In response to mounting concerns, new regulations outline how trappers shouldn’t set traps within 50 yards of some trails in the upper valley. This decision came about after a discussion with the Alaska Wildlife Alliance, non-trapper trail users, and trappers from the Alaska Trappers Association.
There were some exceptions to the 50-yard regulation. Traps that were elevated three feet above the ground, enclosed, underwater, or under ice can still be within 50 yards of the trail because those traps don’t pose as much of a risk.
According to Pete Buist, former President of the Alaska Trappers Association, the regulation is all about sharing Alaska’s trails. He said trail users and trappers can get along so long as everyone follows the rules.
The change impacted trails at the Talkeetna Lakes Park, Dorothy Jones Trail System, Matanuska Lakes State Recreation Area, Reflections Lake Trail, Government Peak Recreation Area, Independence Mine, Gold Mint Trail, Reed Lakes, Archangel Road, Wasilla Creek Boardwalk, Rabbit Slough Boat Launch Access Road, Nelson Road, and Scout Ridge Loop.
