KTNA Talkeetna, Alaska » Denali State Park

DNR pushing power to the Park

Lorien Nettleton — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:49:42 +0000

A plan to extend 3-phase electrical lines from the Junction of the Spur Road and the Parks Highway into Denali State Park is in the works. David Griffin, a resource Specialist for the Parks and Recreation Division of the Department of Natural Resources, attended last week’s meeting of the Trapper Creek Community Council to give an overview of the plan to upgrade existing single-phase lines from Mile 98 of the Parks highway north to mile 121, and extend the industrial-grade power to mile 134. The 3-phase power lines will be used to run the proposed South Denali Visitor’s Center.

Griffin says the project has an estimated cost of five-point-seven million dollars, of which Alaska State Parks will pay half. Griffin says they are looking for partners on the project to cover the balance. Princess Lodge has committed to $1 million for the project, since the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge at mile 133 on the Parks Highway would benefit from the power source. Griffin says State Parks approached the Mat-Su Borough for assistance, but the Borough would not commit to participating in the project.

The first phase of the South Denali Visitor’s Center will begin construction in Summer 2012. Plans call for an access road, parking lot, campground, and ranger station at mile 134. The actual Visitor’s Center project is a bit further away on the horizon, but will be placed at a higher elevation on a bluff below Curry Ridge.

National Trails Day celebrated in Denali State Park

Sue Deyoe — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:37:28 +0000

aired thurs -National Trails Day is celebrated throughout the United States this coming Saturday. Trail maintenance as well as celebrations are planned across the nation. Locally, the Denali State Park trails will get attention. The state park staff is planning a work party for Byers Lake. Sue Deyoe has more….

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Denali State Park receives land donation from UCI

Sue Deyoe — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 19:36:12 +0000

The State of Alaska recently made a land deal with a corporation that owns land inside Denali State Park. That deal is being called a win-win situation by both parties. What it may mean in the future is a large hotel built inside the park boundaries, but also road access for both parties with less impact on the surrounding area. Sue Deyoe has the story..

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Hunting violations lead to court summons

Sue Deyoe — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:40:38 +0000

Two separate black bear hunting violations near Talkeetna were issued last week.

Billy Ray Cross of Eagle River was issued a summons to appear in court after an investigation showed that Cross had established a black bear bait station on the north side of the Talkeetna River near town. The bait station was less than the required one mile from a residence and was not removed after the season ended.

In a separate incident Michael Bergt of Anchorage landed his Supercub inside Denali State Park boundaries on Curry Ridge to assist with a black bear hunt. Aircraft landings are prohibited with State Park boundaries on the east side of the highway except on Ermine Lake. Bergt was issued a summons to appear in court.

Denali State Park to commence work on 3 trails this summer

Sue Deyoe — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:21:36 +0000

After several years of waiting, Denali State Park officials have received FEMA funds from the 2006 floods to start work on three different trails in the park. The work is beginning this summer.

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Morning Newscast – Thursday, July 1, 2010

Sue Deyoe — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 16:46:15 +0000

KTNA’s morning news, weather, announcements, echos for July 1st. Host is Sue Deyoe. Headlines – Fishing closures for July 2nd; Denali State Park Trails get money for reconstruction; Denali Park raft company looking for stolen raft. (16 min)

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State Park continues search for information on Denali State Park trails

Sue Deyoe — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:08:30 +0000

Denali State Park officials have not yet closed the scoping period for information gathering on the park’s trail management plan even though the official deadline was December 15th. Claire Holland LeClaire continues listening to local residents on their expertise.

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Talkeetna Council looks at GCI tower proposal

Sue Deyoe — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:59:56 +0000

The Talkeetna Community Council heard from GCI representatives at their Monday night meeting. The council had faced the same issue earlier this fall and had recommended a hold on plans for any tower. After 45 minutes of discussion, the council voted to write a letter to the Borough Planning Commission asking them to accept GCI’s request for a conditional use permit.

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Planners still look for input on state trail management plan

Diana Haecker — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 03:00:22 +0000

Denali State Park planning staffers are still looking for input from local residents to come up with the park’s first Denali State Park Trail Management Plan.

In early November 48 people attended three open house meetings at the Upper Susitna Senior Center, in Wasilla and in Anchorage.

Park officials said on Friday that comments ranged from limiting new trail development and focusing on well-maintained existing trails to suggestions on allowing commercial trail permits for local hiking guides. Other comments called for designated trails for both summer and winter use that are wide enough to be used by snow machiners, skiers and dog teams.

Planners are now gathering information about land status, biological, physical and cultural resources and trends in recreational trail use. The comment period ends on December 15.

Denali State Park begins process for Trail Management Plan

Sue Deyoe — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:58:12 +0000

Officials for Alaska State Parks have initiated the planning process for the Denali State Park Trail Management Plan. The park established in 1970 has never had an official trail plan. Comments on the proposal are due December 15. A questionnaire is available here. The main website for this proposal is www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/plans/denali/denalitrail.htm

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South Denali project gets $1 million for contact center

Sue Deyoe — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:38:06 +0000

The proposed South Denali visitor area is one step closer to fruition as it has received a federal grant. State Parks officials say it will build a short road and a contact station that can be open year round.

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South Denali Master Interpretive Plan is complete

Sue Deyoe — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 01:02:58 +0000

One more step in the South Denali planning process is complete. The final document that guides the interpretation at the proposed South Denali visitor center is on the streets.

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