Recreational Trails Program Grant Application – Public Notice
Project Title: RTP Grant Application - Eagle River Nature Center Trail Support and Equipment Improvements
Organization Name: Friends of Eagle River Nature Center
Date Public Notice Posted: September 02, 2025 Posted Online: September 09, 2025
Brief Description of Proposed Project:
Friends of Eagle River Nature Center (FERNC), in partnership with Chugach State Park (CSP), seeks Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding to purchase essential trail maintenance equipment, including a Polaris Ranger Crew with trailer, personal protective equipment (PPE), specialized hand tools, chainsaw, and cutting tools. These resources will strengthen FERNC’s capacity to perform year-round trail maintenance on CSP trails managed by the Nature Center, improving safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability for all users. In addition to supporting day-to-day maintenance, the Polaris Ranger will provide a critical boost to emergency readiness. Its use will enable CSP Park Rangers to respond to Search and Rescue (SAR) needs more quickly and with greater capability. This dual role of supporting both routine trail operations and emergency response ensures that the investment directly benefits park visitors, staff, and the broader community by strengthening both safety and stewardship.
Proposed Timeline of the Project:
Project State Date May 1, 2026
Project End Date December 1, 2026
Applicant Contact Information:
Contact Name: Laura Kruger
Phone Number: 907-694-2108
Email Address: info@ernc.org
Mailing Address: 32750 Eagle River Rd, Eagle River, AK 99577
Public Comment or Opposition can be submitted to the contact noted above.
Deadline for Public Comment: October 31, 2025
The Alaska Recreational Trails Program is the possible funding agency for this proposed project. For information regarding the Alaska Recreational Trails Program, please visit the State website at http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/grants/trails.htm.