SEAtrails

iPhone users flook your favorite SEAtrails and more

2009-12-15T16:43:00.004-09:00

Apologies to those who aren't iPhone users, this blog post introduces an awesome new iPhone application for user generated flook cards. Above is my first flook card. In flooks' own words:

Flook is a location browser - the world's first Serendipitous Discovery Engine. Flook is a brand new way to discover and share the world around you. Flook's innovative UI lets you simply swipe through a stream of nearby flook cards. Cards have a full-screen photo and some text and they're also geo-located - placed at a specific location for you to find when you're nearby. Over time, flook learns which cards people like most, and then shows them to you first.

For the SEAtrails region and outdoor recreation and tourism - flook is a tool that lets us share things that catch your eye/attention. flook is very new. Even if it doesn't sweep the country, it is free and fun to upload postings, so there is no downside. If a few people or a dozen are inspired to visit, yahoo! If more locals start posting, it will also be handy for sharing information such as when/where the lake ice is good for skating (my recent posts), events, ...

flook can promote SEAtrails and the region in several ways. 1) Folks from around the world can easily browse flook cards online and on iPhones so we can generate interest in our region with pictures of cool places and activities. 1a) Right now flook is very new so there aren't that many users, so cards are getting more play than they will as the network grows. 2) When someone is planning a trip to Alaska they can seek out cards in the area of interest to help with planning. 3) When here, you can ask to see flook cards near you for ideas of where to go and what to do.

The folks at flook are working to improve the application constantly and in response to my request for a category for birders (a community that is all about locations of rare birds) I was told that they plan to make the flook cards searchable by key words. When this happens I'll be back to edit appropriate cards by hiking, kayaking, trails, etc.

If you are reading on your computer, visit http://flook.it/about/ and then pop over to community to browse the latest flook cards from around the world (flook originates in Europe). For iPhone users, the flook application is available to download through the app store and its free! Sign up early and get your favorite user names. I scored Alaska.

NOAA BookletCharts Perfect for Kayakers

2009-12-14T14:57:00.002-09:00

SEAtrail maritime journeys along Alaska's coast by kayak, rowboat or canoe are enhanced when you take along both topographic maps and marine charts. This can be an expensive proposition as standard marine charts cost over $20 each. I think my last topo maps were $8 each. Besides the expense (and hassles of locating a local dealer with all of the maps/charts you want in stock), poster-sized charts are not designed for kayaker use.

NOAA Office of Coast Survey has released a new "experimental" product called a BookletChart that rescales charts and then breaks them into sections that can be printed on demand on 8.5 x 11 paper. They are formatted to be printed two-sided and then stapled as a booklet. This sounds perfect for kayakers - easy to handle, will fit in a gallon ziplock bag or commercial map case, and you can print/carry only those sections you need.

Since this product is listed as "experimental" and I don't know exactly what that means for longer-term availability and cost, I plan to go online and download all of the charts I might possibly want in the next few years. Digital storage is cheap! You can browse the chart index map to see if your next paddle or distant dream trips are published as BookletCharts.

I'll also be checking with NOAA to see if this experiment is expected to last long enough to justify adding links to appropriate charts from the SEAtrails web site. NOAA is asking for feedback on this new product. You'll find a feedback link on the main BookletChart page.

Hydaburg SEAtrail to be Rebuilt in 2010

2009-12-08T16:25:00.003-09:00

One Duck Trail, a 1.5 mile hiking trail that accesses the Prince of Wales alpine and a three-side shelter, will be under construction in 2010. Funding is through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Solicitation for the estimated $500,000 to $1 million project opened November 27, 2009 and closes on December 28, 2009. This is a U.S. Forest Service project.

Look forward to a beautifully designed and constructed trail into the mountains. The trailhead is located along the Hydaburg road at milepost 2.5.

Mr. Whitekeys is coming to Juneau for a Fun(d)raiser

2009-12-07T13:01:00.003-09:00

Save the date - February 24, 2010.

Mr. Whitekeys will be performing at the Juneau Arts Center (old Armory Building).

Watch for posters starting in January with event and ticket details.
This event is for ages 21 and older as there will be a bar and a wine tasting will precede the show.

