 25, which is expected to increase land for development in the valley. The population is expected to 68 in-20 years. to increase to 2,000 permanent residents and 6,000 seasonal Transportation Corridor residents over the next 20 years. Presently, there is a school Indian: A lone roadhouse once stood where the community and a sewer system being built for the community. There are of Indian is located today. It marked the beginning of the stores, a lodge, restaurants, a library, a community building, Indian Creek branch of the Iditarod Trail and sheltered many and a fire hall located in the valley. Highway and Utilities Coiiidors travelers heading north to "gold country." Today Indian is a small community of about 100 people, which is expected _1L Today the Iditarod and Johnson trails have been replaced to double in population in 20 years. There are approximately by the Seward Highway. The highway was built in 1947 con- 16 developable acres in the Creek Valley, which is mostly necting Potter and Girdwood and tying Anchorage to the privately owned. Residents seem to have settled on 5-acre lots 7 Ownership and Land Management Municipality of Anchorage: The municipality owns approximately 2,500 acres along Turnagain Arm. In addition, Federal Land: The U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of substantial amounts of state land have been selected in Indian Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and' Wildlife Service Valley, Bird Valley, and the Girdwood area. The municipally all manage federally owned land along the Seward Highway -selected land is intended for both park land and for conversion Scenic Corridor. The Chugach National Forest is the largest to private ownership. parcel of federal land in the region. The Bureau of Land Man- agement has jurisdiction for the townsite of Portage, which Private Ownership: Private land along the Seward Highway extends into the valleys of Placer and Twenty Mile River and is limited to Potter, Rainbow Valley, Indian, Bird Creek and Portage Creek. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has joint Girdwood/Alyeska. Only 7 percent of the land in the corridor is privately owned, while 93 percent is owned by federal, state management responsibility for the coastal marsh and wet- lands areas in the valleys at the head of Turnagain Arm. The or local government. Homesteads and recreational sites were 10,J the first lands in private ownership and more recently, these joint management agreement also includes the U.S. Forest ,17 7n@,t,, Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the Depart- large parcels have been subdivided and sold. ment of Natural Resources. The Alaska railroad also owns and Most of the private land is used for residential development, manages a 200-foot right-of-way between Potter and Portage. though both commercial and residential development can be State Land: The State of Alaska owns and manages the found scattered along the arm. Mining claims can also be found largest amount of land along the road corridor. Chugach State along the corridor. A list of 21 of Seward Highway's scenic and View of Potter Creek from North (Courtesy: Alaska Railroad Collection, Anchorage Historical and Fine Park, extending from Potter to Girdwood, is actively managed recreational sites can be found in the Appendix of this docu- Arts Museum) by the Division of Parks, Department of Natural Resources. ment. The management responsibility for each site is given, The Department of Fish and Game manages the Potter Marsh as well as location, function, facilities and status. Wildlife Refuge, a staging and nesting area for migratory water- fowl. Within the wildlife refuge, the department also manages the Rabbit Creek Rifle Range, one of the few shooting ranges in the Anchorage area. The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities manages and maintains the Seward High- way right-of-way, which is approximately 300 feet wide. ADOT/PF is also responsible for a material site in the old Girdwood area. The Department of Public Safety manages the Potter weigh station, adjacent to Potter Marsh. ItI FO T LL-A L--JL lvl-@ CL@---3 L---/ L--i L--Jl JOTL--:] saNVI SONI I- lilt HIII, IXI I\ 041@ A Wk. T.@r "A4 Me p" V, S311W I.-,4 "s 01 The Natural Setting Turnagain Arm offers one of the most unique and dynamic In the summer, salmon and smelt use the intertidal PLANT COVER natural setting in Alaska. The arm is surrouned by the rugged areas to travel into the spawning beds in the upper BEACH RYE GRASS Chugach range, with elevations in excess of 7,000 feet. With reaches of the coastal rivers and creeks. Beluga whales SANDWORT the exception of the glacial river valley at the eastern end of and seals follow the migrations and remain in the the arm, the predominant landforms are steep mountain slopes areas while their food source is plentiful. Numerous and creek valleys that drop into tidal waters. Silts from the shorebirds and waterfowl use the tidelands for staging glacially-fed streams have been deposited in the arm, causing areas on their northern and southern migration. a delta formation in the tidelands commonly referred to as "the mudflats." The arm, 43 miles long and 3 miles wide, is an estuary where high tides mix with glacially-fed creeks and rivers. Beach Strand Tides in the arm are some of the highes in the world and BRUSH periodically create ten-foot tidal bores and 15-mile-an-hour BLACK SPRUCE currents. ALASKA PAPER BIRCH WILLOW 3. Beach Strand. This landscape type is the landform The natural setting is a key element in determining the BLUEBERRY closest to the intertidal zone. It is, typically, an early scenic quality and recreational potential of any area. For the CROWBERRY stage in beach succession and is characterized by beach purpose of this inventory, the natural setting is divided into ryegrass and sandwort growing in sandy silt and soil eight landscape types. Landscape types are based on predomi- GROUNDCOVERS above the tidal zone. The beach strand in Turnagain nant landforms, types of vegetation, water forms and wildlife PITCH GRASS Arm was formed by seismic activity, not by beach suc- habitat. HORNED PONDWEED cession-causing the tidelands to be uplifed above the ARROW GRASS tidal zone. This action dewatered the soils and initiated ALKALI GRASS new plant colonization. Vegetation is well established SEDGES in these areas, and birds use the strand for both staging GROUNDCOVER RUSHES and nesting. GREEN MARINE ALGAE REED BENT GRASS HAIR GRASS LYME GRASS YARROW SHOOTING STAR PLANT COVER SHIFTING MUD INDIAN PAINT BRUSH LICHENS SUBMERGED IN TIDAL MARSH FNE FLOWER MOSSES FLUXATIONS BUTTERCUP BEACH GRASS BEACH PEA Tidelands 1. Tidelands. The tidelands are the lower portions of the POORLY DRAINED Coastal Rock Outcroppings intertidal are (between low and high tide) where fresh ORGANIC SOILS and salt water mix, and where stream and river currents carve their way through the glacial silt-formed deltas. Coastal Marsh & Wetlands At high tide the area is submerged, and at low tide the 4. Coastal Rock Outcroppings. There are rock outcroppings abstract patterns of channeled mudflats are exposed. found along Turnagain Arm where steep mountain 2. Coastal Marshes and Wetlands. The upper portions of slopes drop into coastal waters. At these points wind the intertidal areas are primarily the marshes and wet- and water erostion have removed or inhibited vegetation, lands. These landscape types are formed by tidal intru- and the bedrock is exposed to the weathering process. sion into the outwash areas of rivers and streams and by the slow succession of plant life in fresh water deltas. These areas are characterized by the grasses, rushes and sedges and by the abundance of birds and wildlife. Wetlands and marshes are the most important habitat for shorebirds, ducks, geese, swans and cranes, sup- porting their seasonal migration and providing nesting areas during the spring and summer months. In addition, these areas provide year-round habitat for smaller animals, protection and food sources for fish, and offer a variety of plants and wildflowers for the interested observer. 12 Steep Brushy Slopes 1pW W P 2p-15 TO Steep Brushy Slopes Forested River Valley 6. Steep Brushy Mountainsides. These areas are character- Steep Forested Slopes. ized by dense, open deciduous brush on steep mountain 5. Forested River Valley. The forested river valleys are slopes. The brush ranges from dense willows along the primary upland areas along Turnagain Arm. These streams to dense alders above timberline. Brushy areas 7. Steep Forested Mountainsides. The forest mountain- areas are part of a coastal forest system-an extension occur between treeline and alpine tundra, and along side is similar to the forested valley, with the exception of the rainbelt forests of the Pacific Coast-and are both floodplains and avalanche paths. of slope and elevation. Forested mountainsides contain composed primarily of Sitka spruce and western hem- Steep brushy mountainsides provide excellent habitat mountain hemlock and Sitka spruce, with interspersed lock. Mountain hemlock, poplar, cottonwood and birch for mountain goats and Dall Sheep, as well as smaller low-to-moderately dense brush. are also present in these valleys. animals and birds. Dall Sheep prefer relatively dry alpine 8. Cultural Modification. Cultural modification describes Forested river valleys provide good habitat for moose, areas associated with steep cliffs and grassy meadows landscape types that have been changed by man. Any black bear, and occasionally brown bear in the summer. which provide grasses, lichens and sedges for food one of the seven natural landscape types can be changed A variety of smaller animals and birds can be found sources. Mountain goats prefer rocky alpine areas in or modified. The modifications range from cabin sites throughout the forests. The rivers flowing through these the summer and timberline in the winter. Their diet on brush mountainsides to communities (and the neces- valleys support resident populations of rainbow trout, consists primarily of grasses and herbs. sary roads and powerlines) such as Indian and Bird Dolly Varden and spawning salmon and Hooligan in Creek found in forested valleys. the summer. VISUAL ASSESSMENT 1 :A@iR iX, ;w @@jjt, 0., 02k c@ 1-3 -@T!7 Y@f 4i - - Fy, Legend 1Y UNIQUE NEAR VIEW CULTURAL MODIFICATION - int COMMON NEAR VIEW MIDDLEGROUND BACKGROUND 15 Visual Assessment In Turnagain Arm, landform, water and vegetation combine Weekday use of the scenic corridor is relatively constant to create some of the finest scenery in Alaska. The task of and limited to commuting local residents and occasional determining the visual resources of any area is complex, but tourists and recreational users. in an area such as Turnagain Arm, where grandeur and beauty predominate, the task becomes a challenge of distinguishing FORM lckqround e Weekend use of the corridor increases in the warmer between the most spectacular views. 