ALASKA ALASKA ALASKA ALASKA ALASKAíS íS íS íS íS CORRIDOR PARTNERSHIP PLAN MARINE HIGHW MARINE HIGHW MARINE HIGHW MARINE HIGHW MARINE HIGHWAY Prepared for Prepared for Prepared for Prepared for Prepared for The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, as part of the submission materials required for the designation under the National Scenic Byways Program of the Federal Highway Administration Prepared by Prepared by Prepared by Prepared by Prepared by Jensen Yorba Lott, Inc. February 2002 With ith ith ith ith Whiteman and Taintor Christianson Communications, Inc. Assistance from Assistance from Assistance from Assistance from Assistance from Walsh Services Southeast Strategies The McDowell Group Gateway Technologies Celebrating the 40 th Anniversary of the Nation’s Most Scenic Byway.
Prepared forPrepared forPrepared forPrepared forPrepared forThe Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, as part of thesubmission materials required for the designation under the National Scenic BywaysProgram of the Federal Highway Administration
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of theNation’s Most Scenic Byway.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
January 22, 2002
Dear Reader,
It is with great pleasure I endorse the proposal todesignate Alaska’s Marine Highway as a NationalScenic Byway. One travel writer summed up thegreat power of Alaska’s Marine Highway this way:“one of the world’s most scenic highways requires nodriving, no road maps, no expensive stops at the gasstation, and no automobile.”
As a water-based highway, Alaska’s Marine Highwaymay be an unusual nominee for National ScenicByway this year. But, for many coastal communitiesthat are completely bounded by water with nointerconnecting paved roads, the Alaska MarineHighway is the only way to “drive” from one town tothe next. Coastal Alaska’s historic dependence onferry travel has woven Alaska’s Marine Highway intothe fabric of Alaska culture. Simply put, travel onAlaska’s Marine Highway is as a much a part of lifein coastal Alaska as mist on a summer morning.
A typical experience aboard one of our ships startswith parking the car down below, locating a suitableseat for the ride, and securing a warm cup of coffeefrom the on board cafeteria. Then, relaxed travelerssit back, relinquish all concerns to the captain, andwatch the spectacular scenery unfold.
The Alaska Marine Highway story takes place inAmerica’s two largest national forests, the Tongass,along the Inside Passage, and the Chugach, in
Southcentral Alaska, as well as along the far-flung chainof Aleutian Islands. It is a story about people who havethrived for generations upon the richest landscape—Native Alaskans, Russian settlers, Scandinavianfishermen, soldiers, miners, and timber harvesters. It isa story about marine and upland wildlife—humpbackand killer whales, seals and sea lions, sea otters, salmonand a myriad of exotic fish, teeming colonies ofseabirds, bears, deer, moose and wolves. It is a storyabout geology, archaeology, Alaska’s past, and ourfuture.
For over 30 years, Alaska has enjoyed a uniquepartnership with the U.S. Forest Service, whichprovides trained interpreters on board our ships to helpsummer travelers fully understand and enjoy theMarine Highway experience. In the fall and spring,these interpreters provide tour guidance for ourElderhostel program. These interpreters help tell thestory of Alaska’s Marine Highway. We hope thatNational Scenic Byway designation will help us expandon board interpretation to a year-round service.
Alaska’s Marine Highway is an important conduit forrecreational activity. Generations of basketball players,swimmers, runners, and other sports enthusiasts haveused the Marine Highway to travel to high schooltournaments and other competitions. Many travelersbring along their bicycles, kayaks, and other alternativemodes of transportation. In the future, intermodal
connections will be improved, allowingrecreational enthusiasts to go directly from shipsto footpaths, to port communities, to hikingtrails, to other scenic byways, and beyond.
In 2003, Alaska’s Marine Highway turns 40 yearsold. In honor of this milestone, the State ofAlaska is nominating the Marine Highway fordesignation as a National Scenic Byway. Webelieve it has all the qualities recognized by thebyway program, and much more.
33333 Intrinsic Quality Assessment and ManagementIntrinsic Quality Assessment and ManagementIntrinsic Quality Assessment and ManagementIntrinsic Quality Assessment and ManagementIntrinsic Quality Assessment and Management
11111IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionAlaska’s Marine Highway is the only route in Americaoffering views of fjords, mountains, waterfalls,glaciers, icebergs, islands, whales, volcanoes, fishingvessels and a variety of other magnificent scenes - allfrom the water. Once travelers arrive at one of the 33port terminals along the route, they can explore thebeauty and wonder of coastal Alaska aboard aleisurely cruise to their next point of adventure.
Alaska’s Marine Highway has the potential to be themost unique byway in America’s Byways system.This byway is evidence that Alaska is one of the mostunusual places in North America. Designation of ourmarine route as a National Scenic Byway will helpgenerate more visitors to our communities. It willhelp our economies without interfering with ordamaging the resource-based industries upon whichwe depend. A Scenic Byway designation provides anexcellent opportunity to increase awareness about theimportant role of Alaska in our visitors’ lives.
AlaskaíAlaskaíAlaskaíAlaskaíAlaskaís Marine Highway is Specials Marine Highway is Specials Marine Highway is Specials Marine Highway is Specials Marine Highway is SpecialThe key features of this byway that lend it nationalsignificance are as follows:
Alaska’s Marine Highway is perhaps the mostscenic road in the world and someone else doesall the driving! The ship-based nature of this
byway, in itself, makes the route unique. There are,however, a wide range of other aspects that alsomake it significant. The byway provides travelerswith the chance to see a rugged, beautiful landscapefrom the water and to explore communities andplaces that have no roadway links to the outsideworld. It also offers travelers a chance to participatein an ancient Alaskan transportation tradition.
The byway reaches across national and stateboundaries by linking Alaska to Canada, via BritishColumbia, and to the United States via Washington.
This byway is also significant because it gives theaverage traveler an in-depth experience of themultifaceted quality of Alaskan life. Byway travelersnot only see and meet Alaskans, one-on-one, as theytravel aboard the Marine Highway ships, butthrough interpretation and their own experiences,visitors see and learn about Alaska’s diverse resource-based economy and the way of life our economysupports.
This byway is also significant because it windsaround and through Native lands, which holdcultures that are unique to the Pacific Coast ofNorth America. No other U.S. byway providessuch a comprehensive window of understanding tothese cultures.
Finally, this byway already exists as an agency withinthe Alaska Department of Transportation andPublic Facilities. Although not created as agrassroots entity, its nomination and hopefullydesignation as a National Scenic Byway, providesconsensus opportunity for grassroots support andadvisement.
1-1Chapter 1 - Introduction
The M/V Malaspina in Lynn Canal, a steepwalled fjord.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
A Note on this Plan and its StructureA Note on this Plan and its StructureA Note on this Plan and its StructureA Note on this Plan and its StructureA Note on this Plan and its StructureThis Corridor Partnership Plan is a writtendocument outlining goals and objectives intended toenhance the experience of passengers on Alaska’sMarine Highway and meet the goals of the NationalScenic Byway Program. These goals and objectivesfocus soley on the Alaska Marine Highway Systemfacilities and carries with it NO regulations for thecommunities or lands the Marine Highway travelsthrough. This plan is the first step to makingimprovements to the Alaska Marine HighwaySystem while being a user-friendly, flexible tool thatencourages implementation of the strategies. Wealso see this effort as a beginning for this byway.Due to the route’s length and complexity, it will takeyears for it to fully evolve. We have designed thisplan in a manner that will convey the significance ofthe entire 8,834 mile-long byway, while leaving thedoor open for communities, businesses and propertyowners along the route to participate at a time andin a manner they see as appropriate. The key tosuccess for this Partnership Plan will be the vitalpartnerships between the communities and theAlaska Marine Highway System workingcooperatively on related projects.
Each chapter in this plan is organized with a similarstructure. First, basic issues and facts are presented,followed by a summary of the challenges andopportunities that arise from those issues. The goalsand objectives are stated to provide a positive, cleardirection when addressing the challenges andopportunities. The seventh chapter of the planfocuses solely on implementation. The broaddirections covered within each of the previouschapters are explored and given more structure inChapter 7.
As we proceed with our byway work and planning,we feel it will be most useful to focus our efforts onspecific issues that may arise in the coming years.Each of these issues will be the topic of a separateanalysis to be performed as needed. We wish to avoidthe production of a weighty, awkward planningdocument, but instead keep ourselves focused onspecific problems and opportunities we can pursuewithin the framework offered by this plan.
AAAAA T T T T Two Corridor wo Corridor wo Corridor wo Corridor wo Corridor ApproachApproachApproachApproachApproachAn important aspect to the plan’s organization is theconcept of two types of corridors:
The Management Corridor: The managementcorridor refers to the terminal land owned by theAlaska Marine Highway System and the ships onwhich passengers travel. This will be the only landand infrastructure affected by this byway program,unless our neighbors in communities along the routechoose to participate in some way. We, of course,would welcome their participation.
The Experience Corridor: This term refers to thelands and communities lying along the route intowhich passengers will venture. These lands layoutside the jurisdiction of this plan, but they providemuch of the experience that draws people to ourstate. Land owners, tribal corporations, businessesand government entities that choose to participate inthe byway effort may become Byway Partners, and assuch, Alaska’s Marine Highway will work with themon grants and byway related projects. All otherindividuals and groups in the Experience Corridorwill be unaffected by the byway.
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Alaskaís Marine Highway vesselstraveled 475,650 nautical miles in2000... that is over 161 trips fromNewYork to Seattle.
Source: Alaska Marine Highway System
This two-corridor concept is an important one forthe Marine Highway. Due to the nature of thisbyway, all travelers using the route must board viaterminals and use Alaska Marine Highway Systemships. Given that access is limited to those terminalpoints, it is appropriate that our plan focus just onthat system. Unlike a road that may be owned andoperated by the state or federal government that hasnumerous private and public properties along itsfrontage, Alaska’s Marine Highway has a limitednumber of access and frontage points - just 33. Theuse of the management corridor concept allows us torecognize that the Alaska Department ofTransportation & Public Facilities is the onlymanagement entity for this byway’s coreinfrastructure.
Along with the experience of riding on the System,visitors will want to explore our Alaskancommunities. Clearly, it is also a major objective ofthe byway to encourage increased tourism and theassociated economic benefits. Nonetheless, thisbyway is long and complicated and there is animportant tradition within Alaska of supporting localrights. The Alaska Department of Transportationdoes not in any way want to impose the creation ofthis byway on the rights and wishes of local residentsand business people in the port communities. Thedestinction of the Experience Corridor allows thisbyway plan to clearly recognize that the on-landplaces our visitors will go to and enjoy are separate,independent jurisdictions. It is already clear thatthere is strong support by many communities alongthe route. Many have requested to become bywaypartners and will participate actively in the effort todevelop improved infrastructure and strongermarketing for The Alaska Marine Highway System.
It is also important to allow communities the choicenot to participate. By focusing our initial effortswithin the Management Corridor and allowing amore gradual evolution of the Experience Corridor,we provide all communities with that freedom ofchoice.
Segmenting the Marine HighwaySegmenting the Marine HighwaySegmenting the Marine HighwaySegmenting the Marine HighwaySegmenting the Marine HighwayThis byway is divided into three segments:
Inside Passage: Bellingham, Washington toSkagway, AK (1048 miles)
Southcentral Alaska and Cross-Gulf: Cordovato Homer (825 miles)
Southwest Alaska and the Aleutians: Kodiak toUnalaska/Dutch Harbor (825 miles)
This segmentation is the format currently used byAlaska’s Marine Highway in routing and scheduling.As such, it is familiar to the Alaska Marine HighwaySystem staff, to the Federal Highway Administrationand to residents.
Meeting the Federal CorridorMeeting the Federal CorridorMeeting the Federal CorridorMeeting the Federal CorridorMeeting the Federal CorridorManagement Plan RequirementsManagement Plan RequirementsManagement Plan RequirementsManagement Plan RequirementsManagement Plan RequirementsWe have designed this Corridor Partnership Plan tomeet both the requirements of the National ScenicByways Program and our own needs, locally. Pleaserefer to the Resources chapter for a presentation ofthe specific requirements of the National Program.
ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusionAlaska’s Marine Highway will be a unique byway inthe America’s Byways System, and it will reinforce themessage that Alaska is one of the most unusual andspecial places in North America. We believe thatdesignation of our marine route as a National ScenicByway will generate more visitors to our communitiesand help our economies, without interfering ordamaging the resource-based industries upon whichwe depend. We see the byway as an excellentopportunity to increase visitors’ awareness of Alaska’srole in their lives.
This plan is taking a fresh approach to corridorpartnership planning for what is perhaps the mostunusual byway in North America. The nature of thisship-based highway means we must look at both thetravel experience and our partnerships in new ways.As such, we need to define our corridors from anorganizational perspective rather than a geographicperspective. We recognize that the Alaska MarineHighway System is the central management entity forthe backbone infrastructure of this byway. We alsorecognize that people will choose to travel the MarineHighway for the experience of the ships as much asthe communities and landscape surrounding the
ships and terminals. Thus, we will approach thisbyway in a manner that will allow communities toparticipate, if they so choose.
What this byway will actually mean for thecommunities and businesses along the route is stillunclear to some. It will take time before thecumulative impacts of increased marketing andinvestments in byway infrastructure yield significanteconomic returns to our communities. As such, weare taking a flexible grassroots approach. Thesuccess of this byway will be based on the degree towhich the people who live and work along this routeperceive it as something that enhances their lives.Preparation of this Corridor Partnership Plan is afirst step in helping both Alaska’s Marine Highwayand all potential byway partners see with moreclarity what this byway might mean for Alaska’scoastal communities, as well as our neighbors inBritish Columbia and Washington.
Passengers watch the landscape slip by onthe stern of an Alaska Marine HighwaySystem ship.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
This chapter describes an approach for participationin the byway, the organizational structure of thebyway plan and how future efforts will becoordinated.
Organization of the RouteOrganization of the RouteOrganization of the RouteOrganization of the RouteOrganization of the RouteThe primary organizing entity along this byway isThe Alaska Marine Highway System - a division ofthe Alaska Department of Transportation & PublicFacilities. The system owns the terminals and shipsthat comprise the Management Corridor for thebyway.
The Alaska Marine Highway System is primarilyinvolved in preparing this plan and in guiding thebyway during the initial stages of implementation.During the initial period, and then more substantiallyafterwards, an Experience Corridor organization willemerge as communities clarify the degree to whichthey wish to participate in the byway effort.
Chapter 2 - Byway Organizational Plan 2-1
22222BywayBywayBywayBywayBywayOrganizational PlanOrganizational PlanOrganizational PlanOrganizational PlanOrganizational Plan
Outreach to the Experience CorridorOutreach to the Experience CorridorOutreach to the Experience CorridorOutreach to the Experience CorridorOutreach to the Experience CorridorDuring Plan PreparationDuring Plan PreparationDuring Plan PreparationDuring Plan PreparationDuring Plan PreparationThe outreach and awareness building effort for thisbyway began in November 2000, at the AlaskaMunicipal League Conference. That was followedby informal contacts and an intensive one-on-onefield outreach effort in the autumn of 2001.
