This post is for the socially minded folk out there who have, or will appreciate Alaska’s rugged beauty via the Dalton Highway. More specifically, the region near Mt Sukakpak, which is in the vicinity of mile 204-208, north of Wiseman a few miles. That area is one of my favorite parts of the 400+ mile road. The Dalton highway holds a special designated status as a Scenic Byway.
“Alaska established a Scenic Byways program in 1993 to recognize and celebrate some of the most beautiful landscapes in our state. Administered by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, this program also recognizes routes that provide access to our most scenic areas, cultural riches and recreational resources.”
The Alaska Department of Transportation has put in a request to the BLM for two permits in this area. Permits for gravel pits that will span a 10 year use period. While it is obvious that a road of this nature needs maintenance and upgrade, there just must be some alternative source for material, rather than making a few gravel pits in the one of the most scenic spots on the Dalton Highway. You can express your opinions to the BLM up until April 12th, 2011, which is not much time. Please send your comments to Darrel_Vandeweg@blm.gov, and include this permit number in the subject FF-095770, FF-095771 (3621113).
See more photos of Mt. Sukakpak on my website.
Koyukuk river and Mount Sukapak in the Brooks mountain range, Actic, Alaska.
Approximate locations of gravel pits