7EXTURE months and is made up of both tourists and recreational TE XTU P-E users. The purpose of a visual resource inventory is to identify FORM COLOR. Milddl"mund W UNE and understand the scenic resources, to determine their value, Z * Tourists or sightseers use the scenic corridor more than and to serve as a basis for a management program that protects, TEKTURF_ recreational users. conserves and enhances the resources, or that mitigates negative impacts upon the resources. The following is a description of FbreqrmAnd * Weekend use of the highway involves a significant the methodology that is used to inventory the visual resources M K@CT U RE number of both tourists or sightseers and recreational along the Seward Highway Scenic Corridor. This methodology users destined for areas beyond Turnagain Arm. was adapted from a combination of approaches, but most following categories are used to describe the range of scenic resembles the U.S. Forest Service National Forest Landscape quality evident on Turnagain Arm. The type of user, the user volume, and the apparent attitude Management Technique, 1974, and the Bureau of Land Manage- of the tourist, recreational user and local resident has led to ment System for Visual Resource Management, 1975. * Unique: Areas where a variety of landforms, vegeta- the conslusion that there is a high level of visual sensitivity tive patterns and water create an unusual or out- and a significant concern for changes in the visual character To identify and describe the visual resources in Turnagain standing scenic quality. of the area. Arm, these steps were followed: 1. Evaluate the scenic quality. 0 Common: Areas whose features contain a variety of 2. Determine the visual sensitivity. form, line, color and texture, but which tend to form a Distance Zones 3. Identify distance zones. common visual pattern throughout. "Near," "middle" and "distant" describe three zones that e Minimal: Areas whose features have little change in characterize distance relationships. form, line, color and texture. Scenic Quality Near: The foreground, extending zero to one-half mile As illustrated on the visual inventory map, there is both from the view, is an area that can be seen with clarity and The natural diversity of a landscape provides the greatest unique and common scenic quality along Turnagain Arm. No simplicity, and provides impressions of details (color potential for high scenic quality. Diversity is a function of the areas reflect the minimal category. intensity, texture) relationship between landform, water and vegetation that creates visual patterns, which are composed of: Middle: The middle ground extends from one-half to Visual Sensitivity five miles. In the middle ground parts of the landscape can � Form: the shape of an object be seen to join together (mountains become ranges, trees e Line: horizons, silhouettes, man-made development Visual sensitivity refers to a relative degree of user interest become forests). Man-made changes are revealed as con- � Color: hue (red, green) and value (light, dark) in the visual resources. The users in Turnagain Arm are the high- flicts with the landscape or blending comfortably into the � Texture: coarseness of visual surface way user, the recreational user and the local residents. The pro- scenery. To determine scenic quality, an area or landform such as cess of determining visual sensitivity involves sampling the user Distant: The background zone extends from five miles a mountain range is selected and rated for diversity according attitudes and evaluating the volume of use. to infinity. Landform surfaces will loose detail distinctions to both landscape components (landform, water and vegeta- Due to budget and time restrictions, an in-depth survey and emphasis will fall upon outlines or edges. Landform tion) and visual patterns (form, line, color and texture). Also sampling user attitudes was not possible. But discussions with against landform will provide line and values, with the taken into consideration in the rating are the influences of local residents, highway and recreational users and government skyline the strongest line of all. adjacent scenery, scarcity and cultural modifications. The agencies did generate the following impressions: Rabbit Creek Rifle Range ENVIRONMENTAL SYNTHESIS - w1n; INS, -11 Bird Point uE, em! Legend SITES RECOMMENDED FOR FURTHER WATER CONSIDERATION AVALANCHE HAZARD RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY COASTAL MARSHES & WETLANDS M ROCK SLIDE HAZARD El LIMITED RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITY TIDELANDS SCENIC/RECREATIONAL SITES PRIVATE LANDS 19 Management Plan The inventory of the scenic, natural and man-made re- Section 1, Old Seward Highway sources allows for the careful examination of each part of the to Potter Creek SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL SITES complex system along the Seward Highway Scenic Corridor. Once the components have been thoroughly examined, they The Seward Highway enters the scenic corridor on the Mile Site Type are again combined in -a synthesis to form a more accurate coastal bluff overlooking Potter Marsh. The highway immedi- picture of the complex whole. The intent of the synthesis is to ately descends into the wetlands of the Potter Point State 0.3 New Seward Highway Scenic Scenic consider scenic and recreational opportunities along the corri- Game Refuge and continues on level terrain to the end of the Overlook dor, identify management objectives, and make specific section at Potter Creek. The highway shares a right-of-way with management recommendations. the Alaska Railroad and due to the elevated tracks, highway 0.5 Rabbit Creek Rifle Range Recreational The Seward Highway Scenic Corridor, for the purpose of views of Turnagain Arm are somewhat obstructed. The coastal 0.6 Potter Marsh Wayside Scenic this plan, has been divided into five sections. Each section is wetlands are the major landscape type, and the Chugach Range defined by common characteristics and all sections, though beyond offers mainly steep, forested mountainside. 1.0 Potter Marsh Wayside Scenic similar, are different from one another. The following is a short description of each section. Scenic Potential: The scenic resources in this section are 1.5 Potter Marsh Wayside Scenic primarily the summer near view of Potter Marsh and the year- Section 1: This section extends from the intersection of round distant views from the coastal bluff and the Potter 2.6 Potter Marsh Nature Center Scenic/Recreational the old Seward @ and new Seward highways, (mile 0), to Section House. In summer, the wetlands provide intense color, Potter Creek, (mile 3.0). The three-mile section of road contrast and bird activity. In winter, the marsh loses its color 2.9 Potter Section House Scenic/'Recreational bisects the Potter Marsh Wildlife Refuge and contains a and becomes dormant. Distant views from the bluff are of concentration of proposed recreational facilities. Tumagain Arm with the Chugach Range as a backdrop, the 3.0 Johnson Trailhead at Potter Recreational coastal wetlands at Potter and the tidelands along the coast. Section 2: From Potter Creek, Section 2 extends beyond the McHugh Creek Wayside to mile 7.4. This section coin- Recreational Potential: There is a wide variety of recreation and at the same time, the Potter Point State Game Refuge cides with the recently completed Phase II of the Seward opportunities within this section of the corridor. The recrea- remains a sensitive waterfowl habitat. Four existing scenic and Highway Improvement Project. tional sites are primarily concentrated at the beginning and at recreational sites are scheduled for improvements to increase the end of this section. The municipality's proposed coastal user capacity, and four new sites are proposed which will attract Section 3: Section 3 extends from McHugh Creek to trail, running 25 miles from Ship Creek, enters the corridor additional users. Avalanche Gate at mile 20.5. Section 3 coincides with Phase below the proposed new Seward overlook. Once joining the - III of the Seward Highway Improvement Project, scheduled scenic corridor, the bike route continues along the highway Objective: Section I should be planned and developed in to begin in the fall -of 1981, and includes the communities shoulder as far south as Girdwood. The Rabbit Creek Rifle such a way as to protect and enhance the inherent natural of'Rainbow Valley, Indian and Bird Creek. Range is also located below the coastal bluff. It is one of the values along the corridor, while taking advantage of the scenic few facilities of this kind in the municipality and serves a large and recreational opportunities. Section 4: Section 4 extends along the avalanche slopes number of enthusiasts. of the Chugach Range to the intersection of the Alyeska Recommendations: Road at mile 27.9. This section generally coincides with At the end of this section there are additional proposed Phase IV of the Seward Highway Improvement Project. recreational sites: the Potter Nature Center, the Potter Sec- 1. Designate Section I as a "sensitive area" within the tion House and the Johnson Trailhead at Potter Creek are all scenic corridor; identify the levels of government Section 5: Section 5 extends to the limits of the Muni- intended to provide both active and passive recreational and the agencies responsible for the area, and form an cipality of Anchorage at Ingram Creek, mile 40.2. This opportunities. inter-agency planning team. section includes the valleys along Twenty Mile., Placer River and Portage Creek. I Management Considerations: This section of the Seward 2. The inter-agency planning team should develop a Highway offers a variety of opportunities. Its most attractive cooperative management plan that guides public and feature is the predominant landscape type, the coastal wetlands. private development, while protecting the natural Proximity to Anchorage and a number of scenic and recrea- scenic and recreational values along the scenic corridor. tional opportunities makes this section a potential high use area, 20 3. Minimize conflicting and incompatible uses along the Borrow Area Treatment Abandoned Road corridor. SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL SITE Treatment a. Design the Rabbit Creek Rifle Range improvements Mile Site Type Bellfot-e to be compatible with the game refuge, and the pro- .. .... .... Fill posed new Seward Highway scenic overlook. 