The major concerns the outreach effort encounteredrelated to how the byway would portray Alaska andthe byway communities. Local leaders felt stronglythat the byway should play a role in helping allvisitors understand the realities of Alaska and thedegree that its people are dependent on its naturalresources. Additionally, they felt that interpretationshould show the ways in which Alaskan resourcemanagement addresses both economic developmentand conservation.
Implementation within the ManagementImplementation within the ManagementImplementation within the ManagementImplementation within the ManagementImplementation within the ManagementCorridorCorridorCorridorCorridorCorridorWe are fortunate that implementation within theprimary Management Corridor is solely theresponsibility of the Alaska Marine HighwaySystem. As such, the Alaska Marine Highway willguide the actions that need to occur within theManagement Corridor.
The following entities will be responsible for variouscategories of actions that are likely to flow from thecorridor partnership:
Signage – The Alaska Marine Highway Systemstaff
The M/V Taku with Tongass National Forestas a backdrop.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
Interpretation – The Alaska Marine HighwaySystem and USDA Forest Service staff. Aspecial committee for interpretation establishedfor the byway will direct interpretative planning.It will have representation from the USDAForest Service, Alaska’s Marine Highway, theOffice of History and Archaeology, Nativeorganizations and coastal communities.
Marketing – Marketing manager for Alaska’sMarine Highway
Terminal Improvements –Alaska’s MarineHighway System Southeast Region planning,design and construction staff.
Challenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and OpportunitiesRegarding Byway OrganizationRegarding Byway OrganizationRegarding Byway OrganizationRegarding Byway OrganizationRegarding Byway OrganizationGiven the above issues, the following are the majorchallenges and opportunities facing this byway:
ChallengesChallengesChallengesChallengesChallenges1. Moving the byway project forward within a
framework of community support.
2. Moving the effort sufficiently fast to seeeconomic impacts, but not so fast as to out-distance community support.
3. Creating organizational approaches that takeinto account the great distances that separatebyway partners.
OpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunities1. Making short-term improvements within the
management corridor to demonstrate thepractical nature of the byway and show this as areal and positive force.
2. Building on the high levels of interest andsupport shown within byway communities.
Goals and Objectives for BywayGoals and Objectives for BywayGoals and Objectives for BywayGoals and Objectives for BywayGoals and Objectives for BywayOrganizationOrganizationOrganizationOrganizationOrganization
Goal 1: Create and sustain a byway process thatallows for open, effective and efficient participationfor all interested entities and individuals.
a. Objective: Create an organizing committee forthe Management Corridor.
b. Objective: Create an organizing entity for theExperience Corridor.
Goal 2: Create and sustain a process that allowsexperience corridor communities to learn about andparticipate in the byway at their own pace and in amanner consistent with community needs.
a. Objective: Encourage Experience Corridorcommunities to define the potential bywaybenefits and costs for their places and businesses.
b. Objective: Encourage communities to identifybeneficial projects locally.
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Alaskaís estimated coastline,including islands, inlets, andshoreline, is 47,300 miles.
Source: AK DCED
Goal 3: Find short-term practical projects thatdemonstrate the byway’s effectiveness.
a. Objective: Convene communities and the AlaskaMarine Highway System regularly to seekcooperative ventures related to the byway.
Chapter 2 - Byway Organizational Plan 2-3
If the state of Alaska was superimposed over the continental United States, Alaska’s MarineHighway would stretch from central Florida, north to Missouri, and as far west as NewMexico.
Bellingham,Washington
Unalaska/Dutch Harbor
Map courtesy of Alaska DCED.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
Chapter 3 - Intrinsic Quality Assessment and Management 3-1
33333Intrinsic QualityIntrinsic QualityIntrinsic QualityIntrinsic QualityIntrinsic QualityAssessment andAssessment andAssessment andAssessment andAssessment andManagementManagementManagementManagementManagementIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionWe believe all six intrinsic qualities recognized by theNational Scenic Byways Program are represented inworld-class form along this byway: scenery, nature,recreation, history, archaeology, and culture. The firstpart of this chapter reviews each of these intrinsicquality categories as they relate to the byway and thedegree to which each category demonstrates regionaland/or national significance. In order to provide asense of the context within which the intrinsicqualities exist and related byway management mightoccur, an overview of the major land use andownership patterns along the route follows. Thischapter concludes with a review of the likely intrinsicquality challenges the byway will face and themanagement approaches that make sense for thisroute.
This byway’s intrinsic qualities, especially those thatrelate to the marine experience, are unique to thenation in that this byway covers a northern latitudecoastal system. The historical and cultural resourcesof the route are also exceptional.
Review of Scenic QualitiesReview of Scenic QualitiesReview of Scenic QualitiesReview of Scenic QualitiesReview of Scenic QualitiesAlaska’s Marine Highway provides an unparalleledopportunity to see the dynamic coastline of Alaska.The scenic qualities of coastal Alaska can be dividedinto two distinct regions: one incorporating theInside Passage and Southcentral routes and thesecond being Southwest Alaska and the Aleutians.Much of the landscape is viewed as middlegroundand background scenery, allowing spectacularpanoramic viewing, including 13 of the 20 tallestpeaks in the United States. Approximately 1,500islands provide foreground and middle-groundinterest and establish a sense of scale along the route.
The landscape along the Inside Passage andSouthcentral is one of the most aesthetic coastlinesin North America, and perhaps even the world.Rugged snow-capped mountain peaks typically rise4,000 to 8,000 feet above the ocean. The area isblanketed by America’s largest temperate rainforest,much of it a part of the Tongass and ChugachNational Forests. Glaciers slowly creep throughmountain valleys scouring deep fjords and rockycliffs lined by waterfalls. Icebergs dot the coastlineand drift free from glaciers that extend intosaltwater. Unique coastal landscapes include the18,000 foot peaks of the Wrangell-St. EliasMountains and the more than 50 mile-wideMalaspina Glacier.
The scenic landscape of the Southwest Alaska andAleutians route is characterized as rugged andenergetic. The route serves the volcanic mountainchain of the Alaska Peninsula and the AleutianIslands. The rocky coastline is energized by oceanswells with smoldering volcanic peaks rising 2,000
A typical landscape seen along the MarineHighway in Southeast & Southcentral Alaska.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
to 5,000 feet above the grassy, treeless landscape.Scenic elements include Aniakchak Crater NationalMonument and picturesque Kodiak Island.
It would be a monumental task to inventory thethousands of miles of coastal landscape that theMarine Highway traverses. A large portion of ittravels through the Tongass and Chugach NationalForests’ 22 million square acres. The USDA ForestService has inventoried the scenery of these forestsusing the national Visual Management System.Forest Service scenic inventories indicate thatapproximately 30 percent of the landscape has a‘high’ scenic rating, 60 percent has a ‘common’landscape rating and 10 percent has a ‘low’ scenicrating. Compared to other national forestlandscapes, Alaska has a much higher scale for scenicqualities and a ‘common’ rating in Alaska mightequal a ‘high’ rating in many other locationsthroughout America.
Review of Natural QualitiesReview of Natural QualitiesReview of Natural QualitiesReview of Natural QualitiesReview of Natural QualitiesCoastal Alaska is a young land shaped by fire, ice,and water. The collision of tectonic plates pushedup the rugged coastal peaks and created the “ring offire,” a volcanic band that stretches around the northrim of the Pacific Ocean. Many of the volcanoesalong the southern portion of the Marine Highwayare quiet, however, eruptions continue in the AlaskaPeninsula and Aleutian Chain.
Much of Alaska was covered by ice during the lastice age and thousands of square miles of ice fieldsand glaciers remain along coastal Alaska. As the iceretreated, deep fjords were created and coastal
temperate rain forests replaced the barren landscape.The wet, cool climate created by the collision ofmarine air and coastal mountains, results in largeamounts of rainfall and sustains the world’s largestcontiguous coastal temperate rain forest, from KodiakIsland in Alaska, through British Columbia and thePacific Northwest.
The nutrient-rich waters of the Pacific Ocean createabundant marine wildlife, fish and shellfishcommunities that support numerous terrestrialspecies. Over 400 species can be found along theMarine Highway route. These species include thebald eagle, trumpeter swan and brown bear – speciesthat are endangered in other parts of the UnitedStates. Other species include humpback whales,orcas, sea lions, moose, Sitka black-tail deer,porcupines, wolves and world-class salmon andhalibut, to name a few. The unusual diversity andabundance of marine life, wildlife, and forestresources results in one of the richest bio-regions inthe world. When combined with its outstandinggeological, glacial and marine environment, it is easyto understand why we say Alaska’s Marine Highwaytraverses some of the most interesting naturallandscapes in America.
Review of Historical QualitiesReview of Historical QualitiesReview of Historical QualitiesReview of Historical QualitiesReview of Historical QualitiesSince travel by water was the most effective mode oftransportation prior to the 1920’s, some of Alaska’srichest history can be found in coastal communitiesserved by Alaska’s Marine Highway. Much of thishistory is preserved and interpreted, or capable ofbeing interpreted in the future. The first inhabitants
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Deep fjords with floating icebergs remain afterthe retreat of glaciers, in Southeast andSouthcentral Alaska.
were from a variety of Alaska Native tribes, andNative cultures in Alaska continue to have stronginfluences throughout the state.
Russian explorers arrived in coastal Alaska in themid-1700’s and established communities based on furtrading and expansion of the Russian OrthodoxChurch. The Russian influence is evident fromUnalaska to the last Russian-America capital of Sitka.In the mid-1800’s, gold was discovered in numerouslocations and drew European-Americans into Alaskathrough the early 1900’s. In 1867, the United Statespurchased Alaska from Russia and efforts continuedto settle the territory. In 1942, the Japanese invadedthe Aleutian Islands including the community ofUnalaska. In 1959, Alaska became a state. At thattime, Alaska was exporting large amounts of timber,fish and oil. Today much of Alaska’s economy is stillbased on its rich natural resources, along withtourism and government.
Review of Cultural QualitiesReview of Cultural QualitiesReview of Cultural QualitiesReview of Cultural QualitiesReview of Cultural QualitiesAlaska’s Marine Highway carries its passengersthrough areas inhabited by Alaska’s indigenouspeople. The corridor passes through the traditionalboundaries of seven of Alaska’s original Nativecultural and language groups. The Alaska MarineHighway System uses the original Native trade andmigration routes as it passes through the ancestralhomelands of the Tsimshian, Haida, Tlingit, Eyak,Athabaskan, Tanaina, and Alutiig (Aleut) peoples.These major groups have numerous distinctivesubgroups or are related to other major groups. TheEyak people have their origins in the Alutiig,Athabaskan and Tlingit groups. Native languages,
arts, technologies and ways of life flourished in theresponse to the abundance of natural resources alongAlaska’s coast.
Many of the present port communities remainpredominantly Alaska Native or retain strong Nativetraditions. Some of these include the communitiesof Metlakatla, Angoon, Cordova, Chignik, andUnalaska.
Many of these communities also retain evidence ofthe Russian settlers that populated coastal Alaska.Some of the strongest cultural icons from theRussian period are the Russian Orthodox Churchesof the 1800’s; their pointed onion domes and crossesare found in many of the port communities.
One element all of these coastal communities havein common is a strong seafaring tradition. Thesepeople were, and remain, people of the sea,dependent on its resources including vast timbersupplies along the coastline. In Petersburg,Scandinavian settlers still make their living in theseafood industry and celebrate the Little NorwayFestival every year.
Review of Recreational QualitiesReview of Recreational QualitiesReview of Recreational QualitiesReview of Recreational QualitiesReview of Recreational QualitiesAlaska offers world-class recreational opportunities.The coastal nature of the marine corridor allowsusers to recreate on land, water or ice. Numerousoutfitters and guides in port communities offerpassengers recreational opportunities including:fishing; hiking; cross-country, downhill and extremeskiing; ice and rock climbing; mountaineering;surfing; cycling; glacier tours; dog-sledding; boating;
Chapter 3 - Intrinsic Quality Assessment and Management 3-3
The Alaska Marine HighwaySystem just signed a contract tocontruct the first high speedpassenger and vehiclecatamaran ferry to be built in theUnited States. Sustained speedis expected to be 32 knots.Delivery is scheduled for spring2004.
Independent travelers have the ability to explore theAlaskan wilderness and coastline by visiting itsnational forests, national parks, state parks andwilderness areas. These areas have public-usefacilities including over 1,000 miles of trails, morethan 200 public use cabins, wildlife viewingfacilities, fishing platforms, canoe and kayak routes,campgrounds and RV facilities.
Review of Archaeological QualitiesReview of Archaeological QualitiesReview of Archaeological QualitiesReview of Archaeological QualitiesReview of Archaeological QualitiesCoastal Alaska hosts numerous archaeologicalresources. Many of these are not open to the publicdue to the Native community’s strong desire to keepthem out of the public domain. However, theNative people living in many communities, alongwith numerous excellent museums along the route,have outstanding exhibits and ceremonies for publicviewing. Some of the most popular publicarchaeological sites are the Wrangell petroglyphs, thetotem parks in Ketchikan and Sitka, the ongoingarchaeological excavations at the Baranof Castle inSitka, and the excavations in the Aleutian Islandsand on Kodiak Island. Due to the sensitivity ofsome archaeological sites, this intrinsic quality willnot be significantly marketed. These importantresources should be recognized as significant andprotected, and in some cases they should beinterpreted.
National DesignationsNational DesignationsNational DesignationsNational DesignationsNational DesignationsAlaska’s rich history, cultural and scenic qualities areevident in the following national designations alongthe marine route and can be easily accessed from portcommunities:
Admiralty Island National MonumentAniakchak National Monument and PreserveChugach National ForestCopper River Delta Wildlife RefugeGlacier Bay National Park and PreserveKatmai National Park and PreserveKenai Fjords National ParkKlondike Gold Rush National Historic ParkKodiak National Wildlife RefugeMisty Fjords National MonumentTongass National ForestSeward Highway All American RoadSitka National Historic ParkWrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve19 designated wilderness areas
The ContextThe ContextThe ContextThe ContextThe ContextThe sheer length of this corridor and the millions ofsquare acres viewed from the Marine Highway aredifficult to comprehend. A large portion of the landseen from the marine routes falls within themanagement of the state and federal governments.Approximately 98 percent falls within publicownership and exists as unspoiled and wildlandscape. The remaining land is under privateownership including Native corporations.
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The Russian Orthodox Church in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor.
The USDA Forest Service, Bureau of LandManagement, the State of Alaska and numerous otheragencies actively manage the high proportion ofpublic lands in the state. Many of these agencies haveinventoried and set regulations to manage these landsin the public’s best interest. Portions of these publiclands are open to mining and timber operations andguidelines are in place for these operations. This plandoes not place any regulations on any lands or typesof operations along the corridor or within thecommunities. An important goal of this plan is toeducate visitors about Alaska and its role in theirdaily lives. The interpretation of the workinglandscape and coastal communities is a vitalcomponent of this plan and therefore, travelersshould see Alaska’s natural-resource industries inaction. This plan allows the agencies managing theselands to continue to do so using their own bestmanagement practices.