SEAtrails supporters ... volunteer positions are still available for this event. If you are interested e-mail Karla at info (at) seatrails.org

Prince of Wales Island kayak tour offered for 2010

2009-12-01T15:30:00.003-09:00

Whether by jet or small plane, anytime I'm overflying Alaska's coastline and can see the ground, I'm planning routes and imagining adventure trips. Sometimes they remain dreams, sometimes they become reality.

Uncommon Adventures founder and kayaker Michael Gray of Michigan must have flown over Prince of Wales Island (POW) on a clear day, with a friendly pilot who pointed out that POW is the third largest island in the United States and seldom visited. One month later, Michael has pulled together the details and is offering an exploratory kayak tour on the northwest coast of the island in June 2010, co-led by a local guide. He'll bring these folks through Ketchikan, floatplane to Craig, bed and breakfast in Craig, transfers on the island, and I expect they'll be renting kayaks from someone. And, those kayakers will be going home with stories of seemingly endless miles of wild coastline just calling for exploration. Thanks Michael and happy paddling.

You'll find more information at http://www.uncommonadv.com/kayaking/alaska/prince_of_wales.html

Karla Hart starts service as new SEAtrails vista

2009-11-12T10:31:00.001-09:00

In September Karla joined SEatrails...

2009 Grant recipients announced

2009-04-08T08:39:00.001-08:00

In early 2009, SEAtrails announced the awards for its second round of community trails grants. SEAtrails first round of grants in 2004 was a huge success and awarded more than $119,000 in grants to 10 communities and helped to establish the organization as a viable contributing entity in the region. In 2009 SEAtrails awarded nearly $245,000 with an estimated $260,000 in matching funds and in-kind contributions to 12 trails spread over 9 communities.

SEAtrails continues to be a strong coalition helping communities secure funding, provide monitoring of trails and ensure the trail-using public of a high quality trail experience.

2009 SEAtrails Grant Recipients
1. Battery Point Trail: Haines, $15,100
2. Ripinsky Trail: Haines, $18,260
3. Upper Dewey Lake Trail Restoration phase 2: Skagway, $18,665
4. Skyline Trail: Skagway, $17,000
5. Rainbird Trail: Ketchikan, $15,000
6. Point Higgins Trail Extension: Ketchikan, $10,444
7. Harris River Trail: Hollis, $10,000
8. Forest & Muskeg Signage: Sitka, $16,500
9. City Creek Trail: Petersburg, $26,750
10. Nagoonberry Loop Trail: Gustavus, $36,266
11. Hut-to-Hut Vocational Training Project: POW, $43,756
12. Grassy Flats Trail: Coffman Cove, $17,000

Total amount awarded $244,741.63

SEAtrails featured in Capital City Weekly article

2009-04-01T10:27:00.003-08:00

Amber Guy and Davey Lubin were interviewed for an article by the Capital City Weekly. The cover story for the week, this bit of press was great for keeping SEAtrails in the minds of residents. Read the full story here.

Board Member Openings

2009-03-13T10:29:00.001-08:00

SEAtrails currently has two open Board member positions in Southeast Alaska. Interested candidates should submit their letters of interest and a resume to vista@seatrails.org or call the SEAtrails Coordinator Jesse Donner at 907-723-7263 for more information.

Kiosk Development Project

2009-03-13T10:28:00.000-08:00

SEAtrails is accepting letters of interest for its upcoming Kiosk Development Project. 10-15 kiosk kits will be designed and transported to interested SEAtrails communities. The two sided covered structure will incorporate regional and local promotional materials, community attractions, businesses, trails, heritage sites, etc.. Interested communities should submit letters of interest including a designated
central site location, community partners, and a maintenance plan.

If you are interested in requesting more information please contact the
SEAtrails Coordinator Jesse Donner at 907-723-7263 or vista@seatrails.org

2009 Seattle International Bicycle EXPO

2009-03-13T10:27:00.001-08:00

SEAtrails, in participation with the AMHS will be at this years Seattle Bicycle EXPO March 14th – 15th at Magnuson Park, Hangar 30 Seattle, WA. Come down, bring your bike, and stop by our booth. Http://www.cascade.org/EandR/expo/index.cfm

SEAtrails featured on Alaska HDTV podcast

2009-02-19T08:46:00.003-09:00

SEAtrails Chair Ryan McFarland was interviewed by Alaska HDTV while they were in Southeast Alaska. Check out the program that they put together about LeConte Glacier and SEAtrails.