6.4 McHugh Creek picnic area Recreational TMR@ ................... b. Relocate the Potter weigh station to allow for the I I @ 1 11: proposed Potter Nature Center. Management Considerations: Scenic opportunities in Sec- Tbor tion 2 are limited by common near views, and recreational 4. Stabilize and revegetate the following areas: opportunity is limited to the McHugh Creek area. The Seward Highway improvement project has left a number of visual dis- a. Cut and fill slopes tractions that would be mitigated by rehabilitation, including Fiii Mle, b. Highway shoulders wayside development. c. Elevated slopes forming the railroad bed ............. d. Erosion areas Objective: Rehabilitate and enhance the scenic corridor in Section 2, while maximizing the limited scenic and recrea- ...... Good tion opportunities. Section 2, Potter to McHucrh Creek ,W_- Recommendations: Once past Potter Creek, the scenic corridor winds south- 1. Relocate the weigh station to the old road section at Section 3, McHugh Creek to east along Turnagain Arm. The highway overlooks the tide- mile 3.3. This site is close to Anchorage and will easily Avalanche Gate lands and above are the steep forested slopes of the Chugach accommodate the requirements of a weigh station. Mountains. The landscape generally remains constant, with The scenic corridor winds its way east from McHugh Creek only slight variations occurring on the land side. the coastline 2. Select and design scenic waysides from the waste along Turnagain Arm to the Avalanche Gate. Along this @3- is rocky with scattered rock outcroppings. This three and one- material sites and old road sections, at intervals of mile corridor are a variety of scenic and recreational oppo'r- half mile section of road, recently widened and realigned, approximately one mile. tunities that make this section the most popular of all. The parallels the Alaska Railroad. landscape varies from forested river valleys at Indian and Bird Scenic Potential: The scenic potential in Section 2 is 3. Rehabilitate the waste sites and old road sections not Creek to steep brush mountains around Falls Creek. There are related to the unique distant views of the Chugach Mountains selected for waysides. moose and bear found in the river valleys, and sheep and goats on the south side of Turnagain Arm. The near views are interest- found along the steep slopes. This section contains three of the ing steep mountain slopes, but lack diversity until the end of 4. Reshape borrow pits and construction roads according four communities found along Turnagain Arm. The Seward the section where the corridor enters the McHugh Creek Valley. to natural topography. Highway in this section is scheduled for widening and realign- ment beginning in the fall of 1981, which will improve -the There are a number of modifications from the highway 5. Enhance the entrance to the McHugh Creek picnic area safety of the highway and at the same time increase scenic improvement project that have created visual distractions along by arranging existing rocks and adjusting the drainage and recreational sites along the corridor. this section. An inventory of waste material sites and old road pattern. sections identified ten locations prime for rehabilitation and Scenic Potential: Unique, near views are found at Beluga enhancement. Presently these sites are used for scenic viewing, 6. Stabilize and revegetate the following areas: Point, Rainbow and along the Indian-to-Bird Creek portions but not even the most basic facilities are provided. of the corridor. The common, near views lack landscape diver- a. Waste material sites sity, but are still important resources, due to potential sheep Recreational Potential: With the exception of McHugh b. Old road sections and goat viewing. Unique, middle views exist from the corridor Creek picnic area, the recreational potential is limited to beach c. Cut and fill slopes to the tidelands and into the steep forested mountainsides of walking. McHugh Creek picnic area provides access to both the d. Road shoulders Indian and Bird Creek valleys. Middle views of the uplands Johnson Trail and McHugh Creek Trail. It offers a rest and e. Borrow pits along the corridor are rare and dependent upon creek and picnic area close to Anchorage and is heavily used during the f. Erosion areas river valleys cutting through the Chugach Mountains. warmer months. Views of the arm, at higher elevations than normally found at roadside, are also available from the public area. 21 Recreational Potential: Existing recreational use in this and to accommodate user demand, while protecting and en- arm, continuing until it drops into the Glacier Creek Valley at section of the corridor is the highest found at the arm, and hancing the inherent values of the area and the communities Girdwood. The main landscape type along this section of the with the proposed improvements to the Seward Highway, the along the corridor. corridor is steep brushy mountainside, an ideal habitat for opportunities will increase significantly. The coastline, Johnson mountain goats. The steep slopes lack mature vegetation due to Trail, the Indian branch of the old Iditarod Trail and the Bird Recommendations: heavy avalanching. Over 50'percent of the slopes in this section Ridge Trail provide walking and hiking enthusiasts with ample are avalanche paths that cross the corridor and make traveling opportunities. Presently, there is camping at Bird Creek, which 1. The Seward Highway improvement project will hazardous during the winter. This section of the Seward High- will be increased when the Bird Creek Regional Park is de- eliminate two high-use waysides serving an important way is scheduled for improvement after Phase III is completed. veloped. There are also existing or proposed waysides at Beluga. recreational area. Relocate and develop a site plan for Point, Rainbow, Windy Corner, Falls Creek and Bird Ridge. Bird Ridge Wayside and Bird Creek Wayside that pro- Scenic Potential: The near views prior to Bird Point are The communities of Indian and Bird Creek enjoy a park adja- tects and enhances natural values while it accommodates restricted by vegetative screening along the corridor. After cent to Indian Creek that was constructed by local residents. present and future use. Bird Point, near views of the alpine meadows and brushy slopes dropping into the arm are unique to this section of SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL SITES 2. Establish guidelines for development to protect and the corridor. Middle and distant views are also excellent from maintain the natural, scenic and recreational values the higher elevations along the mountain slopes. On a clear Mile Site Type along the corridor. The guidelines should apply to: day, a highway traveler can see well into Portage Valley. If a a. Site design including setbacks, entrances, vegetative blue hue is evident, then Portage Glacier can be seen at its best. screening, etc. Alyeska Mountain, the entrance to Turnagain Pass, and Bird 8.0 Beluga Point Scenic b. Junk disposal and removal Point in its entirety can be seen from the higher elevations c. Vegetation removal of this section. 9.9 Johnson Trailhead at Rainbow Recreational d. Signing e. Utilities Recreational Potential: The recreational potential of this 11.3 Windy Corner Scenic section is somewhat restricted due to the steep slopes and 3. Develop an open space and recreational plan for the limited land area. At one time the Iditarod Trail traversed these 12.-6 Falls Corner Scenic communities of Indian and Bird Creek that provides slopes, leading to Indian Pass and the interior of Alaska. Today opportunities for Turnagain Arm residents and is the trail is grown over or covered by the Seward highway. 13.2 The Grotto Scenic compatible with the objectives of the scenic corridor. Unique recreation opportunities exist at Bird Point, the ava- (This need was identified by Turnagain Arm residents lanche slopes, and at the beach strand opposite old Girdwood. 