The plan does not place any restrictions upon thenumerous communities or private lands that theMarine Highway serves. The recommendations putforth in this plan only deal with the ship andterminal facilities and end at the ADOT&PFproperty line. Again, we believe that one of thestrengths of this plan is that we allow communities tofunction as is, so visitors can see and understand theraw energy that makes these communities unique.No theme park could replace the first-hand learningexperience gained from seeing the working docks andfish processing plants that helped build a state.
Scenic Byway SurveyScenic Byway SurveyScenic Byway SurveyScenic Byway SurveyScenic Byway SurveyIn 2002, Greg Brown of Alaska Pacific Universityreleased a study of the scenic qualities of Alaska’shighways. This report surveyed Alaskan residents,asking them to rank our state highways.
The Seward Highway was the highest ranked scenicbyway and is now an All-American Road. Alaska’sMarine Highway was ranked in fourth place closelyclustered with the Denali and Richardson Highways.The study goes on to say that the Marine Highway’srank was due to many residents being unfamiliarwith Alaska’s Marine Highway. Those who werefamiliar with it clearly ranked it as the most scenicbyway in the state.
The survey report also characterized the qualitiesand intrinsic values of the state’s byways. Alaskansoverwhelmingly ranked Alaska’s Marine Highwaywith the highest cultural, archaeological and historicvalues in this survey. The Marine Highway alsoreceived a high percentage for its natural, recreationand scenic qualities.
This survey indicates that there is a statewidecommunity perception that Alaska’s MarineHighway has a high scenic quality and a highproportion of all six intrinsic values along thecorridor. It also indicates that many residents couldbecome more familiar with the byway.
Chapter 3 - Intrinsic Quality Assessment and Management 3-5
Kodiak Island, in the Gulf ofAlaska, is the largest island inAlaska at 3,588 square miles.There are 1,800 named islands inthe state, 1,000 of which arelocated in Southeast Alaska.
Source: AK DCED
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
Get to Know Our CommunitiesGet to Know Our CommunitiesGet to Know Our CommunitiesGet to Know Our CommunitiesGet to Know Our CommunitiesThis section presents brief reviews on each of themajor port communities and the general resourceswithin each segment. These profiles provide a flavorof these places and some of the intrinsic qualitiesthey offer. A detailed description of each portcommunity can be found through the Departmentof Community and Economic Development.
Alaska is unique among the 50 states in that most ofits landmass has not been organized into politicalsubdivisions equivalent to a county form ofgovernment. Local government is made up of asystem of organized and unorganized boroughssurrounding a city or groups of cities and towns.These boroughs are a small percentage of the totallandmass of the state.
Inside PassageInside PassageInside PassageInside PassageInside PassageThe “Inside Passage,” extending from the QueenCharlotte Islands of British Columbia north toSkagway, is a region of dramatic fjords, pristineislands, and forests of tall hemlock and spruce. Richin history, the towns and villages of the InsidePassage will provide a unique opportunity to explorethe region’s abundant and diverse culturalexperiences and scenic wonders.
Bellingham, WA, just 1.5 hours north of Seattle andsouth of Vancouver, BC, is the southern-most portfor Alaska’s Marine Highway, an easily accessibleplace from which to begin an Alaskan journey. Theferry terminal lays in the historic Fairhaven District,a waterfront area of Victorian-era buildings thathouse shops, restaurants and galleries.
Prince Rupert, BC, on the northern BritishColumbia coast, is the other gateway to Alaska on theMarine Highway. Like Bellingham, this easily-accessible city boasts many “sights to see” includingthe Museum of Northern British Columbia, theKwinitsa Railway Museum, and Cow Bay, the oldestpart of town.
Ketchikan, “Salmon Capital of the World,” is theMarine Highway’s first port of call entering Alaskanwaters. This picturesque waterfront town serves as aregional hub for shopping, services andtransportation, including ferry routes to the nearbyvillages of Metlakatla and Hollis. Ketchikan boaststhe world’s largest collection of totem poles, whichshowcase the rich traditional culture of the Tlingitpeople. Rows of businesses built on stilts liningCreek Street, provide visitors with an impression ofAlaska’s wild, early days. The USDA Forest Service’sSoutheast Alaska Discovery Center is also located inKetchikan.
Wrangell is the gateway to the mighty Stikine Riverand the LeConte Glacier, the southernmost tidewaterglacier in North America. Jet boat tours and riverrafting on the Stikine are available through October.Chief Shakes Tribal House is surrounded by totempoles and “petroglyphs,” prehistoric stone carvings,that appear at low tide.
Petersburg, a quaint town known as “Little Norway,”celebrates its Scandinavian heritage with decorativetraditional Norwegian painting (rosemaling) onhouses and storefronts. Fishing plays a prominentrole, with charter fishing available from thewaterfront. Excursions to LeConte Glacier alsooriginate in Petersburg.
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Petersburgís annual ëLittle Norwayí festival.
Sitka, once known as the “Paris of the Pacific,” offersa blend of Russian, Native and pioneer cultures.Capital of Russian America from 1808 to 1867,Sitka’s past is evident in preserved buildings andparks, among them the St. Michael’s RussianOrthodox Church, the Baranof Museum, and theSitka National Historical Park.
Juneau, Alaska’s capital city, is balanced between steepmountains and the Gastineau Channel. Thegovernment offices contrast with a restored historicdowntown district lined with shops and restaurants.In addition to its natural attractions and otheractivities, Juneau is also the “Gateway to Glacier BayNational Park.” When winter snow falls, skiing is apopular activity with residents and visitors at thecity’s Eaglecrest Ski Area.
Juneau’s Auke Bay ferry terminal, located 15 milesfrom downtown, also serves as a point of departurefor ferry trips to the communities of Angoon,Hoonah, Pelican, Tenakee Springs, and Kake.
Haines, on the Northwest point of Lynn Canal, ishome to the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve —thegathering place of the largest concentration of baldeagles in North America. Historic Fort WilliamSeward is home to several inns, a Native arts center,and Tlingit Lodge House where the famed ChilkatIndian Dancers perform. Haines is connected to theYukon and the Alaska Highway via the HainesHighway, a state scenic byway.
Skagway, the Inside Passage’s northernmost port,sprang to life in 1898 as the staging area for thethousands of Klondike gold seekers headed to theYukon. Visitors can relive those days through the
preserved buildings and storefronts of downtownthat comprise the Klondike Gold Rush NationalHistoric Park. From May to November, the “roadto riches” can still be experienced by scaling theChilkoot Trail or by taking an excursion on thevintage cars of the White Pass & Yukon RouteRailroad, one of the world’s most scenic railways.
From Skagway, the Klondike Highway, a state scenicbyway, parallels the Chilkoot Trail, linking theInside Passage with the Alaska Highway and theYukon Territory. Many travelers “drive” the MarineHighway to Haines or Skagway, then “turn north” tobegin their Alaska Highway driving adventure.
Whitehorse, the capital of Canada’s Yukon Territory,was founded during the Klondike gold rush as aservice center for miners seeking their fortunes.Traces of that era are still evident in the buildingsand attractions. Visit the MacBride Museum,Beringia Interpretive Centre, and the S.S.Klondike, a restored Yukon River sternwheelerbeached in the town center. Takhini Hot Springsprovides year-round relaxation and recreationranging from hot spring pools to Nordic skiing.
Northern Inside PassageNorthern Inside PassageNorthern Inside PassageNorthern Inside PassageNorthern Inside PassageLynn Canal is the northernmost waterway ofAlaska’s Inside Passage. In addition to the serviceprovided by mainline vessels, daily summer service isprovided by the M/V Malaspina – a ship serving thepopular port cities of Juneau, Haines, and Skagway.Cruising the scenic waters of Lynn Canal, travelersare flanked by sheer rock faces, views of the snow-capped Chilkat Mountains and passing islands.
Chapter 3 - Intrinsic Quality Assessment and Management 3-7
The White Pass and Yukon Route Railroadin historic Skagway.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
Made famous in the late 1800’s, Lynn Canal servedas the highway to riches for thousands of goldseekers streaming to the Klondike goldfields.
Telltale signs of the goldrush era are stillexperienced along the “Golden Circle.” TheGolden Circle itinerary begins in Juneau andconnects with Haines or Skagway via the AlaskaMarine Highway System. The Golden Circleproceeds from either port to the Yukon communitiesof Whitehorse and Haines Junction, via the Hainesand Klondike state scenic byways.
Southern Inside PassageSouthern Inside PassageSouthern Inside PassageSouthern Inside PassageSouthern Inside PassageAt the southern end of Alaska’s Inside Passage, smallvillages and communities are served from theMarine Highway’s hub of Ketchikan by the M/VAurora. A service provided by the Inter-Island FerryAuthority operates between Ketchikan and Hollis.
A small fishing community, Hollis is a gateway tothe road system on Prince of Wales Island thatconnects the villages and towns of Klawock,Hydaburg, Craig, Thorne Bay and Coffman Cove.The island is noted for fishing, hunting and otherrecreational opportunities. Several villages havetotem parks and Indian heritage centers.
The M/V Aurora calls on Metlakatla and PrinceRupert, British Columbia several times per weekfrom June to September. Metlakatla, is a TsimshianIndian village located on Annette Island. Tours offertraditional dance performances, a salmon bake, andtours of the totems and lodge house. Visitors mayalso tour the seafood processing plant.
Southcentral AlaskaSouthcentral AlaskaSouthcentral AlaskaSouthcentral AlaskaSouthcentral AlaskaAlaska’s Marine Highway service in SouthcentralAlaska takes you through the incredible beauty ofPrince William Sound and into the Gulf of Alaskaand Lower Cook Inlet. Glaciers and fjords,concentrations of seabirds and marine wildlife may beseen at every turn. The M/V E.L. Bartlett transitsPrince William Sound daily during the summer,linking towns and villages and providing visitorsaccess to a bounty of recreational and sight-seeingopportunities.
Whittier, is one of two highway-accessed ports servedby the ferry system. Ferry connections can be madeusing the Alaska Railroad or by driving through theAnton Anderson Tunnel. The tunnel is a toll roadopen for directional traffic during much of the day.Whittier is home to charter fishing operators andday-cruise boats that tour the glacier-filled fjordsnearby.
Valdez connects the Richardson Highway, part ofAlaska’s highway system, with the eastern shore ofPrince William Sound. The town is the southernterminus of the 800 mile Trans-Alaska Pipeline andhas a bustling harbor of fishing boats and recreationalwatercraft. Day-cruise boats provide tours of PrinceWilliam Sound to view glaciers, marine mammals,and seabird rookeries.
Cordova, a fishing port and visitor destination, isserved by the Marine Highway from Whittier andValdez. Cordova has historically been home to theAlutiiq and Eyaks people. Alaska’s Marine Highwayprovides a “whistle stop” service, stopping only withadvance reservations, at Tatitlek and Chenega Bay.
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A typical harbor in Southcentral.
Seward is served by the M/V Tustemena and fromacross the Gulf of Alaska and Juneau by the M/VKennicott. It is a popular spot for saltwater fishing,hiking and sightseeing. At the downtown waterfront,visit the Alaska Sealife Center, a world renownedinterpretive and research center that also serves as arehabilitation and recovery facility for injured marinewildlife and seabirds. Seward is also the gateway todaylong wildlife and glacier viewing cruises of KenaiFjords National Park and the Seward Highway, All-American Road.
Homer, a quaint and charming coastal community atthe tip of the Kenai Peninsula, serves as thehomeport for a large fleet of halibut charteroperators, fishing the rich and scenic waters ofKachemak Bay. Homer is linked to Alaska’s highwaysystem by the Sterling Highway, a state scenic byway.
Across Kachemak Bay is Seldovia, a small picturesquetown spread along the town boardwalk. Thecommunity has a small fishing fleet and a rich historythat dates back to the Russian days. This history isevident in the town’s name, which is derived from theRussian word seldevoy, meaning “herring bay.”
Kodiak and the AleutiansKodiak and the AleutiansKodiak and the AleutiansKodiak and the AleutiansKodiak and the AleutiansFrom the gentle coastal grasslands of its islands to therumbling snow-capped volcanoes along its shores,Southwest Alaska is a region known for its spirit ofadventure. Stretching from Kodiak Island to theAleutian Chain, it is home to the largest brown bearsin the world, as well as walrus, seals, dozens of speciesof seabirds, giant halibut and plentiful salmon runs.It also has many rich cultural and historical treasures.
Originating in the town of Homer, with its famousspit of land jutting into Kachemak Bay, the M/VTustemena sets sail into lower Cook Inlet and ontoward Kodiak Island. Covered in lush greenduring the summer months, the island isaffectionately known as Alaska’s “Emerald Isle.” TheKodiak National Wildlife Refuge covers nearly two-thirds of the island, protecting the natural habitat ofthe famous Kodiak brown bear.
Port Lions, in Settler Cove on the northeast coast ofKodiak Island, offers amenities such as hunting andfishing lodges. Beach combing and kayakingopportunities abound along the spruce-lined covesof Kizkuyak Bay.
Kodiak, one of the nation’s largest commercialfishing ports, was once the capital of RussianAmerica. Traces of its Russian heritage can still beseen at the Russian Orthodox Church and theBaranof Museum, Alaska’s oldest wooden structure.The city serves as a base for salmon and halibutfishing, kayaking, bear watching, and horsebackriding adventures.
Kodiak is the western terminus for the MarineHighway routes originating in Southcentral Alaska.Once each month during the summer, the M/VTustemena ventures down the Alaska Peninsula tothe Aleutian Islands.
The M/V Tustemena travels along 400 miles of theAlaska Peninsula coastline, passing smolderingvolcanoes and steep slopes of mountain ranges,before starting its journey to the Aleutian Islands.Covered in lush green, the volcanic islands are ahaven to seabirds and marine mammals.
Chapter 3 - Intrinsic Quality Assessment and Management 3-9
The mountainous landscape surroundingChignik.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
Along the way, the M/V Tustemena calls on the smallvillages of Chignik, Sand Point, King Cove, ColdBay, False Pass and Akutan.
Unalaska/Dutch Harbor, is the terminus for theroute. Unalaska is the Aleutians’ largest community,with over four thousand residents. A busy fishingand seafood processing port, it is also a visitordestination offering sport fishing charters, birdwatching and wildlife tours, cultural and historicalexploration, hiking and beachcombing. TheMuseum of the Aleutians traces the culture andhistory of the Aleutian and Pribilof Islands fromtheir beginnings to the Russian-America period.
Challenges and Opportunities RelatingChallenges and Opportunities RelatingChallenges and Opportunities RelatingChallenges and Opportunities RelatingChallenges and Opportunities Relatingto Intrinsic Qualitiesto Intrinsic Qualitiesto Intrinsic Qualitiesto Intrinsic Qualitiesto Intrinsic Qualities
ChallengesChallengesChallengesChallengesChallenges1. There are so many port communities and so
much of Alaska to explore, it is a challenge topackage the experiences of Alaska’s MarineHighway into consumable pieces. Ideally, theAlaska Marine Highway System experienceshould be one that people will return to, timeand again.
2. The great diversity of intrinsic qualities meansthat the process of preparing an effectiveinterpretive strategy for Alaska’s MarineHighway must be coordinated with travelpackages that can be offered to visitors.Interpretation should support marketing andmarketing efforts should support interpretation.
OpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunities1. Given the great distances from which visitors
view many of the byway’s intrinsic qualities, theimpact of tourism is minimal on the integrity ofresources.
2. Due to the high levels of federal and state landownership along the route, most intrinsicqualities are well managed and not threatened bytourism.
3. It may be that as more communities becomeactive in the byway program, their interest incommunity character management will rise.Thus, locally-controlled intrinsic qualities mustbe balanced to maintain them.
Goals and Objectives Relating toGoals and Objectives Relating toGoals and Objectives Relating toGoals and Objectives Relating toGoals and Objectives Relating toIntrinsic QualitiesIntrinsic QualitiesIntrinsic QualitiesIntrinsic QualitiesIntrinsic Qualities
Goal 1: Provide the visitor with a number of travelexperience choices. Approach Alaska’s MarineHighway as many different travel experiences, notjust one.
a. Identify multiple travel experiences within thesystem.
b. Seek ways to package the byway’s differentexperiences into distinct tourism products.
3-10
Alaska has an estimated 100,000glaciers, ranging from tiny cirqueglaciers to huge valley glaciers.There are more active glaciersand ice fields in Alaska than inthe rest of the inhabited world.
Source: AK DCED
Each town has its own unique flavor forcelebrating a holiday or special event.
Goal 2: Interpretation should support marketingand marketing should support interpretation.
a. Once different travel packages are defined,prepare interpretive approaches that focus oneach package’s localized stories.
b. Design interpretation that addresses theidentified needs of the visitor markets targeted byeach travel package.
Goal 3: Encourage partnership communities toidentify local intrinsic qualities that may bethreatened by additional tourism.
a. Create an opt-in process whereby communitiescan consider byway impacts on their economiesand on community character.
b. Provide information and services forcommunities to consider a range of methods tomanage potentially threatened local intrinsicqualities.
Goal 4: Raise the awareness of visitors about thebalance that must be struck in Alaska between twomistaken extremes in thinking: 1) Alaska has anexceedingly fragile environment that cannotwithstand human use, and 2) Alaska’s vast, endlessland can withstand any abuse.
a. Design both marketing and interpretiveprograms with this goal in mind.
Chapter 3 - Intrinsic Quality Assessment and Management 3-11
Goal 5: Work closely with state and federal landmanagers to ensure that byway programs avoidnegative impacts on intrinsic qualities.
Goal 6: Encourage public land entities to becomebyway partners.
Goal 7: Create localized task forces to addressbyway-public land challenges and opportunitiesthat arise.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
Chapter 4 - Transportation 4-1
44444TTTTTransportationransportationransportationransportationransportationIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionThis byway is the only water-based byway in thenation. As such, its ‘highway’ issues and challengesare very different from other byways. This chapteraddresses each topic required by the National ScenicByway’s Program, as well as the unique challengesthat are inherent in this byway.
Description of the SystemDescription of the SystemDescription of the SystemDescription of the SystemDescription of the SystemAlaska’s Marine Highway consists of twofundamental transportation elements: the terminalsand the ships. For the auto-traveler, this byway willbegin and end at a terminal, but the ride on boardwill provide the primary byway experience. Inaddition, travelers can explore our coastalcommunities, but these areas are outside of thebyway, within our Experience Corridor, and the roadsto and from the communities are not addressed bythis plan. For the most part, we are not dealing witha road and the typical safety, signage and serviceissues of traveling along a traditional byway.
Since its inception following statehood in 1959, theAlaska Marine Highway System has existed to linkthe many coastal communities in Alaska notconnected by a road; in effect extending the roadnetwork to them. Up to present day, this has
remained the core priority of the Alaska MarineHighway System. Its routes connect thecommunities of Southeast Alaska, Prince WilliamSound and Southwest Alaska to each other and tomainland Alaska. Additionally, Alaska's MarineHighway includes the historical passenger vesselroute between Southeast Alaska and the State ofWashington, which has existed ever since theKlondike Gold Rush of 1898. It also includes aninternational route connecting Ketchikan withPrince Rupert in Canada. The entire MarineHighway fleet and its terminals are designatedNational Highway System infrastructure.
The most direct route between Bellingham andUnalaska/Dutch Harbor equals 2,698 miles inlength. When all the community links and looproutes are included, the byway distance exceeds8,800 miles.
The Management Corridor currently consists of theAlaska Marine Highway System-owned terminalsand nine vessels. The nine ships are the Matanuska,the Kennicott, the Columbia, the Taku, theMalaspina, the Tustumena, the E.L. Bartlett, theLeConte and the Aurora. Depending on the size anddesign of the ships, they can hold between 300 and971 passengers and between 29 and 134 vehicles.Six ships offer cabins (up to 109 on some ships) andfull services such as cafeterias, gift shops, cocktaillounges, solariums and observation lounges. Thethree smallest vessels offer only cafeterias andsolariums.
AlaskaíAlaskaíAlaskaíAlaskaíAlaskaís Marine Highway Fleets Marine Highway Fleets Marine Highway Fleets Marine Highway Fleets Marine Highway FleetM/V MatanuskaM/V MatanuskaM/V MatanuskaM/V MatanuskaM/V MatanuskaThe M/V Matanuska can carry 745 passengers and 88vehicles through the Inside Passage – Mainline Route.It has 6 four-berth cabins, 21 three-berth cabins, and82 two-berth cabins, a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktaillounge, solarium, and forward observation lounge.
M/V KennicottM/V KennicottM/V KennicottM/V KennicottM/V KennicottThe M/V Kennicott is the newest addition to Alaska’sMarine Highway fleet. It can carry 748 passengersand 80 vehicles through the Inside Passage –Mainline Route, the Southcentral Alaska Routes andthe Southwest Alaska Routes. It has 51 four-berthcabins, 34 three-berth, and 59 two-berth cabins. Italso has a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktail lounge,solarium, and observation lounge.
M/V ColumbiaM/V ColumbiaM/V ColumbiaM/V ColumbiaM/V ColumbiaThe M/V Columbia is the largest of the Alaska MarineHighway System fleet. It can carry 971 passengersand 134 vehicles through the Inside Passage –Mainline Route. There are 45 four-berth cabins and59 two-berth cabins, as well as a dining room,cafeteria, gift shop, cocktail lounge, solarium, andforward observation lounge.
M/V TM/V TM/V TM/V TM/V TakuakuakuakuakuThe M/V Taku can carry 500 passengers and 69vehicles through the Inside Passage – Mainline Route.In addition to the 6 four-berth cabins and the 35two-berth cabins, the ship has a cafeteria, gift shop,cocktail lounge, solarium, and forward observationlounge.
M/V MalaspinaM/V MalaspinaM/V MalaspinaM/V MalaspinaM/V MalaspinaThe M/V Malaspina can carry 701 passengers and 88vehicles through the Inside Passage – Lynn CanalRoute. There are 46 four-berth cabins and 27 two-berth cabins, as well as a cafeteria, gift shop, cocktaillounge, solarium and forward observation lounge.
M/V TM/V TM/V TM/V TM/V TustumenaustumenaustumenaustumenaustumenaThe M/V Tustemena can carry up to 220 passengersand 36 vehicles through the Southcentral andSouthwest Alaska Routes. Passengers can enjoy the8 four-berth cabins, 18 two-berth cabins, the diningroom, cocktail lounge, solarium, and forwardobservation lounge.
M/V E.L. BartlettM/V E.L. BartlettM/V E.L. BartlettM/V E.L. BartlettM/V E.L. BartlettThe M/V E.L. Bartlett can carry 236 passengers and29 vehicles through a variety of Southcentral AlaskaRoutes. Passengers can enjoy food service and thesolarium.
M/V LeConteM/V LeConteM/V LeConteM/V LeConteM/V LeConteThe M/V LeConte can carry 300 passengers and 34vehicles through the Alaskan Community LinkRoutes. While aboard, passengers can enjoy thecafeteria and the solarium.
M/V AuroraM/V AuroraM/V AuroraM/V AuroraM/V AuroraThe M/V Aurora can carry 300 passengers and 34vehicles through the Alaskan Community LinkRoutes. Passengers can enjoy the cafeteria andsolarium while on board.
4-3Chapter 4 - Transportation
All Alaska Marine HighwaySystem ships are named afterglaciers found in Alaska and areselected by the stateís children.
The other components of the Management Corridorare the 33 terminals along the route. These arecategorized by segment and briefly summarizedbelow.
Inside Passage TInside Passage TInside Passage TInside Passage TInside Passage TerminalserminalserminalserminalserminalsBellingham, WBellingham, WBellingham, WBellingham, WBellingham, WashingtonashingtonashingtonashingtonashingtonBellingham’s terminal is located on the southern endof Bellingham Bay in the Fairhaven District. Thebuilding is a multiple use facility owned by the Portof Bellingham. The facility houses a ticketing office,waiting areas, a deli, a small historical display, touroperators, restrooms and other concession spaces.The facility also boasts a large exterior wraparounddeck on three sides of the building and two smaller,floating docks used by tour operators. The stagingarea has separate long and short-term parking areas.Pre-ticketed passengers may directly enter thestaging area.
Prince Rupert, British ColumbiaPrince Rupert, British ColumbiaPrince Rupert, British ColumbiaPrince Rupert, British ColumbiaPrince Rupert, British ColumbiaThe Prince Rupert terminal is owned by the City ofPrince Rupert and operated for Alaska's MarineHighway under a lease arrangement with the PrinceRupert Port Corporation. The B.C. Ferries terminalis located just to the north of the Alaska MarineHighway System terminal, allowing for simple andconvenient transfer between the two systems. TheAlaska Marine Highway System terminal isapproximately 8,500 square feet and housespassenger waiting areas, restrooms, ticket areas,terminal offices, customs agent offices, and acustoms clearance room. The building is locatedinside a fenced staging compound separated fromthe vehicle pre-staging area by 500 feet of two-laneroad.
Metlakatla, AlaskaMetlakatla, AlaskaMetlakatla, AlaskaMetlakatla, AlaskaMetlakatla, AlaskaThe Metlakatla terminal is located about two milesfrom town at the end of Walden Point Road. Themodular terminal building is currently only inoperation for two hours prior to arrival of ships, andhave few amenities. The staging area is illuminatedand sized to meet its current level of operations.
Ketchikan, AlaskaKetchikan, AlaskaKetchikan, AlaskaKetchikan, AlaskaKetchikan, AlaskaThe Ketchikan terminal is located at the north end oftown. The terminal building is 4,976 square feet andhas ticketing counters, passenger waiting areas,vending machines, restrooms and an unattendedtraveler information station. The staging area hasample parking and maneuvering space for even thelargest of recreational vehicles. Alaska’s MarineHighway operates two separate berths at Ketchikan,each with covered walkways to protect pedestriantraffic from the elements and provide a safe barrierbetween pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
WWWWWrangell, rangell, rangell, rangell, rangell, AlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaThe Wrangell ferry terminal is located at the northend of town, on Evergreen Avenue. The 1,540 squarefoot building has a modest waiting area, which attimes forces passengers to congregate in the adjacentparking area. The staging area is paved and sized forcurrent Alaska Marine Highway System operations.
Petersburg, AlaskaPetersburg, AlaskaPetersburg, AlaskaPetersburg, AlaskaPetersburg, AlaskaThe Petersburg facility is located in the WrangellNarrows, south of town. The terminal was renovatedin 2000 to add an additional 646 square feet,bringing the total terminal space to 2,078 square feet.The facility is now ADA accessible and completely
Ketchikanís waterfront.
renovated to meet the needs of travelers. As part ofthis renovation project, the staging area andillumination were upgraded, as well. Currently theCity of Petersburg provides a “park” of sorts, salvagedfrom the old timber approach structure.
Kake, AlaskaKake, AlaskaKake, AlaskaKake, AlaskaKake, AlaskaThe Kake facility consists of a paved staging andparking area, a waiting shelter and a purser’s shelterwith site illumination.
Angoon, AlaskaAngoon, AlaskaAngoon, AlaskaAngoon, AlaskaAngoon, AlaskaThe Killisnoo Harbor facility is located one milesouth of town. The staging area provides access to asmall boat grid, city wharf and warehouse. A small,city-owned terminal building located in Angoon hasnot been used for several years. The staging area ispaved and is in good condition.
Sitka, AlaskaSitka, AlaskaSitka, AlaskaSitka, AlaskaSitka, AlaskaThe Sitka terminal is located on Halibut Point Road,about seven miles from Sitka, on Starrigavin Bay.The 2,330 square foot terminal building is sized tomeet the current operational needs and is ADAaccessible. There is a covered walkway to provideshelter for passengers between the terminal buildingand the head of the transfer bridge. The parking andstaging areas are paved and in good condition, withadequate illumination.
TTTTTenakee, enakee, enakee, enakee, enakee, AlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaThe Tenakee facility has no improvements oramenities, mostly due to its size and usage patterns.Vehicle traffic to and from Tenakee is limited tosmall, motorized vehicles like four-wheelers. No cars
or trucks are allowed in the community. TheMarine Highway docks are adjacent to the city dockthat provides a small passenger waiting shelter.
Pelican, AlaskaPelican, AlaskaPelican, AlaskaPelican, AlaskaPelican, AlaskaPelican, like Tenakee, does not have any uplandsimprovements or amenities due to the size of thecommunity and level of usage it receives.
Hoonah, AlaskaHoonah, AlaskaHoonah, AlaskaHoonah, AlaskaHoonah, AlaskaThe Hoonah terminal is located to the northwest ofthe City of Hoonah on Port Frederick. Theterminal building is adequately sized and is ADAcompliant, providing ticketing counters, restroomsand a small waiting area. The vehicle staging area ispaved, striped and illuminated.
Auke Bay (Juneau), AlaskaAuke Bay (Juneau), AlaskaAuke Bay (Juneau), AlaskaAuke Bay (Juneau), AlaskaAuke Bay (Juneau), AlaskaThe Auke Bay facilities are located about 14 milesnorthwest of downtown Juneau along GlacierHighway. The terminal building is approximately6,100 square feet, ADA compliant and providesrestrooms, ticketing, passenger waiting and un-staffed visitor information space. Additionally, theAuke Bay terminal provides a 588 square-footwaiting shelter and a purser’s office. The parkingand staging areas were improved in 1998 to improvetraffic flow, signage, parking, site illumination, awaiting shelter, warehouse facilities. Theseimprovements also create two distinctly separateeastern and western staging areas for the docking oftwo ships.
Chapter 4 - Transportation 4-5
The M/V LeConte arriving in Pelicansurrounded by fishing vessels.
Haines, AlaskaHaines, AlaskaHaines, AlaskaHaines, AlaskaHaines, AlaskaThe Haines facility is located four miles from townon Lutak Road. It is the third busiest facility on thesystem and is approximately 4,350 square feet. It isADA compliant and provides restrooms, ticketingand waiting areas. The staging area was expanded in1993 and is paved, striped and illuminated.
