The Alaska Long Trail has been promoted as a statewide, multi-use trail that will connect communities and provide recreation opportunities. But what’s not being told is the potential impact that a this trail and a National Scenic Trail (NST) designation could have on landowners, motorized users, subsistence access, and Alaskan communities.
This website exists to share the other side of the story—the one that isn’t being told by advocacy groups pushing for federal oversight.
If the Alaska Long Trail is designated as a National Scenic Trail (NST), it could:
✅ Restrict Motorized Access – NSTs prioritize non-motorized recreation, which could lead to the closure of existing motorized routes and trails.
✅ Impact Private Landowners – Federal trail planners can seek land acquisitions and easements to expand the NST corridor, potentially affecting private property rights. In the case of a National Scenic Trail (NST) designation, the land manager typically does not change. The land remains under the jurisdiction of the existing agency — whether that's the State of Alaska, BLM, USFS, or another entity. However, what does change is how the trail corridor is managed, because it becomes subject to a federally approved Comprehensive Management Plan which isn’t even discussed until after the designation. While the “land manager” stays the same, they are often bound by new federal mandates emphasizing non-motorized recreation, scenic preservation, and continuity of the trail experience. This can be seen thru ALL NST Management Plans.
✅ Change Land Use Priorities – Traditional uses of land, including subsistence access, hunting, trapping, and other activities, would be deprioritized in favor of the trail’s “scenic integrity.”
✅ Limit Local Control – Management decisions will be influenced by federal agencies instead of local landowners, communities, and user groups. Final authority is with the Secretary of the Interior.
✅ Increase Strain on Search and Rescue (SAR) Resources – More out-of-state recreationists unfamiliar with Alaska’s remote terrain means more calls for emergency rescues, stretching local SAR teams thin and increasing the burden on volunteer and public safety organizations.
✅ Raise the Risk of Wildfires – With increased trail traffic comes a higher risk of human-caused wildfires, whether from illegal campfires, discarded cigarettes, or camp stoves used irresponsibly in dry conditions. The state already struggles with wildfire response—adding more recreation traffic only makes the risk greater.
✅ Lead to More Trash, Trail Degradation & Trespassing – Higher foot traffic means more litter, human waste, and damage to sensitive ecosystems. Additionally, without clear trail boundaries or enforcement, trespassing on private lands becomes a bigger issue, especially near residential areas and subsistence hunting grounds.
We are Alaskans who value multiple-use trails, local decision-making, and fair access to public lands. We believe in responsible recreation that includes motorized and non-motorized users alike, without the unnecessary restrictions that come with a National Scenic Trail designation.
We stand with landowners, motorized recreationists, subsistence users, and communities who are concerned about losing access and autonomy over how their land and trails are managed.
This issue affects everyone who values access to Alaska’s backcountry. If you’re concerned about what a National Scenic Trail designation could mean for you, your land, or your recreation opportunities, we encourage you to get informed, get involved, and make your voice heard.
➡ Sign up for updates here : https://forms.gle/BsqUjtJYkW4oP7vo6
➡ Share your concerns by taking this survey: https://form.jotform.com/250466409375058
➡Write your legislator! Click here to write a letter to your legislators: https://form.jotform.com/250826859160059
➡ Connect with others who oppose NST designation and share this website with them.
Together, we can ensure that Alaskans—not outside organizations or federal agencies—decide the future of our trails.