15.2 Indian Community Park Recreational and included in the Turnagain Arm Comprehensive Bird Point is both rock outcroppings and coastal marsh, located Plan.) in the seaside of the scenic corridor. The point is a large area, 16.0 Bird Ridge Wayside Recreational capable of accommodating a variety of uses, if sensitively 4. Stabilize and revegetate the following areas: planned and developed. The avalance slopes provide access in 16.7 Bird Creek Wayside Recreational the summer to the higher elevation alpine tundra areas, and a. Waste material sites the beach strand in the Glacier Creek wetlands provides a 16.9 Bird Creek Campground Recreational b. Old road sections unique landscape and interesting waterfowl habitat. The areas c. Cut and fill slopes around Glacier Creek and its tributaries, Crow Creek and Cali- In addition to major scenic sites, there are 15 scenic way- d. Road shoulders fornia Creek, though outside the corridor, are mentioned sides planned for this section.. e. Borrow pits because of their present recreational use. Alyeska, Alaska's f. Erosion areas largest resort, used by a variety of recreationalists both in Management Considerations: There are unlimited scenic summer and winter, is in this area. and recreational opportunities in this 13-mile section. A full range of views and a variety of trails, wildlife and unique recrea- Section 4, Avalanche Gate to Girdwood SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL SITES tional areas generate the highest use in the corridor. Along with scenic and recreational use, two growing communities are After crossing the valley floors of Indian and Bird Creek, Mile Site Tyi)e located in the Indian and Bird Creek Valley floors. the corridor rises gently along the slopes of Penguin Mountain 21.7 Bird Point Recreational Objective: Section 3 should be planned and developed to and then descends to Bird Point. The highway skirts the rock take full advantage of the scenic and recreational opportunities outcroppings at Bird Point, and again, .climbs high above the 27.9 Glacier Creek Wetlands Scenic 22 Management Considerations: The scenic corridor between boundary and then ascends the Ingram Creek Valley toward Management Considerations: The potential scenic and the Avalanche Gate and Girdwood has a number of scenic and Turnagain Pass. The predominant landscape types in this section recreational opportunities that exist in this section are under- recreational opportunities that are underdeveloped and under- are tidelands, coastal marsh and wetlands interspersed with developed and underutilized. Scenic opportunities along the utilized. The steep slopes limit the land area and make winter coastal forests. The river and creek valleys contain an abund- corridor and recreational opportunities along the variety of use hazardous due to avalanches. Excellent 1800 views exist, ance of birds and wildlife and their waters contain resident creek and river valleys could be developed to relieve other sec- easily seen when traveling in either direction. Views, combined trout and spawning salmon in summer. tions of the corridor and generally expand recreation in close with the highest elevations along the highway, make this section proximity to Anchorage. of the corridor unlike any of the others. At Girdwood the railroad crosses the highway to the upland side and continues to the end of the arm, where it divides into Objective: Section 5 should be planned and developed to Objective: Section 4 should be planned and developed to two routes. One route, following Portage Creek, tunnels exploit the unique scenic and recreational opportunities, while take advantage of the unique scenic and recreational oppor- through the Chugach Range to the Port of Whittier. The other protecting and enchancing the inherent value along the corridor. tunities, while avoiding hazards and protecting and enhancing route, following Placer River Valley to Johnson Pass, continues the inherent values along the corridor. to the Port of Seward. The overhead utility lines cross from the Recommendations: uplands into the tideland where they continue and parallel Recommendations: the Johnson Pass route of the railroad. 1. Establish guidelines for development at Girdwood and Portage to protect and enhance the natural, scenic and 1. Identify and reestablish the Iditarod Trail between Scenic Potential: The near views along the corridor are very recreational values along the corridor. Guidelines should Indian and Girdwood. good, with the exception of common landscape around Kern. apply to: The quality of the middle and distant views outweighs the 2. Establish a typical wayside (see Sites) associated with effects of common landscape at any point in Section 5. The a. Site design including setbacks, entrances, vegetative the new Avalanche Gate. tideland and coastal wetlands of Glacier, Peterson and Portage screening creeks and Twenty Mile and Placer rivers offer unique land- b. Junk and disposal ordinance 3. Develop a master plan for Bird Point that provides form and vegetation. The valleys of these creeks and rivers c. Vegetation removal scenic and recreational opportunities at a unique seaside also cut deep into the Chugach Range, exposing broad forested d. Signing site. valleys, glaciers and generally remarkable middle and distant e. Utilities views. 4. Design and develop two typical waysides for scenic use 2. Relocate or screen the overhead utility lines now in summer along the avalanche slope. Recreation Potential: At present, the recreational potential located in the tidelands and beach strand. in this section is minimal and limited to the creeks and rivers. 5. Design and develop a year-round scenic wayside at the Twenty Mile and Placer rivers are navigable by canoes and river- 3. Develop a typical wayside at Kern Creek. avalanche safety zone. boats. Tidal influences occur as far up river as six miles. These areas are used in summer for fishing and camping, and in winter 4. Develop a master plan for Twenty Mile River Basin 6. Stabilize and revegetate the following areas: for snowmobiling. River access is undeveloped, though the U.S. recreation area. Forest Service maintains two waysides at Placer River and is a. Old Avalanche Gate considering building a boat ramp at Twenty Mile River. Portage 5. Develop a small boat ramp to provide access up the b. Old road sections Creek and Valley are used both in summer and winter. Twenty Mile River Valley. c. Cut and fill slopes d. Road shoulders SCENIC AND RECREATIONAL SITES 6. Develop a typical wayside at Ingram Creek as an e. Borrow pits entrance to the Municipality of Anchorage and the f. Erosion areas scenic corridor. Mile Site Type Section 5, Girdwood to Ingram Creek 36.7 BLM Overlook Scenic Section 5 of the corridor extends 12 miles from Girdwood 39.2 U.S. Forest Service Wayside Recreational across several creek bottoms and river deltas to the end of Turn- again Arm where, in the early part of this century, a causeway 39.7 U.S. Forest Service Wayside Recreational and corduroy road carried travelers to their destination. The corridor continues along the arm to the end of the municipal 25 Management Framework The management framework evaluates and outlines the 2. Protect the public investment in highways and roads. The second definition requires legislative authority for critical elements necessary for devising a management plan. The public investment in roads is to be protected from designating scenic corridors and provides for both a local In researching and developing this section, both the Corridor such activities, land uses, signs, etc. which may destroy and a state scenic highway system. Plan and a broader state-wide scenic highway system were the integrity of the road, its capacity for traffic and its considered. The framework creates the basis for a locally visual qualities, "The scenic highway system is comprised of those managed scenic corridor, but could easily be applicable to a sections of the state highways, roads and streets desig- state-wide scenic highway system. Legislation creating the 3. Attract visitors to the state by conserving the natural nated by appropriate authority according to criteria Connecticut Scenic Corridor System is included in the Appen- beauty of areas adjacent to highways, and provide access established by the legislature, which provide outstanding dix for the reference of the reader. to outstanding visual experiences representative of the visual resources and/or give access to recreational state's variety of landscape resources and cultural attrac- facilities. The following are the basic elements in a scenic corridor tions. This goal seeks to support the tourist industry. plan and are used to outline this section. 4. Provide recreational opportunities within the highway Safeguarding the Scenic Corridor * Goals for the scenic corridor. corridors and access to the state's abundant recreational * A definition of the scenic corridor. resources. Without adequate protection the natural, scenic, historic 5. Aid the expansion of environmental education through and recreational values along the corridor may decline as a * Safeguarding the scenic corridor. public and private recreation and resource management result of future development. In the case of the Seward High- programs. This goal stresses the educational potential of way Scenic Corridor, it is important to remember that 93 per- * Rehabilitation and enhancement along the scenic a system in terms of making the resources of the state cent of the land along the highway is publicly owned. Private corridor. more significant and meaningful. ownership is limited to the communities of Rainbow Valley, Indian/Bird Creek, Girdwood and Portage and comprises only o Managing the scenic corridor. 6. Protect natural and cultural heritage corridors of the seven percent of the highway frontage. Publicly owned land is state. This goal considers the importance of natural corri- less likely to receive unacceptable modifications than privately 0 Implementing the scenic corridor concept. dors related to highways as the Coastal Management Pro- owned land, and yet, land management agencies responsible gram seeks to protect the state's coastline from misuse. for the corridor have differing objectives and a variety of 7. Protect the coastal resources of the state while increasing proposals that could have negative impacts. Goals for the Scenic Corridor public access to the coastline. This refers specifically to To protect the corridor, it is necessary to identify a the goals of the Alaska Coastal Management Program. management zone and to develop the appropriate controls. When establishing a scenic corridor or scenic highway The management zone, the area to which the management plan system, it is important for the managing agencies and the applies, can be broken into the inner zone or foreground and users to formulate the goals they want the scenic designation the outer zone or middle ground. One simple and cost-effective to accomplish, to be used as the basis for future management A Definition for the Scenic Corridor approach to controlling activities along the corridor is to work policies. The following goals are taken from other scenic cor- within the highway right-of-way or the foreground. Often, ridor plans or studies and are offered as the range of alterna- As with the statement of goals, the definition of a scenic by working within the right-of-way, the entire corridor can tives for consideration. corridor is an important element in a management plan. Two be effectively managed. The following are good examples: definitions have been included for consideration. The first 1. Promote the health, safety, welfare, convenience and is a broad definition allowing the designation of a scenic cor- * A screen of trees and shrubs can permanently block enjoyment of public travel on highways and roads of the ridor by a local level of government. from view objectionable modifications to the landscape state. This broad goal is so stated to justify the use of and undesirable views. police power. This goal is from Washington State's legisla- "Scenic corridor means that portion of highways, tion enabling establishment of scenic areas. roads or streets which provide outstanding visual re- 0 In heavily forested areas, careful timber harvesting can sources and/or recreational opportunities." open "windows" which greatly extend the depth of the field of vision. 