SkagwaySkagwaySkagwaySkagwaySkagway, , , , , AlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaThe Skagway facility is the northernmost terminalon the Southeast Alaska/Inside Passage route. Thefacility consists of a terminal building, and stagingand uplands parking areas. The staging area is wellilluminated, adequately paved and appropriatelysized for Skagway operations. The 4,900 square footterminal building is ADA compliant.
YYYYYakutat, akutat, akutat, akutat, akutat, AlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaYakutat is a “whistle stop” community used duringcross-gulf sailings between Juneau and theSouthcentral route. The system uses the City Dockand there are no upland facilities.
Southcentral RouteSouthcentral RouteSouthcentral RouteSouthcentral RouteSouthcentral RouteCordova, AlaskaCordova, AlaskaCordova, AlaskaCordova, AlaskaCordova, AlaskaThe Cordova Ferry Terminal facility is located aboutone mile north of downtown Cordova. TheCordova facilities were completely refurbished in1998. Major improvements included new pavedstaging and long term parking areas, and a new2,200 square-foot terminal building.
VVVVValdez, aldez, aldez, aldez, aldez, AlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaThe Valdez terminal is located southwest of Valdez.Currently the Valdez terminal does not have a stagingarea; vehicles park along the side of the approach roadand use a small parking area north of the terminalbuilding. The 700 square-foot terminal building islocated about 50 feet north of the city dock.Currently, a replacement facility is being designed.Construction of the new terminal and associateduplands improvements are slated to completeconstruction within the next three years.
TTTTTatitlek, atitlek, atitlek, atitlek, atitlek, AlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaIn the past, the M/V Bartlett had dischargedpassengers and freight to smaller boats in the TatitlekNarrows. These “whistle stops” were performed whenrequested by the communities, however they posed asignificant liability. A new dock and ramps wereconstructed in 1995, however there are no uplandsimprovements.
Chenega, AlaskaChenega, AlaskaChenega, AlaskaChenega, AlaskaChenega, AlaskaChenega is also a “whistle stop” community and thusdoes not have any uplands improvements.
WhittierWhittierWhittierWhittierWhittier, , , , , AlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaThe Whittier terminal is located north of town, anddoes not operate during the winter months. Theterminal building consists of not much more than a“shanty” with ticketing and restroom facilities. TheWhittier terminal is slated to receive a new terminalbuilding by the year 2004, as well as parking andstaging improvements.
The port of Valdez.
Seward, AlaskaSeward, AlaskaSeward, AlaskaSeward, AlaskaSeward, AlaskaIn 1995, Alaska's Marine Highway started using theAlaska Railroad’s Seward wharf for moorage andterminal operations in Seward. The vehicle andstaging area is paved and illuminated. Ticketingspace is leased from the Alaska Railroad and includesrestroom and waiting facilities.
Seldovia, AlaskaSeldovia, AlaskaSeldovia, AlaskaSeldovia, AlaskaSeldovia, AlaskaAlaska’s Marine Highway uses the Seldovia City Dockto provide shuttle service across Kachemak Bay fromHomer. Although there is no terminal, the City ofSeldovia provides terminal space with restroomfacilities for passengers in the City Office.
HomerHomerHomerHomerHomer, , , , , AlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaThe Homer facility is located on the lee side of theHomer Spit. The terminal staging area was built in1993 to provide an adequate staging area for the M/VTustemena sailings to Seldovia, Kodiak, and theSouthwest Alaska route. A new 2,335 square footterminal building was built in 1999 and is ADAcompliant. Vehicle and passenger transfers take placeon the city dock. The City of Homer and the Stateof Alaska are working to replace the facility,scheduled for completion in 2001. This will improvetraffic flow.
Southwest Alaska and the AleutiansSouthwest Alaska and the AleutiansSouthwest Alaska and the AleutiansSouthwest Alaska and the AleutiansSouthwest Alaska and the AleutiansKodiak, AlaskaKodiak, AlaskaKodiak, AlaskaKodiak, AlaskaKodiak, AlaskaThe M/V Tustemena uses the city dock in Kodiak.The facility does not have a dedicated vehicle stagingarea. Embarking vehicles line up on the adjacent city
street and parking lot prior to boarding. The ticketoffice is located in a City building constructed onfill between the approach legs. Efforts to determinea suitable location for a new Alaska Marine HighwaySystem terminal are ongoing.
Port Lions, AlaskaPort Lions, AlaskaPort Lions, AlaskaPort Lions, AlaskaPort Lions, AlaskaThe Port Lions facility is located on a timber piledock constructed by the US Army Corps ofEngineers in the 1960’s. There is a small terminalbuilding that is in need of repair or replacement.There are no parking or staging areas associated withthe Alaska Marine Highway System.
Chignik, AlaskaChignik, AlaskaChignik, AlaskaChignik, AlaskaChignik, AlaskaThe M/V Tustemena moors at the NorQuest SeafoodProcessor Facility in Chignik. There are no uplandsimprovements at Chignik for parking, staging orticketing services associated with the Alaska MarineHighway System.
Sand Point, AlaskaSand Point, AlaskaSand Point, AlaskaSand Point, AlaskaSand Point, AlaskaThe Sand Point Facility is a freight wharf located atthe tip of the small boat harbor breakwater and isowned by the City of Sand Point. There are nouplands improvements at Sand Point.
King Cove, AlaskaKing Cove, AlaskaKing Cove, AlaskaKing Cove, AlaskaKing Cove, AlaskaThe M/V Tustemena uses the Aleutians East Boroughfacility in King Cove. There is not a terminalbuilding at King Cove.
Cold BayCold BayCold BayCold BayCold Bay, , , , , AlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaThe Tustemena moors at the Cold Bay dock duringits East/West passage through the Aleutian Chain.The facility does not have a dedicated ferry terminalbuilding or staging area.
False Pass, AlaskaFalse Pass, AlaskaFalse Pass, AlaskaFalse Pass, AlaskaFalse Pass, AlaskaThe False Pass facility is owned and operated by theVillage of False Pass. False Pass is a “whistle stop”community. There is adequate staging space for thecurrent usage, however no terminal building.
Akutan, AlaskaAkutan, AlaskaAkutan, AlaskaAkutan, AlaskaAkutan, AlaskaThe M/V Tustemena docks in Akutan during its Maythrough September Aleutian Chain trips. Alaska'sMarine Highway currently discharges passengersonly at this facility. There is no terminal building atAkutan.
Unalaska / Dutch HarborUnalaska / Dutch HarborUnalaska / Dutch HarborUnalaska / Dutch HarborUnalaska / Dutch Harbor, , , , , AlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaAlaskaThe Tustemena’s last stop on its Westward Routeoccurs at Dutch Harbor serving the City ofUnalaska and Dutch Harbor. There is no stagingarea or terminal building at Dutch Harbor.
TTTTTopics Required by the Nationalopics Required by the Nationalopics Required by the Nationalopics Required by the Nationalopics Required by the NationalByways ProgramByways ProgramByways ProgramByways ProgramByways ProgramIn accordance with the requirements for a corridormanagement plan as defined by the National ScenicByways Program, we offer the following briefdiscussion on the Marine Highway:
Corridor DefinitionCorridor DefinitionCorridor DefinitionCorridor DefinitionCorridor DefinitionTwo corridors defined for this byway were theManagement Corridor and Experience Corridor.The Management Corridor consists of the AlaskaMarine Highway System’s property, terminals andships. Given that the on-board experience is such acentral element to this byway, the ManagementCorridor can stand alone as the byway. However, it islikely that as communities in the surroundingExperience Corridor decide to actively participate inthe byway, they will become formal partners with theAlaska Marine Highway System byway effort.
The Experience Corridor contains communities andall the activities found beyond the ferry experience.These areas are all outside the Alaska MarineHighway System jurisdiction and the two-corridorapproach gives all communities the option toparticipate in the byway effort.
Design Standards ReviewDesign Standards ReviewDesign Standards ReviewDesign Standards ReviewDesign Standards ReviewThe Alaska Marine Highway System consists of aseries of vessels that travel along a waterway that ismarked with buoys and lights and mapped betweencoastal communities. The system differs from aroadway in the sense that individuals traveling theroute do not navigate or pilot their vehicles.Navigation and piloting are performed by the AlaskaMarine Highway System personnel. Travelers parktheir vehicles and themselves and relax in comfort,while they devote their full attention to experiencingthe spectacular Alaskan coastline. The professionaland experienced Alaska Marine Highway System staffis trained and certified according to US Coast Guardand the International Maritime Organization. Each
The grassy landscape of the Aleutian Islands.
route is traveled according to a Coast Guardapproved Route Operating Plan. Crews are certifiedfor specific routes and vessels, and all crewmembers,even the food servers, are trained in safety, lifesaving,equipment operation, and navigation under theStandards for Training Certification andWatchkeeping.
Safety and Accident RecordSafety and Accident RecordSafety and Accident RecordSafety and Accident RecordSafety and Accident RecordAlaska Marine Highway vessels run 24 hours a day,365 days a year. Between 1997 and 2001, the systemhas carried about 1,750,000 passengers and 500,000vehicles. During that time period, the Alaska MarineHighway System received reports of 1,463 incidentsof injury or property damage. There were 1,224reported injuries of Alaska Marine Highway Systememployees, and 21 reported injuries of passengers.Most of the injuries were minor, such as slips, trips,falls, bumps or scrapes. In addition, 226 reportedincidents of passenger property damage occurredduring that time. The majority of the propertydamage was from scrapes and bumps of vehiclesduring the loading or unloading process. Thirteenreports of damage to the hull of an Alaska MarineHighway System vessel have occurred over this fiveyear period. This includes an electrical fire aboardthe M/V Columbia in 2000, which caused a generalevacuation of the ship, but minimal injury orpassenger property damage.
Relative to a similar number of travelers and vehicleson a road system, over a similar time period, injuriesand property damage are minor. In comparison totypical byways, many injuries and accidents may beavoided because Captains and crews of Alaska’s
Marine Highway ships are experienced with theirroutes and the traffic, sea and weather conditions onthose routes, and are well trained in safety.
Commercial TCommercial TCommercial TCommercial TCommercial Traffic and the Bywayraffic and the Bywayraffic and the Bywayraffic and the Bywayraffic and the BywayCommercial traffic aboard the Alaska MarineHighway System consists mostly of unaccompaniedcargo vans carrying freight to various communities.Other commercial traffic includes cargo trucks,passenger vans, motor coaches /tour buses and largeconstruction equipment. Only the cargo vans aretracked separately from standard vehicles. In theyear 2000, 4,949 commercial cargo vans traveled onthe Alaska Marine Highway System. This representsfive percent of the vehicles carried, and eight percentof the linear car deck used that year. During thesummer months, competition for car deck spaceoccurs between commercial and standard vehicles.As the system evolves, and point-to-point fastvehicle ferries are added, this problem may diminishas capacity increases. Commercial vans will likelyuse the mainline vessels, leaving more room for tourbuses, RV’s and standard cars on the point-to-pointfast vehicle ferries. Sharing shipboard space withcommercial van traffic will educate the bywaytraveler about an important part of the Alaskaexperience. The Alaska Marine Highway System isindeed a highway and thus a crucial part of theeconomic infrastructure of the state, bringingessential items such as food, mail and other goods toand from the coastal communities.
Chapter 4 - Transportation 4-9
Alaska Marine Highway System ships areable to accommodate a wide range ofvehicles including RVs.
Other TOther TOther TOther TOther Transportation Modes and theransportation Modes and theransportation Modes and theransportation Modes and theransportation Modes and theBywayBywayBywayBywayBywayThe continuity and quality of the travelingexperience on Alaska’s Marine Highway is notlimited to motor vehicles. Many passengers whoride the system are walk-ons and board the shipswithout any vehicle other than their own two feet.These passengers are typically dropped off andpicked up at their destinations by friends or locallyavailable commercial transportation. Two other verypopular modes of travel in conjunction with themarine highway are kayak and bicycle. Visitors andresidents alike frequently load their kayaks on boardthe vessels and travel to a selected port to begin akayak trip. Petersburg and some of the smaller portsare popular destinations for kayaks. Where traveldoes not require having a car at the other end, suchas a trip from Juneau to Sitka and back, a bicycle isthe perfect mode of transportation. Plenty ofrecreational cycling and mountain biking awaitstravelers within close proximity to most terminals.The neighboring islands and Tongass NationalForest destinations provide miles of spectacularcycling. The Alaska Marine Highway System routesin Prince William Sound and in northern SoutheastAlaska also represent link in popular bicyclingtouring routes, including the Golden Circle Routethrough the Yukon.
Vehicle data is collected for ‘alternate means ofconveyance’ (AMC), which includes bicycles,kayaks, small rafts, small carts, and hand-pulledtrailers weighing less than 300 pounds.Approximately 40 percent are bicycles, 40 percentare kayaks, and 20 percent are carts and trailers.
In 2000, 2,421 AMC’s were transported, of those,approximately 968 were bicycles and 968 werekayaks. That same year 2,099 AMC’s weretransported from May – September or about 87percent of the year’s total. Bicycles and kayaks arestowed in a portion of the car deck. In addition tothe fares charged all passengers, bicyclists are chargedfees for their bicycles, though they are nominal incomparison to motor vehicle fees.
Expected ImprovementsExpected ImprovementsExpected ImprovementsExpected ImprovementsExpected ImprovementsThe Alaska Department of Transportation and PublicFacilities has recently undertaken several regionaltransportation studies resulting in regionaltransportation plans. The three ferry service regionswere among those plans, and significant changes tothe system in two of those regions wererecommended. In both Southeast Alaska and PrinceWilliam Sound, changes to accommodate new high-speed vessels are underway. The new faster vesselsand shuttle route structures will be added to thesystem in phases, beginning in about 2004.
In Southeast Alaska, plans will change the size andspeed of some vessels and the route structure. Thesystem currently is not a typical point-to-point ferryservice; it is more of a passenger vessel service thatcarries cars, and is complete with sleepingaccommodations for the passengers. It travels longroutes, taking one or more days and visits severalports rather than going between two points like astandard ferry. New plans will add smaller, FastVehicle Ferries to the system that will travel more in ashuttle or point-to-point manner. Most trips willtake less than six hours one way and will occur during
Some small communities do not havevehicles and are popular destinations forcyclists and walk-ons.
daylight hours. These new vessels will not havepassenger-sleeping accommodations. For themainline, long voyages, multiple-port vessels will stilloperate in addition to the shuttle ferries. The benefitof these new vessels and route structures to the bywayexperience will be that travel can occur duringdaylight, the prime viewing hours. Speed andfrequency of trips will also be improved with thesenew ships. In addition, more capacity for travel willbe available. Travelers will soon have the option toget to their destination quickly, or to spend their timeleisurely aboard the ship and enjoy a slower pace.
The new Fast Vehicle Ferries are planned to come on-line within the next three to five years. The first twoof the new class of Fast Vehicle Ferry, are scheduled toenter service in Southeast Alaska in 2004 and PrinceWilliam Sound in 2005. Alaska's Marine Highwaywill continue a program to refurbish and replaceexisting vessels and infrastructure to maintain andimprove service throughout the entire system.
Improvements to ferry terminals are in the works, buttravelers will notice few visible changes. Mostly, theterminals are being modified to accommodate thenew vessels.
