Petition for Ship Creek Recreation Access
November 23, 2009
Ship Creek Canyon is one of Alaska’s best whitewater creeks and with its close proximity to Anchorage the most accessible in the state. The creek is located on Fort Richardson’s light-tactical training area, an area open to permitted recreation, except for water-craft recreation. An unused dam at the exit to the canyon is the primary reason for access not being allowed and we are hoping to work with the US Government to have a portage trail built so that kayakers can safely and responsibly paddle this great section of whitewater.
It’s a true shame that access to this creek is illegal. Not only does the dam not serve any purpose and block kayaker access, it blocks upstream migration of spawning salmon, unnecessarily negatively impacting the entire upstream ecosystem and one of the most important salmon streams in the state. Gaining kayaker access for this creek with a suitable portage trail will bring awareness to the need to reassess the environmental impact of the dam. (Read More: Comments Supporting Ship Creek Recreation Access Petition, Ship Creek Crackdown).
Petition:
We, the undersigned, respectfully request that you allow permitted, seasonal access for whitewater kayaking on Ship Creek through its canyon above the bridge on Fort Richardson. This section of Ship Creek is a world-class kayaking run that is unique to this area and it simply cannot be compared to other stretches of Ship Creek or to any other river system in the Greater Anchorage Area. Whitewater kayaking fits well with other self-powered, low impact recreational activities currently allowed in the boundaries of Fort Richardson and we look forward to working constructively with members of the US Government regarding access to Ship Creek Canyon for whitewater kayakers.
This river should be legal to access!
How can other recreational pursuits be allowed and not kayaking? This seems crazy, and certainly does not jive with the millions of dollars that the City of Anchorage has spent on their “Wild” campaign to brand the city. Lets be sensible here and get some access legal!
The worst part about the whole deal is that the dam doesn’t serve any purpose. It was just built during one of those crazy, “let’s build a dam because we can” phases. It blocks the salmon from migrating up into the heart of the Chugach Mountains for no reason at all. There’s no reason kayaking should be illegal.
Free the waterways of this so called “free country”!
Isn’t kayaking banned in other rivers like those in Yellowstone and on the Upper Chattooga.
Hey Sam, you’re right kayaking is banned on other rivers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it should be. The Yellowstone River is a great example, the boating community has been working for years to open that river up for recreational use. Waterways are public space, and with an ethic of responsible use, kayakers have a right to use that public space.
I couldn’t agree more! Way to speak your mind and be the voice for lots of us who would love to see this and many other waterways opened up to use by kayakers.
I have the same problem as I photograph waterfalls. Access can be an issue. Sometimes the only way to get to a falls is to paddle to it. other than liability what do we really hurt when we paddle. We are merely a visitor and an observer. Good Luck. access for all and really prision for kayaking a bit much. What is the world coming to. The punishment should fit the crime and if paddling is a crime than all our forefathers are criminals. Are you really ready to lable them all criminals. All those brave explorers of today and yesterday.
Kyle Krosting
http://www.virtuallyoutdoors.com