26 Overlooks can be constructed, road segments relocated, TABLE I and spur roads added to obtain a desired change in the depth of the corridor visible from the roads. Ease of Mechanism Effectiveness Cost Administration Comments Controlling activities in the middle ground is more diffi- Wider-than-usual right-of-way Could be most effective, but Cost would be very high, East to administer because Private property owners cult and costly, particularly when acquisition of privately the area would need to be probably prohibitive control would be obsolete would probably resent "ex- owned land is involved. very limited cessive" acquisition by gov- ernment Outright acquisition of either Very effective if authorized Costs could be burdensome, No special problems of There are basically two approaches to controlling activities inner or outer zones of corri- aid permitted by courts even prohibitive administration except con- within the management zone. Control may be exercised by dor testing some antagonism using police power without compensation or by purchasing the against public authority "being in the real estate land or the desired easements. Table 1 is a simple chart illustrat- business" ing the effectiveness, costs and ease of administration of speci- Fee acquisition and leaseback Very effective Very costly and requires May be difficult to sell Facilitates maintenance; fic mechanisms to protect the scenic corridor. In summary, large capital outlays which property owners on the idea; keeps the corridor "alive" the. potential mechanisms available for safeguarding the scenic are later repaid in part extends the public domain considerably corridor are as follows: Acquisition of scenic or con- Could be quite effective if Cost would be reasonable No particular difficulties ex- servation easements right kind of easement in some cases, considerable cept one of educating the * Wider than normal rights-of-way acquired in others, especially in or public close to urban areas; costs 9 Outright acquisition in these instances might be so * Fee acquisition and leaseback great that outright acquisi- tion would be more 0 Acquisition of scenic or conservation easements reasonable * Zoning at the local level Zoning at local level Not very effective-only as No cost except that of Same difficulties as those Generally, not a very happy e Zoning at the state level effective as zoning is; subject administering the program associated with zoning today solution * Scenic highway corridor reservations to pressure and maybe a few more because this would be a new e Special conservation or corridor districts application * Comprehensive planning Zoning at state level Hardly ever has been used- No costs other than adminis- Administration would be * Restrictive covenants its legal fate is largely un- trative costs subject to the same detail known; if politics were kept as local zoning out of administration, might After examining the various approaches to designating the be reasonably effective, but it is essential that it be done management zone and protecting the corridor, the following Scenic highway corridor If sustained in courts as No costs except costs of Once the notion is clearly Well worth a try recommendations are made. reservation (state level) a valid exercise of police administration of program defined there should be no power, could be reasonably difficulties of administration; Management Zone: Designate both an inner and outer effective; would require a in fact, large areas could new legal concept; would be so regulated with a mini- management zone for the scenic corridor. The inner zone have none of legal or mum of public effort should coincide with the Seward Highway ri t-of-way. The popular encumbrances of gh zoning right-of-way is approximately 200 feet wide and includes the Special conservation or Could be one of the most Would be negligible, only No significant problems of Offers considerable promise entrances, parking areas and in some cases, the structures for corridor districts effective, but would be a costs of administration administration most of the private land development adjacent to the highway. broad new application of a relatively new device The outer zone should extend an additional 200 feet beyond Comprehensive planning Would be effective if the Generally, only costs would Usual problems, which may the right-of-way. The 200-foot designation includes an entire device is applied in its best be those of administration, be many, of a comprehensive lot-width of privately owned land and includes most of the and broadest connotations unless acquisition mechan- planning approach proposed sites and improvements on publicly owned land. isms are considered part of this process as they might be The entire management zone should be approximately 600 feet Restrictive covenants Could be helpful in a small, None, except small costs to Handled privately, perhaps wide, depending upon right-or-way width. limited area, but should hard- property owners under government auspices ly be relied on for an entire scenic road project; is more of a supplement, particularly in urban areas 27 Control: The Municipality of Anchorage should adopt problems or rehabilitation needs. This is the first step in a Managing the Scenic Corridor an enabling ordinance establishing the Seward Highway Scenic rehabilitation program. When the needs have been identified, Corridor. This mechanism, effectively used by state govern- the problem areas should be prioritized to treat the most The Municipality of Anchorage is the only level of govern- ments, is also appropriate for local government. Anchorage, critical areas first. ment with the powers and jurisdiction to implement and as a unified municipal government, has planning powers along manage the entire scenic corridor. If a statewide scenic highway the Seward Highway, and as a coastal management district, Visual problems and rehabilitation needs are generally system is created, the Seward Highway Scenic Corridor should requires state and federal government to be consistent with identified in the Environmental Synthesis section of this report. become part of it, with management responsibility reverting municipal plans. The ordinance establishing the scenic corridor Recommended approaches are also included in the same section to the state. should include the following: to treat problems along the corridor. A general inventory has revealed: The municipality should encourage the various state and I . Require an approved site plan for any new structures federal agencies with land management responsibilities along and major alterations within the inner zone. 1. Ninety percent of the problems that exist today are the corridor to participate in a management team that would within the inner zone or highway right-of-way. essentially oversee and guide the development of the corridor. 2. Require authorizations for any public facilities, utilities, The management team should be composed of members from: recreation sites, etc., within the management zone. 2. A majority of these problems exist due to activities undertaken by local, state or federal government. 9 Municipality of Anchorage 3. Require an approved site plan for vegetation removal * Alaska Department of Transportation and Public in the inner zone except for general maintenance. 3. Stabilization and revegetation will alleviate most of the Facilities problems that exist along the corridor. e Alaska Division of Parks 4. Establish restrictions and guidelines for junk disposal 9 Alaska Department of Fish and Game and removal within the management zone. Visual distractions associated with private development 0 Alaska Department of Public Safety are always difficult to treat. On one hand, homesites and busi- 0 The Alaska Railroad 5. Establish a signing standard for the management zone. nesses carved out of the wilderness often look unsightly to the 0 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service observer who is used to the order of an urban setting. By the 0 U.S. Forest Service In determining the safeguards appropriate for the corridor, same token, wrecked cars, defoliated areas, and trash-found * Bureau of Land Management the single most important factor is the amount of privately along the highway-detract from the scenic resources of the owned land to be affected. In the case of the Seward Highway, area. For future development, a review and approval of the The management team should be formalized with a co- the private land adjacent to the corridor is minimal in compari- site plan will guarantee that standards are met. For existing operative management agreement and should be embodied with son to the amount of publicly owned land. development, it is possible to control future improvements the responsibility for: within a site, or to order unsightly cars and trash to be removed The ordinance should also establish a process for the pur- as part of the ordinance establishing the scenic corridor. But