SignageSignageSignageSignageSignageThe Alaska Department of Transportation & PublicFacilities manages the terminals and oversees signageand sign-control issues. The department hasprovided adequate directional signs to the terminals.Directions from the terminals to the communitiesand their various attractions are less clear.
Outdoor AdvertisingOutdoor AdvertisingOutdoor AdvertisingOutdoor AdvertisingOutdoor AdvertisingIn 1998, Alaska voters passed one of the mostrestrictive outdoor advertising laws in the country,by a 72 percent majority. As a result, billboards arebanned in the state. The ADOT& PF Right-of-WaySection enforces outdoor advertising at terminalsand within highway corridors leading to theterminals.
The City of Bellingham is currently involved indiscussions with the Washington Department ofTransportation to improve enforcement of federalsign guidelines in the I-5 corridor. The main issuethey are dealing with is the number of signsexceeding federal regulations along a stretch ofhighway. Discussion revolved around follow-through signing for private businesses and theclutter it can create.
Given the combination of existing laws and thenature of the marine byway experience, outdooradvertising will not be a significant issue along theAlaska Marine Highway.
Chapter 4 - Transportation 4-11
The M/V Le Conte with mountains and aglacier in the background.
ChallengesChallengesChallengesChallengesChallenges1. Funding to maintain and improve the system is
a major challenge. Capital funding is neededfor new and upgraded vessels and for terminalupgrades. Also, until the new system is fullyimplemented, planned savings in operationalcosts will not be realized. A continuedcommitment to provide adequate operationalfunding in times of a shrinking state budget isalso a challenge.
2. Terminal improvements will be needed in thefuture and funding will be the critical challenge.
3. The new ships and resulting schedule changesmay make the already complicated AlaskaMarine Highway System schedule moredaunting for visitors making travel plans.
4. Local acceptance of changing routes, departureand arrival times and levels of service tocommunities is another challenge. Ferry serviceis a part of everyday life in some coastal areas ofAlaska and changes as broad as those plannedcan be unsettling to local residents. Bywaytravelers are generally not familiar enough withthe system to be as affected by these changes.
5. The Alaska Marine Highway System serves bothvisitors and local residents. Often the objectivesand preferred service of these two groups aredifferent. Visitors provide the system with 70percent of its revenue, so it is important to servethem. The system provides essentialtransportation for people, goods and vehicles tosome Alaska communities with fewtransportation alternatives. Their needs must beconsidered also. Balancing service to meet theneeds of both can be challenging.
6. Traffic conflicts along the route are an upcomingchallenge with the addition of Fast Vehicle Ferriesto the fleet. Vessels must slow down for othertraffic and for weather conditions. Extensivetraining programs, before the ships are delivered,and comprehensive route guides will minimizeconflicts with other vessels and the operatingenvironment. Tides and currents present achallenge for conventional speed vessels, butthese challenges are being minimized on certainroutes by the addition of Fast Vehicle Ferries.
7. Security has become a transportation challengeworldwide. Security for marine transportationsystems is now a US Coast Guard mandate.Alaska’s governor is performing a study on AlaskaMarine Highway System security, withrecommendations due in the spring of 2002.Security measures should only slightly impact thebyway traveler’s experience. Changes mayinvolve terminal modifications, auto searches(currently occuring), and luggage and passengerscreening.
Sea lions lounge on a buoy along the MarineHighway.
8. One goal for Alaska’s Marine Highway is tobetter connect visitors from one mode of travel tothe next; from ship to shore, to communities andbeyond. The idea is to give people theopportunity to hop on the ferry with only theirbike or shoes, get off in the next town, and walkor bike to town or to other trails for a day-hike,etc. In some cases, there may be a need foradditional public transportation. As the newsystem is implemented in Southeast Alaska,shuttle ferries will provide short direct tripsbetween ports, and some road travel betweenterminals to the next shuttle will be necessary forthrough passengers. Surface transportation mustbe provided between terminals in areas, such asMitkof Island, for those travelers withoutvehicles. The Alaska Marine Highway Systemwill consider providing or contracting shuttlebusses for travel between terminals. Currently,public transportation is available between towncenters and ferry terminals except where theterminal is located within the town.
OpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunities1. New ships and the resulting upgrades in service
create a stronger system for state residents andmore varied range of scheduling options forvisitors.
2. There is an opportunity to take the new andmore varied schedule and package more variedtrips and tours for visitors in order to help themmake easier travel decisions.
3. If the byway program’s interpretation helpsvisitors understand Alaska, it is more likely thatthese visitors will be better guests. And, if thebyway program’s interpretation can also helpresidents understand the role of visitors,residents may be better hosts.
4. With visitors providing 70 percent of the AlaskaMarine Highway System operating revenues, itis critical that the byway effort and otherventures to increase the number of travelers bepursued in order to provide a more soundfinancial footing for Alaska’s Marine Highway.
TTTTTransportation Goals and Objectivesransportation Goals and Objectivesransportation Goals and Objectivesransportation Goals and Objectivesransportation Goals and Objectives
Goal 1: Ensure operational funding provides, at aminimum, the current level of service through fullimplementation of the Southeast Alaska and PrinceWilliam Sound Transportation Plans.
a. Ensure adequate operational funding annually.
b. Ensure adequate funding to complete serviceupgrade and expansion plans.
c. Replenish the Alaska Marine Highway SystemStabilization Fund to ensure funds are availableto deal with unforeseen circumstances, such asemergency vessel or engine repairs, or scheduledelays.
Chapter 4 - Transportation 4-13
The M/V Kennicottís enginesdevelop 13,380 horsepower topropel the 7,503 ton ship at 17knots, the most economicalspeed.
Source: Alaska Marine Highway System
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
Goal 2: Ensure capital funding for vessel upgrade/construction and terminal upgrades to completethe implementation of the Southeast Alaska andPrince William Sound Transportation Plans.
a. Provide matching funds for U.S. DOTappropriations for vessel and terminalconstruction and upgrade.
b. Develop and approve innovative fundingtechniques, such as GARVEE bonds, for capitalprojects within the Southeast Alaska and PrinceWilliam Sound Transportation Plans.
Goal 3: Educate local residents about changes andimprovements to the system.
a. Provide information regarding schedule changesand system improvements to local communitiesvia a web-site, newsletter, press releases, publicoutreach and other methods.
Goal 4: Minimize the conflicts between visitor andlocal service needs.
a. Educate the local residents about thecontribution made to the system by visitors, andeducate local residents about visitors’transportation needs.
b. Educate the visitor about the transportationneeds of local residents and the role of the systemin the economic structure of the regions it serves.
c. Use interpretation to foster understanding thatmay help residents become better hosts andvisitors beceom better guests.
d. Continue to evaluate levels and types of servicesand adjust them as needed to maintain a balance.
Goal 5: Minimize traffic conflicts to maintainpredictable schedules and levels of service.
a. Strive to retain experienced, knowledgeable, andtrained personnel within the system.
b. Educate the public and other mariners about theoperational abilities of the new vessels and theroutes and travel times of all vessels in the system.
c. Share operational experience gained among crewmembers.
4-14
The M/V LeConte sailing through SoutheastAlaska.
Goal 6: Provide a safe, secure and pleasant travelexperience for all passengers and users of thesystem.
a. Comply with required security standards.
b. Minimize safety and security concerns for allpassengers and users of the system.
c. Minimize time delays and inconvenienceresulting from security screening and other safetymeasures for passengers and users of the system.
Goal 7: Improve intermodal connections for ferrytravelers.
a. Provide travelers with connectivity from the ferryto pedestrian paths, to communities, to trailsystems and other scenic drives.
Goal 8: Provide for convenient and safe surfacetransportation between terminals for through-passengers without vehicles.
a. Examine surface shuttle options prior toimplementation of shuttle ferry service.
b. Take steps to implement surface shuttle servicebetween terminals by providing or contractingthe service, or encouraging a private entity toprovide the service.
Chapter 4 - Transportation 4-15
Residents and visitors enjoy the sun and ocean breezes on the solarium deck.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
Chapter 5 - Tourism and Marketing 5-1
55555TTTTTourism andourism andourism andourism andourism andMarketingMarketingMarketingMarketingMarketingA major objective of this project is to increase thenumber of riders on Alaska’s Marine Highway Systemand encourage the associated economic benefits tothe system, terminal communities, and statewide.This chapter provides an outline of the tourismenvironment in which the byway is operating and theprivate sector economic framework surrounding useof Alaska’s Marine Highway by visitors. This chapteralso discusses current tourism marketing efforts andthe nature of the experience for the traveler. Finally,the chapter reviews potential tourism development,management and marketing goals and objectives.
TTTTTourism Environment and Currentourism Environment and Currentourism Environment and Currentourism Environment and Currentourism Environment and CurrentMarine Highway ExperienceMarine Highway ExperienceMarine Highway ExperienceMarine Highway ExperienceMarine Highway ExperienceThe total traffic on Alaska’s Marine Highwayincreased from 269,000 passengers and 67,000vehicles in 1978 to 413,000 passengers and 111,000vehicles in 1992, its historical high. From 1992 to2000, passenger traffic declined by about 15 percentand vehicle traffic by roughly 10 percent.
Statewide visitor arrival trends show recent increasesin all modes but the Marine Highway. Between 1992and 2000, overall summer-season visitor arrivals into
Alaska increased more than one-third, from 1.2million to 1.6 million. Summer cruise ship arrivalsmore than doubled, from 211,000 to 501,000, andsummer domestic-air arrivals increased by more than75 percent to nearly 900,000. Arrivals by theMarine Highway fell from 36,000 in 1992 to25,000 in 2000; that is 30 percent. Alaska’s MarineHighway arrivals were somewhat restricted in 2000when the M/V Columbia was removed from servicedue to an electrical fire.
A market study performed in 2000 attributed thedisparity between Alaska’s Marine Highway andprivate cruise traffic primarily to a lack of marketingby Alaska’s Marine Highway and difficulty accessingits reservations system.
The first system marketing manager was hired thatyear and efforts were made to improve thereservation system.
Heavy marketing and discounting among the largecruise providers tended to dominate publicawareness of Alaskan marine travel options.Resident use of the Marine Highway has also beenflat or declining in recent years. This is primarilydue to increased competition from local air carriers,combined with relatively inconvenient ferryschedules. The rapid growth that characterized thevisitor market in the late 1990’s is expected to slow.However, cruise ship companies continue to addcapacity to their Alaska operations, and this,together with lower prices, may fuel some continuedgrowth.
Passengers crowd in the observation deckof the M/V Matanuska and enjoy the scenery.
Follow up research conducted in summer 2001indicates that the Alaska Marine Highway is alreadymaking great strides in both marketing andreservation access.
The most significant opportunity to increase Alaska’sMarine Highway use is on the runs frequented byvisitors. Approximately two-thirds of the annual useoccurs during the visitor season, May throughSeptember. A recent study estimated that traffic onthe heavily used routes between Juneau and roadconnections in Haines and Skagway could increasemore than 15 percent if more frequent andconvenient service was provided. Additionally,Alaska’s Marine Highway is under-used in winter.The relatively small winter demand is dispersedthroughout the state and would need to increasesubstantially to have a significant financial impacton the system.
TTTTTypical Vypical Vypical Vypical Vypical Visitor Profilesisitor Profilesisitor Profilesisitor Profilesisitor ProfilesApproximately half of the overall Alaskan visitormarket, and 35 percent of visitors who ride theMarine Highway, come from the western UnitedStates. International visitors make up one-fourth ofsummer ship travelers. Approximately one-third ofthese come from Canada, with Britain, Australia andGermany also among the major points of origin.Men make up 60 percent of Alaska’s MarineHighway visitors and about half have post-secondarydegrees, this is similar to Alaska visitors overall.Average household income for visitors traveling onthe Marine Highway is approximately $70,000.
The common denominator among Alaska’s visitors isan interest in wildlife and spectacular scenery. Thetypical private cruise ship passenger is 50 years-old ormore, with above-average income and travels with aspouse. Private cruise passengers tend to be moresedentary and more interested than the average visitorin Alaska’s history and culture.
Alaska’s Marine Highway visitors are primarilyindependent travelers. They control their ownitinerary rather than traveling on a set tour. Theytend to make their own travel arrangements andmany do significant research into travel options.These independents are also more likely to be“action/adventure” travelers. They are younger thancruise passengers, more likely to engage in kayaking,hiking, boating and other physical activities and moreinterested in seeing the “real” Alaska.
The lure of Alaska’s Inside Passage and other pristineareas such as Prince William Sound is strong for theseindependent travelers and their ratings of the qualityof the Marine Highway experience tends to be quitehigh. More than two-thirds of summer AlaskaMarine Highway System passengers do not considerusing an alternative transportation mode. Many usethe ships for one-half of a “cruise/drive” or “cruise/fly” itinerary that typically lasts two to three weeks.Their itinerary often includes substantial travel inportions of Alaska not directly served by Alaska’sMarine Highway, such as Anchorage and Fairbanks.Marketing Alaska’s Marine Highway as a uniquevisitor experience, together with a more accessiblereservations system, is expected to increase use in thefuture. About half of all summer ship passengerstravel with a vehicle and would be particularly likelyto respond to Scenic Byway designation.
Postcard sales aboard the shipsexceed 45,500 last year.
Source: Alaska Marine Highway System
Chapter 5 - Tourism and Marketing 5-3
Current TCurrent TCurrent TCurrent TCurrent Tourism Marketing andourism Marketing andourism Marketing andourism Marketing andourism Marketing andDevelopment ActivitiesDevelopment ActivitiesDevelopment ActivitiesDevelopment ActivitiesDevelopment ActivitiesAlaska’s Marine Highway is in the unusual position ofbeing both a transportation link for Alaskan residentsand a major transportation provider for many ofAlaska’s visitors. However, research conducted duringthe summer of 2001, found that 63 percent ofsummer visitors do not consider the Marine Highwayas simply a transportation link, but as an importantpart of their Alaskan experience. In other words,Alaska’s Marine Highway is “a destination untoitself,” which travelers will visit solely for the“driving” experience.
While it is summer visitor traffic that fills the shipsand increases revenues, one of the System’s majormarketing goals is to increase year-round use. Aheavy emphasis is placed upon tourism trade (touroperators/wholesalers and travel agents) during thesummer months. In fall-winter-spring, advertising ispurchased in consumer publications, especially thosethat might increase Alaska and west coast travel.Year-round, media, tour operators/wholesalers andtravel agents are encouraged to participate infamiliarization trips, another integral part of theMarine Highway’s marketing “mix.”
It is important to note that for the majority ofcommunities served by the Alaska Marine HighwaySystem, state ferries are the only available mode oftransportation. Conveying this to potential visitors isalso a major challenge, since many assume mostplaces in today’s world are reachable by car, RV ormotor coach, in addition to sea or air. New ads arebeing developed that encourage people to “DriveAlaska’s Marine Highway,” and a new bumper sticker
program will be introduced in summer 2002, thatprovides statewide awareness of the System for thosewho take their vehicles with them.