SEAtrails "success story" to present at 2009 Alaska Trails Conference

2008-12-11T17:57:00.003-09:00

The 2009 Statewide Trails Conference Steering Committee has selected SEAtrails as an Alaskan trail "success story." Come see SEatrails representatives speaking at The Hilton Hotel in Downtown Anchorage Wednesday, April 22nd from 10am-12pm at the 2009 ARPA Annual Conference.

Grants deadline extended

2008-12-01T16:00:00.002-09:00

We've extended the grant deadline until December 15th. Please have your applications postmarked by or emailed to us by that date.

New round of grants announced

2008-09-17T09:02:00.003-08:00

Southeast Alaska Trail System (SEAtrails Inc.) today invited grant applications for trail and trail-related projects in Southeast Alaska.

"We plan to address on-the-ground trail projects and signage with our second round of trail grants," says Ryan McFarland, SEAtrails board chair. "We will award grants based on how closely the project aligns with the SEAtrails Trails and Transportation Master Plan, the SEAtrails Capital Improvement Plan and other criteria." PDFs of both plans and the criteria list are posted on the SEAtrails website, www.seatrails.org. Grant recipients will operate under a reimbursable agreement in partnership with the Organized Village of Kasaan.

The application deadline is December 1st 2008.

Application forms are available online at www.seatrails.org in the grants area or by contacting Jesse Donner, SEAtrails coordinator, at vista@seatrails.org, 907.747.4237.

SEAtrails collaborates with organizations, groups and agencies to attract independent travelers, ecotourists and other visitors to Southeast Alaska. SEAtrails works with Alaska’s Marine Highway System and the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) to promote this dependable and enjoyable mode of travel between communities throughout the region.

The 19 SEAtrails member communities include Angoon, Coffman Cove, Craig, Gustavus, Haines, Hoonah, Hydaburg, Juneau, Kake, Ketchikan, Naukati, Pelican, Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway, Thorne Bay, Whale Pass, Wrangell and Yakutat. SEAtrails is a 501(c)3 non-profit run by a nine-member volunteer board spread throughout Southeast Alaska.

SEAtrails Welcomes New AmeriCorps*VISTA Volunteer

2008-08-19T15:26:00.005-08:00

DOUGLAS, AK -- August 18, 2008 -- Southeast Alaska Trail System
(SEAtrails Inc.) announced today that Jesse Donner has been selected as
the new AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer serving as the SEAtrails Coordinator.

"I am a native of the Pacific Northwest and spend my time between urban
and outdoor activities including road biking, tennis, golf, backpacking
and my family's farm in Kalama, Washington," says Donner. "It is my hope
to combine my personal and professional backgrounds over the next year to
the benefit of the SEAtrails mission and the betterment of the Southeast
Alaskan region and its communities." Donner is relocating to Sitka from
Kalama, Washington and arrives August 25.

"Jesse is an avid backpacker and brings a strong background in economic
development to our organization," says Ryan "Zieak" McFarland, SEAtrails
board chair. "He will be working on ongoing organizational development for
SEAtrails and is the primary point of contact for our second round of
trail grants we will be awarding this year."

SEAtrails collaborates with organizations, groups and agencies including
the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs,
Southeast Conference, Alaska's Marine Highway System and the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) to attract independent travelers, ecotourists and
other visitors to Southeast Alaska.

In addition, SEAtrails works with 19 member communities including Angoon,
Coffman Cove, Craig, Gustavus, Haines, Hoonah, Hydaburg, Juneau, Kake,
Ketchikan, Naukati, Pelican, Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway, Thorne Bay, Whale
Pass, Wrangell and Yakutat. SEAtrails is a 501(c)3 non-profit run by a
nine-member volunteer board spread throughout Southeast Alaska.
For more information, visit the SEAtrails web site at www.seatrails.org.

Business and Marketing Plan complete

2008-08-13T14:40:00.002-08:00

SEAtrails worked with the McDowell Group to create a Business and Marketing Plan for SEAtrails Part 1 [and Part 2]. This plan outlines future actions for SEAtrails to use to become a sustainable organization poised to meet the mission statement.