a 1. Establishing goals for the scenic corridor. chase of scenic or conservation easements in the inner zone landowner cannot be forced to rehabilitate or improve his 2. Formulating policies to guide development of the where private property abutts the Seward Highway, if the property to meet standards set for the corridor, and it would corridor. highway right-of-way is not sufficient to control activity affect- be unfair or unreasonable to make such a request. Instead, 3. Developing a cooperative management plan for the ing the quality of the corridor. Based upon experience in the municipality, in conjunction with the managing agencies scenic corridor. other states, the cost of easements is estimated at 20 percent in a particular part of the corridor, should provide incentives 4. Recommending action on both public and private of the assessed land value. or grants for improving problem areas. development proposals to the municipal assembly. An excellent opportunity for improving privately owned The permit system within the municipality should be used Rehabilitation and Enhancement sites at Rainbow, Indian and Bird Creek exists at present as to implement the regulations and controls outlined in the part of the Phase III Seward Highway Improvement Project. ordinance creating the scenic corridor. along the Corridor An approach would be to get landowners involved in entrance and site design within the right-of-way to be funded and con- Once a management program is developed and safeguards structed as part of the highway project. This opportunity will have been established to protect the existing values along the also occur again in the future as the highway improvements corridor, an inventory should be undertaken to identify visual continue along the arm. OME 30 Rabbit Creek Rifle Range lug .................... The 57-acre Rabbit Creek Rifle Range was opened in 1953 vo., and was operated by the Alaska Range Association, a sport- men's organization, under authority of the Recreational and ANCHORAGE Public Purposes Act which mandates recreational use in per- petuity. In 1980 the rifle range was purchased by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the agency responsible for man- Girdwood aging the adjoining Potter Point State Game Refuge. A master plan and management scheme, which includes both the rifle Kom range and the wildlife refuge, is being prepared at this time. Portage The rifle range is located at Mile .5 in Section I of the Seward Highway Corridor. Adjacent to the range are the pro- posed New Seward Highway Scenic Overlook, a series of turn- outs along Potter's Marsh, and a proposed Coastal Trail. Adja- cent uses and the proximity to the Potter Point State Game Refuge warrants that the rifle range be given special con- sideration. This site plan offers a concept that improves the safety and function of the range, while blending the site, to the extent possible, into the natural setting, thereby in- creasing the compatibility with the adjacent uses. parkir orle, mr6e, 3&0' ,5eue.*d ar,@nq - era ra(G@ R ............ MOM .............. Rabb it Creek Rifle Range Section Pi6foj rar@e ri he, --o%d A4i VMT ......... ............ .. ...... . . ............ ....... ..- r6l t@t@IU u111101141111111 ill,11011411 III lot 11 IN I.11101 INNI 1101mikW-NI fill 11mut, lhlm(WOO WOO Wilillh V1111/10kilif IN" 11(till 11w 44J +W+ti+W It. IT IT" I I TV I I I I Ill 1111004 X%klt fit I IM1111011111111111 itilm IP Of 1111111110 0111111 ............. 04111 kkk 11111111MI(44 lilt ol.011111111111 %it ml tit M(figullIA11111 111titillj@ till( t t /tit 11 1%\kO till I Ii\@t 111 WIM11 q11(i i ollij 111111 t@ (it apprn 32 Potter Weigh Station The Potter Weigh Station, located at Mile 2.6 on the Seward Highway, services truck traffic between southcentral. Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula. The present site, at the intersection ANCHORAGE .--of the old and new Seward highways adjacent to Potter Marsh, has been identified for the proposed Potter Marsh Nature Center. The center is intended to be a major facility for support Girdwood activities and interpretive programs related to the wildlife re Kom fuge. In addition, renovation of the historic Potter Section Portage House and a new trailhead for Johnson Trail at Potter Creek are also proposed as auxiliary uses. a&@;A 6r-otld" h,,,e 6cal-, (,-f4 h6. ew@l 6@610W'11-611 fill ma7id--41 C 4 N PENN @-11 - - - ------------- Pott e-r Weigh Station Section a reg to 0\4 /Oal fiet* wall Q ON SO 0 50 150 FT 34 Johnson Trailhead at Rainbow The proposed realignment of the Seward Highway will bypass both the entrance to the community of Rainbow Valley and the Johnson Trailhead. As part of the Seward Highway ANCHORAGE improvement, the old highway and the Indian Creek culvert will be removed and regraded to match the existing contours. This improvement will define and separate the entrance to the commun Girdwood ity and the Johnson Trailhead, which is considered :x.. highly desirable by local residents. XV: Kern Portage The new entrance to Rainbow Valley will be protected from through traffic and a schoolbus turnout will provide a safe loca- tion to drop off school children. Parking will also be provided to accommodate parents picking up their children and can also be used by visitors to the community. r&W1 7@ 14/1 Vu i-M, ......................... . . . . . . . . . . . ...... Johnson Trailhead at Rainbow Section va lmioAzo CI-64- faw9ve- oilql hq,@17ax, & @\IINM MOW till Al 0 so 150 FT. 36 Bird Ridge Trailhead The widening of the Seward Highway, part of the proposed realignment and improvement project, will eliminate the present parking area for the Bird Ridge Trail. A proposed new site has been identified and will be developed during the highway con- ANCHORAGE struction. The site plan provides for a parking area accom- modating 16 cars, and a new trail to connect the trailhead with Bird Ridge. The parking area will be constructed to approxi- Girdwood mate the elevation of the new highway, will be paved and have Kom appropriate signs. A vegetative screen will provide a buffer Portage between the highway and the parking area. 0 ,94-Ve 711-all . . ....... ....... . . . . eW-0 .*K-K ZO -0 7C ........... ..... . x-:-xxxx,*@i@-@:@i ...... ...... ....... .. ......... .......... . . . ......... xx xc-'. Bird Ridge Trailhead Section 41 0 50 150 FT 38 Bird Creek Wayside log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .- The existing parking area at Bird Creek will be significantly reduced in size by the proposed widening and realignment of the Seward Highway. A new site for a wayside to support ANCHORAGE activities along the creek has been planned and will include parking on the bluff above the creek and a picnic area at the present parking lot. Girdwood The parking area will accommodate over 50 vehicles in a Kem rectangular configuration. The lot will be situated to maintain Portage the maximum existing vegetation to provide a pleasant, natural setting and screen the area from view. e(fl. e.1 e.17o, SEIM g. -1XK. %;g ....... ... . ............... @' r@g NO Egg M g@ MIMI& Bird Creek Wayside Section UDId t- W27Z /I;pq MIP/ W, 4" \b -dMR 0 Z hro 1?wF @pr got 40 Bird Point Bird Point has long been recognized for its scenic and recreational value. The site is a mixture of forest, rock out- nd tidal flats which provide a variety of landscape cropping a types and outstanding views. It is one of the few seaside sites ANCHORAGE within the Seward Highway Corridor with a land area large enough for a moderate scale of recreational development. XV, Girdwood The conceptual site plan for Bird Point includes a major Kern regional interpretive center and parking area, a train stop and Portage passenger facility, and a series of interpretive nature trails and viewpoints. It is based on the recommendation that the area be developed to accommodate a variety of scenic and recrea- tional needs, and yet be protected to maintain the inherent values which make Bird Point a unique site. **09 U I M M -1 M Ml@ 'MM ewn ...........- ............... ----------- .. .. ........... ..... ............. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bird Point Section hi@ (7Z?/A fill too,,- C 15 41, 42 Avalanche Safety Zone b, At Mile 23 an a valanche safety zone offers winter and summer viewing of the eastern end of Turnagain Arm. The views are excellent from this elevated site and span from Bird ANCHORAGE Point to Portage Glacier. It is recommended that a cantilevered view deck be provided to maximize the viewing potential, with ........... . a rock retaining wall for safety. The conceptual site plan illustrates the deck, parking, and view potential. od Kern Portage low"/ humh Wiu) Ow"* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ AM4@131n 171-'n 1'50 7'@eel 4-4--41 -/k@ lctl,71 Avalanche Safe Area Section C we q1eQa&-q _mM M Alviftimmil/f/Al, wx //I 11111011) 111/11mm if Ail] 1), NOW "-- #WWII -mW/,V oQV,,a_24P MIA :pIOVAN14 Ilit -b4W ?PPP/ FA9 44 ?Vr CVIA PVRV/ V 44 Boat Ramp at Twenty-Mile River Twenty-Mile River is the route most boaters and bikers use to enter the vast Twenty-Mile River Valley, an undiscovered recreational area. Access to Twenty-Mile River is from an area which lies between the highway bridge and the Alaska Railroad crossing. This site is unimproved, with a rip-rap dike separating the Girdwood parking area from the water. The dike represents an obstacle for boaters, and makes improvements to the site impractical due to cost. A new access has been selected and is recommended as a site for a boat launch, because it is accessible and does not present any major engineering problems. It is intended to be used until a road is constructed into the river valley, allowing boat access in an area less affected by tidal fluctuations. The boat ramp would provide car and trailer parking and storage and a latrine. The area between the ramp and the road would be screened with indigenous, mature trees and low brush. Twenty-Mile Boat Ramp - Section 0 50 150 FT. w-T awe ---------- -------------- Aww/ C 46 ]Entrance to the Municipality ZY The following typical turnout is recommended for the entrance to the Municipality of Anchorage from the Kenai Peninsula at Ingram Creek and for the points along the corridor ANCHORAGE where new turnouts are recommended. At Ingram Creek (Tern Wayside), the turnout is intended to serve as a site marking the -should incorporate a unique entrance municipal boundary and s This site is an excellent place for Girdwood ign and regional landmark Xem observing Arctic-terns. The pulloff will also provide parking for general viewing and a vegetative screen between the site and ]Portage general highway traffic. Tern Wayside establishes a* standard for any new turnouts along the corridor and was designed to meet minimum re .quire- ments and reflect good engineering and landscape design practices within a scenic corridor. two -wa,) -g -mg- g SO,: MUS . . . . . . . . . . . 