Alaska’s Marine Highway has recently begun toposition itself as “Alaska’s Marine Highway and itsFerry Land,” a vehicle for assisting portcommunities with tourism development. Variousco-op marketing opportunities are provided tocommunities, such as advertising or trade showbooth shares, to enable smaller entities to promotethemselves to consumers and in marketplacespreviously unobtainable. Additionally, the MarineHighway is an active partner with the state’smarketing organization, the Alaska Travel IndustryAssociation, which not only publishes the officialVacation Planner, but provides additional trade andconsumer co-op marketing opportunities.
Alaska is less a “land of attractions,” as much as it isan attraction in and of itself. There are numeroushistorical and cultural experiences along the route,in addition to scenic wonders, that greatly enhancethe visitor experience. While not every facet ofAlaska can be described in this space, Alaska NativeCultures, Russian Influences and remanants of theGold Rush, offer a good sampling of the diverseattractions along the Alaska Marine HighwaySystem.
Alaska Native Cultures: Alaska’s indigenouspopulation is prevalent throughout the routefrom the Inside Passage/Southeast Alaska toSouthcentral and Southwest Alaska. Visitorscan experience everything from totem parks toNative craft demonstrations to performances ofNative dances, songs and storytelling.
Russian Influences: Although manynationalities have left their mark on Alaska, fewhave had more of an impact than the Russians.From St. Michael’s Church in downtown Sitkato the Kenai Peninsula and westward to Kodiakand the Aleutian Chain, the religious andcultural vestiges of Russian settlements areclearly visible in churches and museumsthroughout the route.
The Gold Rush: This event was key to thedevelopment of Alaska and remnants of theGold Rush are visible along many parts of theroute, especially in the Inside Passage/SoutheastAlaska. Juneau and Skagway both owe theirexistence to the discovery of gold in the latterpart of the 19th Century and today offer visitorsa glimpse into that time. A particular favorite ofnumerous Alaska Marine Highway Systemtravelers is the hike from Dyea, north ofSkagway, over the famous Chilkoot Pass intoCanada – the trail many miners and fortuneseekers took in The Days of ’98.
The Nature of the ExperienceThe Nature of the ExperienceThe Nature of the ExperienceThe Nature of the ExperienceThe Nature of the ExperienceAlaska’s Marine Highway terminals are open, for themost part, when ships are in port. Currently,communities place brochures about their towns andactivities in racks located at many terminals.However, developing full-service visitor centers atmajor terminals in cooperation with the state’sOffice of Tourism would greatly enhance the visitorexperience. These would, theoretically, providevisitors with on-site information specialists.Additionally, future plans for the System call for on
board “excursion desks,” that would be enhanced by amore sophisticated information center in major portsthan is currently available.
One of the System’s goals is to continue to work withall the communities it serves to promote slowing downthe voyage by spending some nights “off-board” andexperiencing the “real Alaska.” Though the route isladen with all things “Alaskan”, such as beautifulscenery, pristine wilderness, marine wildlife,opportunities to hike, canoe, bike, or merely visit anAlaskan community can greatly enhance a visitor’sexperience. Encouraging visitors to build itinerarieswith a combination of overnights in communities andon board, not only increases potential use, but alsobenefits port communities.
A similar strategy is employed in the travel trade,especially motor-coach operators who require 20 pluscabins per tour. Another strategy is to encourageoperators with large groups to travel outside of the“high traffic months,” September through May, whichvirtually guarantees cabins and car deck space.
A typical trip on Alaska’s Marine Highway involvestraveling to and within Alaska on a personal andflexible schedule, with the ability to stay incommunities and truly experience the state. Being ableto experience the natural beauty and scenery of theMarine Highway’s route is also a strong selling pointfor travelers. Car decks provide those with motorvehicles safe transport. Overnight passengers can stayin a cabin (two, three and four-berth, when available),sleep in recliner lounges, or “camp out” in heatedsolariums. Food service is available on all ships andmany have bars. Smoking is prohibited on board thevessels, except in designated areas on outside decks.
A couple view scenery from one of the opendecks.
Chapter 5 - Tourism and Marketing 5-5
The limited number of cabins in the summer,however, deter some from making the trip. Inaddition to a finite number of cabins, anotherdeterrent could be the schedule itself. The onlyregular schedule is tied to the Bellingham runs thatdepart each Friday northbound at 6pm and Tuesdaysduring the summer. No other route offers thisconsistency. Likewise, arrivals and departures atmany communities can occur in the middle of thenight.
An extremely positive aspect of summer travel onAlaska’s Marine Highway, however, is the chance tolearn about The Great Land from USDA ForestService interpreters. Alaska’s Inside Passage is a partof the Tongass National Forest. Through anagreement with the Forest Service, interpretive staffare on board most ships to inform travelers about thesights that surround them, as well as whatcommunities throughout the state can offer visitors.(Read more about the interpretation program inChapter 6).
The latest research conducted for the Alaska MarineHighway System continues to shows that mostpassengers use the Inside Passage route as a “through-way” to the land based highway system that connectsin either Haines (the Alaska Highway) or Skagway(the Klondike Highway). From these ports travelerscan access the Yukon Territory, Alaska and BrithishColumbia by vehicle.
There is a project currently underway in Alaska thatfits well with the needs described above: SEAtrails.SEAtrails, the Southeast Alaska Trail System, is agrassroots, community-led initiative to improve theregional economic base through increased small-scale
tourism, thereby improving local economies,community quality-of-life and transportationservices. It is also a partnership betweencommunities, individuals and area land managerswith the common goal of establishing, maintaining,and supporting a world-class system of trails inSoutheast Alaska. The initiative seeks to includeexisting trails and future trail links to form theSEAtrails system, which will be marketed to peoplewith an interest in exploring the region. Improvedmarketing materials will help highlight communitybusinesses and transportation services and enablebetter trip planning. The SEAtrails system is a “huband spoke” concept, transporting travelers fromcommunity to community. The ability to enjoyeach community by bicycle, hiking, scuba diving,kayaking, or taking in the rich history and culture inthese communities, is facilitated by Alaska’s MarineHighway and other local transportation services.Only those trails deemed appropriate by the affectedcommunities for inclusion in the system will becomepart of SEAtrails promotional effort.
SEAtrails is currently in its middle planning stagesto incorporate as a non-profit organization. Theplanning effort is being coordinated by theparticipating community members and incubated bystate and federal sponsors. SEAtrails has securedfunding for regional meetings and has beenconducting community trail inventories since thesummer of 2001. SEAtrails will begin promotingthe trail system when the community trailassessment is complete. A goal of SEAtrails is tomatch marketing with individual communityeconomic goals and desired tourism outcomes. TheSEAtrails overlay will include monitoring to ensurethat trail promotion leads to the desired level of use
Enjoying the scenery from the recliner loungeon an Alaska Marine Highway System ship.
of each community’s fantastic trails. If successful,the SEAtrails initiative will create a European-stylesystem of interconnected communities and theirtrails, with Alaska’s Marine Highway serving as theglue that holds them all together.
If the Alaska Marine Highway System’s geographicarea were laid atop the continental U.S., its lengthwould stretch from central Florida to New Mexico.The communities the Marine Highway serves areequally diverse. It is a highway that tries to servetwo constituencies – Alaska’s residents and visitors.For those who live here, especially on the coast andin the Inside Passage, it is a major mode oftransportation. For Alaska’s visitors, it is a way inwhich to experience the state on their terms, as “upclose and personal” as they would like. ‘Time’ is nota factor on an Alaska Marine Highway Systemvacation, but, rather, one of the reasons for using it.Traveling on Alaska’s Marine Highway meansspending time on a scenic waterway, as well as in thecommunities it serves.
Challenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and Opportunities
ChallengesChallengesChallengesChallengesChallenges1. Strengthened marketing is clearly a major
challenge for Alaska’s Marine Highway if it is tocapture a greater share of tourism visitation toAlaska. In 2000, the System hired its firstmarketing manager, but efforts to market theSystem are based upon a less-than-adequatebudget.
2. Alaska’s Marine Highway faces demographic/transportation challenges. As vacation lengthshave declined, the drive-and-sail traveler hasbecome rarer. Efforts will continue to turn thisaround and to encourage travelers to either bringtheir vehicles with them as they travel to and inAlaska, or to rent motor vehicles once they arrive.In both instances, an emphasis will be placed onthe Alaska Marine Highway System as anessential part of the Alaskan experience.
3. Alaska’s Marine Highway and its partners in theNational Byways Program must recognize thatalong with marketing to automobile travelers, theMarine Highway will benefit from marketing tofly-sail travelers both domestic and international.
4. Scheduling poses a major challenge. A newlyformatted schedule, which also showcases thecommunities served by Alaska’s Marine Highway(Fall-Winter-Spring 2001-2002 and Summer2002), is easier to read and use than previousformats, but the schedule itself still poses trip-planning difficulties. As a Scenic Byway,consideration will be given to developing andmarketing several predefined trips to consumers.The on-line reservation system is periodicallyreviewed to evaluate its efficiency, and to identifypossible improvement points.
5. The limited number of cabins in the summercould deter visitors from using Alaska’s MarineHighway. Marketing efforts should be made togroups and individuals that might not needcabins, or would overnight in communities.Marketing when less cabins are in use, shouldcontinue.
Alaskaís unique beauty and vastwilderness areas are among itsgreatest treasures. More thanhalf the nationís parklands arefound here. In all, Alaskacontains over 322 million acres ofpublic lands.
Source: AK DCED
Chapter 5 - Tourism and Marketing 5-7
6. Alaska’s Marine Highway serves two primaryaudiences with different needs: visitors andresidents. It is a challenge to convey to visitorsthat state ships are the only feasible mode oftransportation available for some communities.
OpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunities1. Achieving a National Byway designation and
benefiting from the National Byways Program’sown marketing efforts, as well as through itsmarketing-oriented grants, is an importantopportunity for the Marine Highway. SEAtrails isa perfect partner to create an intermodal travelexperience. Encouraging communities to thinkabout the non-auto traveler and providealternative transportation modes (bike, walk, van,etc.) fits well with the Marine Highwaydemographic/transportation challenge.
2. The diversity of communities and sights alongthe byway create numerous packaging andadventure options for tour operators/wholesalersand travel agents, as well as the communitiesthemselves.
3. Landside lodging and activities that mesh withpredefined trips will benefit both the AlaskaMarine Highway System and partnershipcommunities.
Goals and ObjectivesGoals and ObjectivesGoals and ObjectivesGoals and ObjectivesGoals and Objectives
Goal 1: Increase year-round use and improvemarketing of Alaska’s Marine Highway and portcommunities.
a. Continue to work with port communities tocontinue positioning Alaska’s Marine Highwayin national and international markets (Alaska’sMarine Highway and its Ferry Land).
b. Seek additional funding to support expandedmarketing activities.
Goal 2: Continue to work with travel trade tocreate travel products that mesh with the needs oftarget travel markets.
a. Define a series of sample travel adventureswithin each byway segment
b. Establish excursion desks on board the mainlineships.
c. Fully utilize major terminals by establishing full-service visitors centers. Passengers view mountains, glaciers and
icebergs from an open deck.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
Goal 3: Encourage non-auto travel along theAlaska Marine Highway System.
a. Seek ways to strengthen the intermodal andwithin-community non-auto transportationsystem along the byway.
b. Work with SEAtrails to create model projectsthat advance SEAtrails goals and those of thebyway.
c. Encourage the National Scenic Byways Programto expand its focus on the ‘alternatetransportation’ systems along byways. This willappeal to communities encouraging travelers tostay longer and will mesh with the AlaskaMarine Highway System’s need to use the bywayprogram to market to drive-sail, rail-sail, as wellas fly-sail travelers.
Goal 4: Define affordable, tangible return-tripproducts that can be marketed to Alaska MarineHighway Sytem travelers on board and inpartnership communities.
a. Define affordable, short-trip options. Moveconsumers past the idea that they need at leasttwo to three weeks to experience Alaska.
5-8
Enjoying a game of cards in the dining lounge.
66666InterpretationInterpretationInterpretationInterpretationInterpretationIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIn the summer, May through September, Alaska’sMarine Highway offers interpretive opportunities foreach visitor on board a ship for a period of time evenbefore the visitor encounters terminals, communitiesand the greater Alaskan landscape. This offers thechance to both educate the traveler about what theyare seeing and to raise awareness on political, social orcultural issues of importance to Alaskans. Due to anagreement with the USDA Forest Service to provideinterpretation, the visitor leaves the vessel with botha deeper understanding of the sites and attractions,and a better appreciation for Alaska’s role in theUnited States and the world.
Alaska’s Marine Highway has all of the six intrinsicqualities recognized by the National Scenic Bywaysprogram. It has nationally significant scenic, natural,recreational, archaeological, historical, and culturalfeatures. Our existing interpretation only representsthe tip of the iceberg (pun intended). We can andshould provide much, much more interpretiveinformation to our visitors.
6-1Chapter 6 - Interpretation
Existing Interpretive ExperienceExisting Interpretive ExperienceExisting Interpretive ExperienceExisting Interpretive ExperienceExisting Interpretive ExperienceInterpretation within the Management Corridor hasthree components: static information at someterminals, on board brochures and materials, andlive interpretation from the Tongass National ForestService staff.
At the terminals there is little in the way ofnonessential information. Most terminals providethe following:
Alaska Marine Highway System SchedulesRoute MapsLocal Visitor information
In some terminals there is the potential to expandinterpretation, thus providing both residents andvisitors with information on the byway program andthe interpretive themes of the Marine Highway.
Once on board, visitors encounter a minimalamount of static interpretive materials andinformation relating to the themes. This is anotherarea where there is the potential to enhanceinterpretation.
Finally, Alaska’s Marine Highway, in partnershipwith the Tongass National Forest, provides liveinterpretation on board its five ships working theInside Passage routes. For nearly 40 years, Alaska’sMarine Highway and the USDA Forest Service haveenjoyed a unique partnership with the mutual goalof providing information about the Tongass andChugach National Forests to ship riders. Under aspecial arrangement, Forest Service interpreterstravel on board ships during the summer months to
A USDA Forest Service Interpreter leading aworkshop on board a ship.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
provide live interpretation and information totravelers. The Forest Service Naturalist speaks topassengers on a public address system to point outinteresting wildlife, historic sites, nautical markersand lighthouses, geographic and natural history, aswell as significant cultural features along marineroutes.
The state provides transportation, room, meals andspace to present programs on the vessels and theForest Service provides interpreters to shareknowledge and promote understanding of the twonational forests with visitors and locals. Currently,no money changes hands in this agreement.
This program was started in 1963 with D.R. “Bob”Hakala serving as the first interpreter aboard the M/V Malaspina on its inaugural cruise, at the invitationof the Alaska Marine Highway System. Seeing greatpotential, but having no money, the programmanagers began service with audio messagesbroadcast over the ships’ public address systems,cued by the pursers. Next there were slides andmessages on consoles that looked like TV sets. Thefirst scheduled, live interpreters were on duty in1970 and have been there ever since.
The Tongass Marine Highway program wasexpanded in the late 1980’s to include participationin Elderhostel trips traveling on the MarineHighway ships. Agreements were made betweenseveral sponsoring organizations and the ForestService to provide instructors for the Inside Passageportion of the adult education trips. This putinterpreters on board in the spring and fall as well asthe summer.