Jesse Donner becomes SEAtrails Vista

2008-08-13T13:58:00.003-08:00

Jesse Donner has been selected as the new AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer serving as the SEAtrails Coordinator.

"I am a native of the Pacific Northwest and spend my time between urban and outdoor activities including road biking, tennis, golf, backpacking and my family's farm in Kalama, Washington," says Donner. "It is my hope to combine my personal and professional backgrounds over the next year to the benefit of the SEAtrails mission and the betterment of the Southeast Alaskan region and its communities." Donner is relocating to Sitka from Kalama, Washington and arrives the week of August 25.

"Jesse is an avid backpacker and brings a strong background in economic development to our organization," says Ryan "Zieak" McFarland, SEAtrails board chair. "He will be working on ongoing organizational development for SEAtrails and is the primary point of contact for our second round of trail grants we will be awarding this year."

SEAtrails is hiring

2008-06-27T12:51:00.000-08:00

SEAtrails is seeking a Vista volunteer. Benefits include a living allowance, yearly stipend or educational award and free housing. Find out more about the position.

SEAtrails annual meeting

2008-04-08T10:59:00.002-08:00

On Tuesday, April 15th at 6 PM the SEAtrails board will conduct the annual meeting. The public is welcome to participate. Contact vista@seatrails.org to find the location for the teleconference call-in from your community.

Scenic Trails Workshop

2008-02-28T15:47:00.001-09:00

Preliminarily planned for September or October, 2008. The planning committee for this workshop has not chosen a date or location for it, yet. However, based upon the Scenic Trails Caucus during the recent 11th Trails Conference in Duluth, they plan to focus the workshop on Communications,
Outreach, and Volunteer Recruitment and Retention. Watch for notification of an on-line survey that you can use to help shape the details of this workshop.

Historic Trails Workshop

2008-02-28T15:44:00.003-09:00

This interactive workshop will focus on developing and implementing a "Preservation Strategy for National Historic Trails" both for individual trails and for the system of trails. The Historic Trails Workshop will be May 8 - 11, 2008 and held at the Bureau of Land Management's Training Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

National Trails Symposium

2008-02-28T15:41:00.002-09:00

The American Trails biennial trails symposium will focus on the theme: "Innovative Trails: Transforming the American Way of Life" and will also celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the National Trails System. The National Trails Symposium will be held in Little Rock, Arkansas November 15 - 18th and the Trail of Tears Association will be helping to host it.

SEAtrails Business and Marketing Plan Draft Available Online

2007-11-27T16:41:00.000-09:00

Southeast Alaska Trail System (SEAtrails Inc.) announces the release of a Draft Business and Marketing Plan. The Plan will help guide SEAtrails in their efforts to establish and promote a region-wide trail system that stimulates economic development, enhances quality of life, and improves transportation.

"This plan is what SEAtrails needs to move forward to the next level," said Ron Crenshaw, SEAtrails board chair. "It provides strategies to help our organization establish and strengthen partnerships, achieve sustainability, and ultimately fulfill the SEAtrails mission." Further information on SEAtrails can be found on the website: http://www.seatrails.org/.

The State of Alaska contracted with the McDowell Group to develop the plan on behalf of SEAtrails. Funding came largely from a 2004 appropriation from Senator Ted Stevens for planning and on-the-ground trail improvements. "The plan includes supporting research on Southeast visitors, similar long-distance trail systems, and website marketing," said Odin Brudie, a tourism planner with the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development. "This research will be useful for any travel marketer in SEAtrails communities, particularly those focused on the independent market."

The public is invited to provide comments on the draft plan through December 21, 2007. The document is available online at www.commerce.state.ak.us/oed/.

Comments or questions can be directed to Odin Brudie, Office of Economic Development: (907) 465-5466; odin.brudie@alaska.gov; P.O. Box 110804, Juneau, AK 99811-0804.

Download the PDF.

Land and Water Conservation Fund applications accepted

2007-10-24T10:52:00.000-08:00

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation announced that FY'08 applications are being accepted for projects.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) can be used to provide partial funding for acquisition or development of outdoor recreation land or facilities. This grant can provide up to 50% in matching funds for a project. Only state, regional or local governments are eligible and grant applications need to range from $100,000 to $500,000.

Applications are due on Tuesday, January 15, 2008. Further information is available at the Alaska LWCF grant program page.