SusitnAKAlaska Public Notices, Explained
Archived Public comment opportunity Public Notices

RTP Grant Application - Dude Mountain Trail Work

Department of Transportation and Public Facilities · Notice #225340

What is this notice about?

The National Forest Foundation is applying for a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant to rebuild the Dude Mountain Trail, which starts at the end of Brown Mountain Road. The work would improve drainage, add gravel and rock steps, make short reroutes near the trailhead, and enlarge the trailhead parking area. The public can send comments or opposition to the applicant by October 31, 2026.

Why was this notice issued?

The National Forest Foundation is applying for a Recreational Trails Program grant, and the application requires a public notice with a chance for public comment.

What action is being taken?

The notice announces a grant application for trail reconstruction on the Dude Mountain Trail. On the upper section (from the existing tent platform to the end of the trail in the alpine), the work would include gravel and rock work, stone pitching, rock steps, other trail structures, and drainage such as stone open drains and ditches. Helicopters are expected to carry materials and equipment, and the work would be done with small power tools and hand tools. On the lower section (trailhead to tent platform), short reroutes would make the trail straighter, wider and more evenly graded, with new ditches and drainage features. The trailhead parking area at the end of a former logging road would be enlarged, with parking spaces and a turn-around loop, possibly marked with large rocks or similar parking stops. Work would be prioritized as funding becomes available, starting with the upper section. The planned project period is April 15, 2027 to August 1, 2028.

Who is involved: National Forest Foundation (applicant); users of the Dude Mountain Trail and Brown Mountain Road trailhead

How can the public respond?

Respond by Sat, Oct 31, 2026 This deadline has passed.

“October 31, 2026”

Ways to respond

What to include

Public comment or opposition can be submitted to the applicant contact, Carolyn Auwaeter of the National Forest Foundation. Mention the Dude Mountain Trail Work project.

Contact

Carolyn Auwaeter
National Forest Foundation
cauwaeter@nationalforests.org
907.416.8975
3031 Tongass Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99901

Will there be public meetings?

The notice does not announce any public meeting or hearing.

Key dates

  • Sep 25, 2026: Public notice posted
  • Sep 30, 2026: Notice posted online
  • Oct 31, 2026: Deadline for public comment
  • Apr 15, 2027: Planned project start date
  • Aug 1, 2028: Planned project end date

Original notice text
Recreational Trails Program Grant Application – Public Notice Project Title: Dude Mountain Trail Work Organization Name: National Forest Foundation Date Public Notice Posted: September 25, 2026 Posted Online: September 30, 2026 Brief Description of Proposed Project: This project will reconstruct the Dude Mountain Trail. The current trail is in poor condition and lacks adequate water drainage, causing users to navigate around muddy sections of the trail which increases erosion and soil damage. The work will be prioritized as funding comes available, with the highest concerns from the existing tent platform to the end of the trail in the alpine (referred to as the upper section). The trailhead is located at the end of the Brown Mountain Road. Work on the upper section will include significant gravel and rock work; in some places, gravel will be placed while other sections will need stone pitching, rock steps, and other trail structures. Drainage structures, including stone open drains and ditches, will be placed where needed. Helicopter use is anticipated for the transport of materials and equipment. Work itself would be accomplished with small power tools and hand tools. The lower section (trailhead to tent platform) of the trail also has drainage concerns, especially through the existing harvest unit. Where the trail starts, short reroutes are planned that would make the trail straighter, wider, and a more steady grade. Ditches and new drainage features would be put in place to improve water flow patterns and reduce erosion. The trailhead is at the end of a road built for logging operations and is not made for multiple vehicles parking at a trailhead. A plan to enlarge the parking area would create parking spaces and a turn-around loop to improve traffic flow. Large rocks (or similar parking stops) could be placed to indicate parking spaces while helping to define a clear drive surface for a turn-around loop. Proposed Timeline of the Project: Project Start Date: April 15, 2027 Project End Date: August 1, 2028 Applicant Contact Information: Contact Name: Carolyn Auwaeter Phone Number: 907.416.8975 Email Address: cauwaeter@nationalforests.org Mailing Address: 3031 Tongass Avenue, Ketchikan, AK 99901 Public Comment or Opposition can be submitted to the contact noted above. Deadline for Public Comment: October 31, 2026

This summary was written by an AI model (Claude) from the official notice text. This is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm deadlines and instructions in the official notice. Legal disclaimer.