STEWARDSHIP / THE WORK CONTINUES

Caring for
the trail together.

A cabin repair. A trail marker. Knowledge passed from one traveller to another. Get to know the people and work that help care for the Iditarod.

See the work ↓

BLM trail administrator Kevin Keeler splitting wood outside Old Woman Cabin — KEVIN KEELER AT OLD WOMAN CABIN / BLM

A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

The work behind a day on the trail.

A shelter cabin can be a welcome place in remote winter country. Its usefulness depends on the people who maintain it, the knowledge of local travellers, and care from those who pass through.

The historic trail crosses many land ownerships. Communities, agencies and partners each have a part in its continuing story.

Read BLM’s shelter-cabin story ↗

01 / PLACES

Looking after the places people rely on.

Learn about the shelter cabins and the maintenance behind the route. Current access and availability must be confirmed with the responsible land manager.

02 / KNOWLEDGE

Help others learn about the trail.

Historical research, documents and oral histories help people understand what a trail means beyond the ground it crosses.

03 / CONNECTIONS

Find a way to lend a hand.

Discover membership, giving and current opportunities through the Alliance’s official channels.

Explore ways to support ↗

FROM THE ALLIANCE / CARE YOU CAN SEE ON THE TRAIL.

A closer look at trail care.

2013

Finding the way.

Community partners and BLM installed 285 waymark signs across a 260-mile section between the Alaska Range and Yukon River. The Alliance supported sign purchase, shipping and the fuel and supplies needed for remote winter work.

2014

Repair after fire.

A joint effort with the Iditarod Trail Committee repaired damage near Farewell Lake after the 2010 Turquoise Lake fire and subsequent erosion.

Original Alliance source ↗

FROM THE ALLIANCE / A SHARED TRAIL TAKES MANY HANDS.

Many hands care for this trail.

BLM administers the national historic trail, but directly manages only a small part of it. Protection across the route depends on relationships with public agencies, private owners, tribal land managers and communities.

Bureau of Land ManagementChugach National ForestU.S. Fish & Wildlife ServiceAlaska State ParksIditarod Trail CommitteeLocal & tribal partners

Local trail groups, the Nome Kennel Club and the Partnership for the National Trails System also appear in the Alliance’s partner directory.

Original Alliance source ↗

FROM THE ALLIANCE / FIND YOUR PART IN THE STORY.

You can help, too.

Ask about local opportunities.

The Alliance points volunteers toward Trail Blazer groups in Seward, Knik and McGrath, and the Nome Kennel Club. Contact a group to ask about its present needs.

Explore youth opportunities.

Students can also explore the Student Conservation Association and Youth Conservation Corps. Availability and eligibility belong to each program.

Find official volunteer contacts ↗Original Alliance source ↗

PARTNERS / GRANTS & COMMUNITY WORK

Help support trail care.

The Alliance has supported partners with grants and assistance for trail improvements. Its published reports document work on shelter cabins, wayfinding and historic resources.

Funding opportunities, eligibility and deadlines need current guidance from the Alliance. This page does not announce an open grant round.

Read the annual reports ↗See documented trail projects ↗Ask about a community project ↗Find educator workshops & resources ↗