1101.1 TMicalWayside Section C9 C5 0 50 150 FT -Vvvv-v@ El OE mco 51 Inventory of Scenic and Recreational Sites 1. Site: New Seward Scenic Overlook. Facilities: Nature Center, viewing decks, bike 8. Site: Beluga Point Wayside. Location: Mile 0.3, seaside. trail and parking lot. Location: Mile 8.0, seaside. Management Status: Proposed, Coastal Trail System, Muni- Management Responsibility: Municipality of Anchorage. cipality of Anchorage. Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. Function: This scenic site provides distant views 5. Site: Potter Section House. Function: This archaeological site dates back of Cook Inlet and of the entrance to Location: Mile 2.9, seaside. 6,000 years and will serve as a scenic@ Turnagain Arm, and middle views of Management wayside with interpretive information. Potter Marsh Wildlife Refuge. Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. Facilities: Interpretive program, 33-car parking Facilities: Parking lot, interpretive program and Function: This historic site contains a facility area. viewing deck. that will serve as a Chugach State Park Status: Proposed, Chugach State Park Master Status: Proposed, Coastal Trail System, Muni- Visitor Center and park ranger office. Plan. cipality of Anchorage. Facilities: Section House, viewing platform, rest- rooms, picnic area. 9. Site: Johnson Trailhead at Rainbow. 2. Site: Rabbit Creek Rifle Range. Status: Existing, with planned restoration and Location: Mile 9.9, landside. Location: Mile 0.5, seaside. relocation. Management Management 6. Site: Johnson Trailhead at Potter Creek. Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. Responsibility: Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Location: Mile 3.0, landside. Function: This recreational site will provide for Function: This recreation site offers a variety of Management parking and access to the Johnson opportunities to shooting enthusiasts, Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. Trail. under the supervision of a rangemaster. Function: This recreation site will establish the Facilities: Trailhead sign, latrine, bulletin board Facilities: A pistol range, .22 caliber rifle range, northernmost end of Johnson Trail and parking area. large-bore rifle range, a skeet range, and and will provide parking and access to Status: Proposed, Chugach State Park Master parking lot. the trail. Plan. Status: Existing with planned improvements. Facilities: Trailhead sign, bulletin board, latrine and parking lot. 10. Site: Falls Creek Wayside. 3. Site: Potter Marsh Waysides. Status: Proposed, Chugach State Park Master Location: Mile 12.6, landside. Locations: Mile 0.6, 1.0, 1.5, landside. Plan. Management Management 7. Site: McHugh Creek Picnic Area. Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. Responsibility: Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Location: Mile 6.4, landside. Function: This recreational site will provide Function: These scenic sites offer near views of a Management access to Falls Creek Trail and to the waterfowl staging and nesting area and Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. Johnson Trail. a coastal wetlands habitat. Function: This recreation site provides picnicking Facilities: Trailhead sign, latrine, bulletin board Facilities: Parking lot and viewing area. in a primary scenic and recreation area. and a parking area for 10 to 15 cars. Status: Existing with planned improvements. Access to both Johnson Trail and Status: Proposed, Chugach State Master Plan. 4. Site: Potter Marsh Nature Center. McHugh Creek Trail is available from Locations: Mile 2.6, landside. this site. Management Facilities: Thirty picnic sites, parking, toilets and Responsibility: Municipality of Anchorage. trailhead signs. Function: This recreation and scenic site will Status: Existing. provide interpretive information about the wetlands ecosystem, while offer- ing near-views of the waterfowl staging and nesting area. 52 11. Site: The Grotto Wayside. 15. Site: Bird Creek Regional Park. 18. Site: Glacier Creek Wetlands. Location: Mile 13.2, landside. Location: Two miles north of mile 16.7 along Location: Mile 27.9, seaside. Management Bird Creek, landside. Management Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. Management Responsibility: Municipality of Anchorage. Function: This scenic site will offer near views of Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. Function: This recreational area will provide interesting vegetation and a waterfall Function: This 2,265-acre regional park is in- interpretive opportunities as well as cascading down a rock face. tended to provide camping, picnicking viewing of the wetlands ecosystem. Facilities: Small paved parking area. and to meet general recreation needs. Facilities: Interpretive program. Status: Exists, but will be partially destroyed Facilities: Forty to fifty camping sites, restrooms, Status: Proposed, Municipality of Anchorage during Seward Highway Improvements. water. Coastal Management Program. Planned for reconstruction. Status: Proposed, Chugach State Park Master 19. Site: BLM Overlook. Plan and Municipality of Anchorage 12. Site: Indian Community Park. Park and Recreation Plan. Location: Mile 36.7, landside. Location: Mile 15.2, seaside. Management Management 16. Site: Bird Creek Campground. Responsibility: Bureau of Land Management. Responsibility: Municipality of Anchorage. Location: Mile 16.9, seaside. Function: This scenic site provides near and Function: This recreation site provides for or- Management middle views of the Twenty Mile ganized sports and serves both Indian Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. wetlands. and Bird Creek. Function: This recreational site provides camping Facilities: Viewing platform, interpretive pro- Facilities: Baseball field with backstop. and picnicking close to Anchorage, gram, and parking. Status: Existing, with planned improvements. with a variety of unique views of the Turnagain Arm and the local surround- 20. Site: Placer River Waysides. 13. Site: Bird Ridge Trailhead. ings. Location: Mile 39.2 and 39.7, landside. Location: Mile 16.0, landside. Facilities: Twenty-four camping sites, 14 picnic Management Management sites, toilets, drinking water and a Responsibility: U.S. Forest Service. Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. shelter. Function: These waysides provide access to Function: This recreation site will provide both Status: Existing, but proposed exclusively as Placer River. access and parking for Bird Ridge a picnic site when Bird Creek Regional Facilities: Parking area. Trail. Park is developed. Status: Existing. Facilities: Trailhead sign and parking area for 15 vehicles. . 17. Site: Bird Point Natural Area. 21. Site: Tern Wayside. Status: Existing, but must be relocated due to Location: Mile 21.7, seaside. Location: Mile 40.2, landside. Seward Highway improvements. Management Management Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. Responsibility: U.S. Forest Service. 14. Site: Bird Creek Wayside. Function: This recreational and scenic area will Function: This scenic wayside will provide near Location: Mile 16.7, landside. provide interpretive and viewing oppor- views of the wetland at Ingram Creek Management tunities. and distant views of the Chugach Responsibility: Alaska State Division of Parks. Facilities: Interpretive program, restrooms, bulle- Range. It will also serve as'a gate to the Function: This wayside will provide a picnic area tin board, parking. Municipality of Anchorage. and parking for people using Bird Creek Status: Proposed, Chugach State Park Master Facilities: Parking area. for fishing and recreation. It will also Plan. Status: Proposed, U.S. Forest Service. serve as a trailhead for Bird Creek Trail. Facilities: Picnic area, latrine, bulletin board, and parking lot. Status: Existing, but must be relocated due to Seward Highway Improvement. 53 iviodel Scenic Corridor Legislation Legislative proposal to create a state-wide scenic corridor a. Prohibits, within the scenic corridor, uses of land clearly An Act Establishing a Scenic system. The act creating a scenic corridor system proposes the incompatible with the preservation of scenic values. Environmental Corridor System following: These uses are billboards and junk yards. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives I Designates an initial scenic corridor system and provides a in General Assembly convened: mechanism for adding future corridors to that system. b. Pen-nits the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to review proposed commercial and industrial develop- Section 1. The general assembly finds that the growing A corridor is defined as the area with one-half mile of the men ts within the scenic corridor to ensure they will not population, expanding economy and changing technology of right of way of such routes or between such route and a have a substantial adverse effect on the scenic and en- the state have had a profound impact on the scenic, historic and ridgetop, whichever is less, The Commissioners of Trans- vironmental qualities of the corridor. environmental resources of the state which are now recognized portation and Environmental Protection are given the as finite and precious. These resources include, but are not authority to designate additional routes. This authority is Most damage to scenic and environmental values is done limited to, upland pastoral landscapes, upland wooded land- intended to cover additional routes that may be constructed by unregulated or poorly regulated commercial and in- scapes, deep river valleys, traprock ridge zones, and pastoral as well as possible extension of the system to those routes dustrial establishments such as filling stations, motels, river valleys. These scenic, historic and environmental resources, designated in the report as Locally Significant Scenic Roads. and restaurants. Allowing the review of proposed addi- especially along local, state and interstate highways, have con- tional establishments of this type will ensure that they 2. Provides a comprehensive program for the preservation of are sited and designed to do the least possible damage to tributed greatly to the state's economic and spiritual develop- the scenic resources of the designated corridors. scenic values. It is specifically provided that no project ment by encouraging Connecticut residents to remain here, by disapproval by a local planning or zoning commission attracting to the state permanent and part-time residents, tourists, commerce, industry, and cultural and educational Simply calling a route scenic does not in itself protect it. may be approved by the Commissioner, thus retaining facilities. These resources have also contributed to maintaining In fact, it might actually increase development pressure primary authority at the local level. and increasing the general level of property values in the com- along the route and thereby contribute to the destruction of its scenic quality, The comprehensive preservation pro- c. Requires local planning or zoning commission to de- munity. Therefore, the general assembly hereby declares that gram recommended seeks to balance the responsibility velop regulations to protect the corridors from resi- the policy of the state of Connecticut is to conserve, preserve, of the state to take decisive action to protect its unique dential developments which would have a substantial improve and protect its scenic and environmental resources in scenic and historical resources against the desire to main- adverse effect on scenic or environmental values, order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people tain a strong local role in decision-making on land-use of the state. issues. Toward this end the legislation The Commissioner of Environmental Protection is Section 2. For purposes of this Act the terms listed below directed to issue guidelines to such local commissions to shall have the following meanings: Joint Study into the Creation, Establishment and guide their efforts and to review the resulting regula- Designation of a Scenic Corridor, System, Connecti- tions to ensure that they will effectively protect such (a) "scenic, historical or environmental resources" shall cut Department of Transportation and Department of corridors. Here again, the primary responsibility for mean upland pastoral landscapes, upland wooded land- Environmental Protection, January, 1972. protecting the system is at the local level. Only if local scapes, deep river valleys, traprock ridge zones, and regulating is ineffective will the state step in to protect pastoral river valleys. the state-wide interest in preservation of the unique values along these routes. (b) "billboard" shall mean any advertising sign except (1) signs advertising the primary activity conducted on the premises on which they are located; (2) signs advertising the sale or lease of the property on which they are located, 54 (c) "junk yard" shall mean any land or building which is (b) The Commissioners of Transportation and Environ- The Commissioner of Environmental Protection may ex- used for the storage, collection, salvage, processing or mental Protection are hereby given the authority to empt certain classes of industrial or commercial establishments conversion of used or discarded material. The use of designate additional highways or sections of highways from the requirements of this section upon a finding that they land for open storage of two (2) or more motor vehicles as scenic highways upon a joint finding that the corridor are unlikely to have an adverse impact on the scenic, historic no longer in safe operating condition shall be deemed a through which such highways pass consists of scarce and environmental resources of the corridor. junk yard. scenic, historic or environmental resources that con- tribute to the economic and social well being of the In no case shall a permit be issued under this section to (d) "commercial or industrial establishment" shall mean people of Connecticut. permit a use prohibited by local law or regulation. any facility used for the production, sale or exchange of any goods or service including but not limited to Section 5. No person or firm shall erect or maintain any This shall not apply to any establishment existing at the gasoline stations, restaurants, motels, factories, quarries, billboard or junk yard within any scenic corridor established effective date of this Act except in the case of substantial modi- sand and gravel pits and automotive sales lots. under this Act. This shall not apply to billboards or junk yards fication of that establishment. existing at the effective date of this Act. (e) "residential development" shall mean any alteration of Section 7. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection the land for residential purposes including but not Section 6. No person or firm shall erect, modify or main- is hereby directed to develop and issue guidelines to munici- limited to dwelling houses, trailer parks or campsites. tain any commercial or industrial establishments within any palities requesting them to develop or amend zoning or other scenic corridor established under this Act without obtaining a regulations which respect to residential developments within Section 3. There is hereby established a scenic and en- permit from the Commissioner of Environmental Protection. scenic corridors so that such developments will have the least vironmental corridor system. Such a "scenic corridor" shall in deciding whether, or under what conditions, to issue a permit feasible adverse impact on the scenic, historic and environ- mean all lands and waters within one-half mile of the right of under this section, the Commissioner of Environmental Pro- mental values of the corridor. In the event a municipality does way of highways designated, under Section 4, as scenic high- tection shall take into account the following factors: not establish such regulations by December 31, 1972, the Com- ways or between such highways and a ridgetop, whichever is missioner of Environmental Protection is hereby directed and less. (a) The impact of the establishment on the scenic and authorized to adopt regulations reasonably designed to preserve environmental values of the corridor and the state; and protect the scenic and environmental values of the corri- Section 4. dors from residential developments. (b) Methods of minimizing any adverse impact of the (a) The following highways are hereby found to have scarce establishment including but not limited to setbacks, Section 8. Violations of the provisions of this Act or of scenic, historic and environmental values contributing screening and improved landscape and architectural regulations adopted under this Act shall be punishable by fines to the social and economic well being of the citizens of design; not to exceed $500 per day. the state of Connecticut and are hereby designated as scenic highways. (c) The hardship imposed on the landowner in light of Section 9. The Commissioner of Environmental Protec- alternative uses which might be made of the land; tion may bring actions to enjoin violation of any provision of this Act or any regulations issued under this Act. (d) The public need for the establishment in relation to existing or potential establishments of a similar nature. 55 Bibliography Alaska Division of Parks, Department of Natural Resources. Municipality of Anch orage- Historic Landmarks Preservation 1980. Chugach State Park Master Plan. Committee. 1980. Preservation and Reuse of the Potter Section House. Anchorage. Alyeska Pipeline Service Company. 1975. Visual Impact Engineering- Visual Assessment Principles, Procedures and Municipality of Anchorage-Planning Department. 1979. Application. Turnagain Arm -Comprehensive Plan. Anchorage. Burns, Tony. 1980. Anchorage Coastal Management Plan, Smith, Clyn. 1971. "Easement to Preserve Open Space Land." Management Program. Municipality of Anchorage, Planning Ecology Law Quarterly, Vol. 1, 728-748. Department. State of Washington, Department of Highways. 1976. Highway Carberry, Michael E. 1979. Patterns of the Past: Anchorage's Advertising Control-Scenic Vistas Act of 1971. Bulletin Heritage Resources. Anchorage: Historic Landmarks Preser- M22-95 (HR). vation Committee. U.S. Department of the Interior-Bureau of Land Management. Connecticut Department of Transportation and Department 1975. System for Visual Resource Management. Washington, of Environmental Protection. 1972. Joint Study into the D.C. Creation, Establishment and Designation of a State-Wide Scenic Highway System. U.S. Department of Agriculture -Forest Service. 1974. National Forest Landscape Management-Roads. Handbook No. 483. Jones & Jones, et. al. 1977. Esthetics and Visual Resource Washington, D.C. Management for Highways. Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation. Seattle. 1974. National Forest Landscape Management-The Visual Management System. Handbook Jones & Jones, et. al. 1974. "Highway Reservations and Land- No. 462. Use Control Under Police Power." Highway Research Record, 8,53-59. U.S. Department of Highways. 1972. Policy on Roadside Development and Highway Beautification. Washington, D.C. Williams, Norman Jr. 1968. "Legal Techniques to Protect and Promote Aesthetics Along Transportation Corridors." Buffalo Law Review. 701-716. Kramer, Chin & Mayo, Inc. ng Engineers, Architects, Applied Scientists Consulti 1113 West Fireweed Lane, Suite 101 Anchorage, Alaska 99503 Phone (907) 276-3303 3 6668 _1 4103 7954