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Valley Mountain Bikers and Hikers

want to insure there are many miles of sustainable trails in the Matanuska Susitna Valley for hikers, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers - now and in the future.

Every day trails are being lost to development, or damaged by the reckless use of OHV’s. It is disheartening to see trails that we used to hike and bike diminished to muddy, rutted scars across the landscape; or gone altogether due to the rapid development our community is experiencing.

We coordinate lobbying efforts and provide contact lists of state and local legislators and agencies so that you know who to call or write.

Our aim is to keep you informed about trails that may be endangered and what you can do to help.

Please stay informed and speak up for trails.

Text Box: Eska Creek Falls Trail—located just north of Sutton. Once a premier hiking trail, it is now being rutted and eroded by OHV’s. The higher alpine areas close to the falls have been overrun with OHV traffic, in some cases ruts so deep they are down to bedrock and water is eroding them further. The fragile tundra has little chance of recovery with the hundreds of OHV’s that travel through the area every weekend from break up to the first snow fall. Let your concern be known by writing the Alaska Department of Natural Resources and the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. Or contact VMBaH for more information on how you can help. Crevasse-Moraine Trail System—located west of Palmer. The trails are constantly in need of repair because of damage by horse back riders that ignore the trail closures and use the area when the ground is too wet and soft. We are asking that the Matanuska Susitna Borough, who owns and manages the area, to segregate the trails so that hikers, runners, mountain bikers and skiers do not have to dodge holes and ruts along the way. Rippy Trail - located east of Palmer in the Knik River Watershed. This trail leads to uplands above the beautiful and fragile wetlands and lakes that encompass the Knik River Public Use Area. Planning for the Knik River Public Use Management Area is underway and we are recommending that the Rippy Trail be designated non-motorized and that other trails in the area be repaired and built to sustain OHV use. You may call, email or write the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mining, Land and Water to make comments.