The Tongass interpretive team consists of 10 onboard staff. Their annual budget for training,community preparation/information gathering visitsand interpretive work is $242,000. There were326,663 riders on Southeast routes in 1999 and302,926 in 2000, according to Alaska MarineHighway System reports. In 2001, the total numberof riders was similar to 2000. The following tablesummarizes the number of programs presented andattendance at those programs during 2001. Thesefigures suggest that the interpretive program reachesabout one-third of the total riders on the InsidePassage routes.
6-2
The USDA Forest Service has 14staff members, including 2volunteers, to implement theAlaska Marine Highway System/USDA Forest Service interpretiveprogram aboard the MarineHighway ships. This programalso includes interpretationservices for the annual springand fall Elderhostel trips.
Source: USDA Forest Service
Type of program
How many times
To how many people
Interpretive talk 1,085 90,573 Video and discussion
185 9,732
Children s program
54 842
Community introduction
622 44,745
Figures from 2001 AMHS trip reports, summer season
Existing and Potential InterpretiveExisting and Potential InterpretiveExisting and Potential InterpretiveExisting and Potential InterpretiveExisting and Potential InterpretiveThemesThemesThemesThemesThemesThe Forest Service interpreters work with six specificthemes. Although interpreters are free to developprograms that suit their ability and style, they covereach of “The Big Six Topics” at some point in eachtrip.
Alaska/Tongass National Forest IntroductionForest EcologyGeology/GlaciationsMarine MammalsWildlifeCultural/Heritage
Interpreters also introduce each community as theships approach, giving passengers some local history,what services to expect and interesting things to do.
The interpretive team provides information using avariety of tools. These tools include a small referencelibrary, a supply of current visitor guides andbrochures and visitor information on the computer.Each info desk has a PC with the Inside Passage CDand other visitor information downloaded from theInternet for passenger use.
The interpreters use audio/visual equipment andmany portable visuals, including models, hides andskulls, games and handouts. Some of the material ison loan by permit from the Alaska Department ofFish and Game, Wildlife Division including severalbrown and black bear, mountain goat and wolfhides, as well as skulls. The team has a stash ofSmokey Bear items to give to children as prizes ineducational games. The unit library was expanded
this year, adding depth to the history and children’ssections, updating the natural history material andreplacing some videos.
Overall, this interpretive program is unique in thenational system of byways. The ship-based formatof the byway combined with the creativepartnerships already in place, provide an idealenvironment to talk about Alaska and about thebyway. At present, this program is available alongthe Inside Passage and Prince William Sound routes.Additional resources, including people, material andfunding, will be required to expand this effort.
Future Interpretive DirectionsFuture Interpretive DirectionsFuture Interpretive DirectionsFuture Interpretive DirectionsFuture Interpretive DirectionsAlong with the existing themes, there is the potentialto branch out in new directions. Indeed, based oncommunity feedback received during thepreparation of this plan, there is a clear need to talkmore about the broader topic of Alaskan life and theAlaskan economy. Potential themes might include:
Alaska’s working landscape: tourism, logging,fishing, and mining all depend on Alaska’s richresources.
The role of Alaska’s resources in all Americans’lives.
History of the last battle on U.S. soil when theJapanese invaded the Aleutian Islands duringWWII.
6-3Chapter 6 - Interpretation
Timber harvesting can occasionally be viewedand is part of Alaskaís working landscape.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
A priority is to expand the live interpreter program.In addition, the presentations can be enhanced withon board computer kiosks. In the terminals, plansshould be prepared to provide more interpretive andtourism-oriented information.
Challenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and OpportunitiesChallenges and Opportunities
ChallengesChallengesChallengesChallengesChallenges1. It is a challenge to maintain consistency in
interpretation while covering large geographicareas.
2. Another challenge is arriving at a consensusamong various groups when determining newinterpretive themes.
3. Developing interpretive plans for the system andfor partnership communities is a challenge.
4. Funding the development and construction ofstatic interpretation will also pose a challenge.
5. A similar challenge is finding ways to fund anexpansion of the live interpretive program.
OpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunitiesOpportunities1. There is a creative, successful model in place
from which to build.
2. The byway program offers funding forinterpretive planning and facility construction.
3. Expanding the interpretive program offers thepotential to make the Alaska Marine HighwaySystem experience more appealing, with the endresult of attracting more riders.
Goals and ObjectivesGoals and ObjectivesGoals and ObjectivesGoals and ObjectivesGoals and Objectives
Goal 1: Expand the Alaska Marine Highway Systeminterpretive program in a manner that will enhancethe experience and attract more riders.
a. Investigate whether and how enhancedinterpretation can become a stronger competitiveadvantage for the Alaska Marine HighwaySystem.
b. Develop a system-wide interpretation plan thatcapitalizes on the strength of our existingpartnership with the USDA Forest Service whileadding new partners and new interpretive themessuch as the working landscape, or culturalinfluences.
c. Devise the interpretive plan in a manner that itsupports the Alaska Marine Highway System’smarketing and expansion goals.
d. Develop interpretive plans for key partnershipcommunities.
e. Make interpretation available year-round, withbroadened themes and new ideas.
6-4
Fishing activity can be seen along severalroutes.
6-5Chapter 6 - Interpretation
A fishing seiner lists to one side as it hauls in a net of salmon.
f. Develop new, permanent interpretive displays foron board ships.
g. Establish a regionally and culturallyrepresentative interpretive committee thatprovides direction to the byway for interpretiveplanning.
h. Seek funding to implement the interpretive goals.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
7-1Chapter 7 - Implementation
77777ImplementationImplementationImplementationImplementationImplementationThe focus of this chapter is on what happens next.The preceding chapters reviewed the issues that willimpact the success of this byway: involvement,resource management, transportation systemmanagement, tourism and interpretation. This is along, complex byway with a large and expensiveinfrastructure supporting its operation. Nonresidentuse is an important part of the annual revenue forAlaska’s Marine Highway. Therefore, the bywayprogram and other Alaska Marine Highway Systemefforts to attract more customers have an importantrole to play in this highway’s future.
This chapter begins with a set of foundation themesthat shape the strategy along with a statement of thedesired future. The action plan is then presented,along with an implementation schedule.
Building Blocks for the Byway StrategyBuilding Blocks for the Byway StrategyBuilding Blocks for the Byway StrategyBuilding Blocks for the Byway StrategyBuilding Blocks for the Byway StrategyThe material presented in Chapters 1-6 suggests thereare several important factors and concepts that shouldshape this byway plan.
Increasing the number of nonresident riders is amission-critical goal for Alaska’s MarineHighway. This strategy must focus on increasingthe number of travelers who use the byway.
Given the Alaska Marine Highway System’scircumstances, there is support within theorganization for this byway effort. Therefore, if thisbyway strategy is substantive, the Alaska MarineHighway System will work to implement thestrategy.
The intrinsic qualities of this byway are not underthreat nor will they be in the foreseeable future,primarily due to the ship-based nature of travelingin the Management Corridor and the high levels ofpublic land ownership along the route.
Due to the resident-servicing and goods/materialtransporting duties of the Alaska Marine HighwaySystem, as well as the cost and complexity ofrunning the system, it is unrealistic to expect thescheduling and routing of the system to changedramatically in order to create ideal circumstancesfor visitors. Thus, the byway program and itsstrategies to increase use must largely fit within thepredetermined schedules and routes.
Travelers continue to find the idea of sailing Alaska’swaters appealing, as evidenced by the increasingnumbers of ships and programs offered by theprivate cruise industry. Therefore, it is realistic toexpect that if the Alaska Marine Highway Systemproduct is appealing, and sufficiently marketed andpromoted, more people will come to Alaska to rideAlaska’s Marine Highway Scenic Byway.
A Grizzly Bear on Kodiak Island.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
If private cruise lines are one model of competition,then what is and what could be the Alaska MarineHighway System’s competitive advantages? Theadvantages include the following:
More independence for the traveler to explore,stay longer on land, change directions andchange plans.
Potentially more opportunities to access the‘real’ Alaska via landside lodging, dining andtravel experiences that are unique and morepersonalized.
The system, as a public sector entity, has moreopportunities to partner in creative ways withother public sector entities in order to provide amore novel travel experience. An example ofthis type of partnership that is already in placeis the USDA Forest Service interpreterprogram.
The ability to travel beyond the marine routeand explore other parts of Alaska, shouldtravelers decide to take a vehicle or other formof transportation on the ship or arrange forconnecting tranportation.
In order to have and build additional legitimacyand value for residents, the byway program mustact as a sailing ambassador for Alaska and its way oflife. Riders should have an opportunity to learnabout Alaska; to be better informed guests while inthe state and better promoters for the AlaskaMarine Highway System once they return home.
The FutureThe FutureThe FutureThe FutureThe FutureWhat is this plan’s intention? What will bywaytravelers experience in the future? How might thebyway impact Alaska’s Marine Highway? Theseparagraphs attempt to answer these questions anddescribe aspects of the Scenic Byway’s future.
The America’s Byways experience will become arecognized travel brand. National marketing andpromotion will sufficiently raise awareness of thebyways. More travelers will know about byways and,it is hoped, more will want to experience as manybyways as possible, similar to the National Parksystem. Within the family of byways, Alaska’s MarineHighway could stand out as one of the mostinteresting and novel routes.
Alaska’s Marine Highway will be on the list as one ofthe must-sees for travelers planning an automobile tripto the Pacific Northwest and the “Great NorthLand”.
The Alaska Marine Highway System byway programwill, in partnership with other entities and efforts,create a non-automobile travel track as one facet ofthe byway and offer an unusual travel experience.
The Marine Highway byway program will be seen asan affordable and high-value way to see Alaska for asshort or as long as one might want to travel. Alaska’sMarine Highway will be seen as a travel experiencethat requires a few return trips in order to be entirelyappreciated.
During the summer months,Alaska enjoys extended daylighthours everywhere. The farthernorth you travel, the greater thedifference. In Anchorage, the suncan set as late as 10:42 p.m. InBarrow, the northernmost town inAlaska, the sun doesnít set for 84days! This phenomenon is calledthe Midnight Sun.
7-2
Source: State of Alaska
The StrategyThe StrategyThe StrategyThe StrategyThe StrategyIn order to focus the action strategy, four categoriesare used to organize implementation:
Interpret the BywayInvest in the Transportation Infrastructure
All the concepts from the goals and objectives definedin the plan’s chapters are organized below within thisstructure, but they have been refined, renumberedand reordered.
GoalsGoalsGoalsGoalsGoals1. Create and sustain a byway process that allows
for open, effective and efficient participation forall interested entities and individuals.
2. Create and sustain a process that allowsExperience Corridor communities to learn aboutand participate in the byway at their own paceand in a manner that meets their particularneeds.
3. Pursue short-term practical projects thatdemonstrate the byway’s effectiveness and buildpartnerships.
ObjectivesObjectivesObjectivesObjectivesObjectives1. Establish the ‘Blue Ribbon’ steering committee
to oversee byway programs. Locate an executivedirector/byway leader, as a paid position, tosupport the steering committee.
2. Create partnerships through which communitiesand interested individuals can learn about andparticipate in the byway.
3. Encourage Experience Corridor communities todefine the potential byway benefits and costs fortheir places and businesses.
4. Encourage communities to identify locallybeneficial projects and bring them to regionaldevelopment corporations.
5. Convene communities and the Alaska MarineHighway System regularly to seek cooperativeventures related to the byway.
6. Expand the number of public and private sectorpartners who can provide round trip ‘terminalto lodging and fun’ services for travelers withoutautomobiles.
7. Provide information regarding schedule changesand system improvements to local communitiesvia a web-site, newsletter, press releases, publicoutreach and other methods.
8. Encourage partnership communities to identifylocal intrinsic qualities they fear may bethreatened by additional tourism, as well asidentify tourism-related opportunities.
7-3Chapter 7 - Implementation
Hundreds of public use cabins are foundalong the corridor.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
9. Provide information and services forcommunities to consider a range of methods tomanage potentially threatened local intrinsicqualities and to take advantage of tourismopportunities.
10. Encourage public land entities to become bywaypartners.
11. Create localized task forces to address byway-public land challenges and opportunities thatarise.
Actions for Actions for Actions for Actions for Actions for YYYYYear Oneear Oneear Oneear Oneear One1. Organize regular meetings of the ‘Blue Ribbon’
Committee, Executive Director/Byway Leader,Marketing Manager, Byway Coordinator andADOT&PF staff. Establish committee chair andcommitee seats. Entity to implement: ExecutiveDirector. Timeline: Meet every month for firstyear.
2. Prepare a Byway Partner information packagethat describes the byway concept and howcommunities can become involved. Providematerials and worksheets that make it easier forcommunities to perform assessments of theirtransportation, tourism and intrinsic qualitymanagement needs. Entity to implement: BlueRibbon Committee and Executive Director.Timeline: Prepare prior to Byway Forumworkshop in March.
7-4
USDA Forest Service
Southeast Conference
Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference
Prince William Sound
Economic Development Council
Kenai Peninsula
Economic Development District
Bellingham Representative
Prince Rupert Representative
Alaska Marine Highway Staff
Members-at-Large
Southcentral Communities PartnersReports to Prince William Sound/Kenai
Peninsula Economic Development District
Alaska Marine HighwayMarketing Manager
(Suggested Membership)
Southwest Communities Partners
Reports to Southeast Conference
Southeast Communities PartnersReports to Southwest Alaska Municipal
Conference
Alaska Scenic BywaysCoordinator
Alaska Marine Highway Blue RibbonSteering Committee
7. Launch a concise, regular communication tool(i.e., web-site or newsletter or e-mail newsletter,etc.) that will provide up-to-date informationfor residents and communities about the byway.Entity to implement: Executive Director.Timeline: Send out every quarter, or if web-site,maintain regularly.
Actions for FutureActions for FutureActions for FutureActions for FutureActions for Future1. Hold periodic Forum gatherings.
2. Assist communities with grant projects.
3. Move model travel experience project forward.Work with more individuals and communitiesto create more packages, if the concept is provento be useful.
4. Work with entities such as SEAtrails to createmore comprehensive landside services fortravelers, especially those riding without a car.(See Marketing and Interpretation Actions.)
7-5Chapter 7 - Implementation
3. Assemble supporting communities for a firstAlaska’s Marine Highway Forum workshop toreview the status of the byway’s nomination andidentify potential grants for the upcoming grantround in the spring of 2002. Entity toimplement: Blue Ribbon Committee andExecutive Director. Timeline: Meet in March toallow sufficient time to prepare grants. Holdanother Forum meeting in the summer or fall.
4. At the Forum, identify a set of communitiesinterested in participating in a Model TravelExperience Project. This project will work toidentify specific routes and schedules andlandside activities that can be woven into a clear,easy to understand travel experience. Thisexperience will then be used as a model toexplore whether and how marketing efforts canbe improved by packaging routes andexperiences. (See Marketing Actions.) Entity toimplement: Blue Ribbon Committee andExecutive Director. Timeline: Discuss at Forumand then assemble concise white paper onexperience within one month of Forum.
5. Assemble localized working committeescomposed of communities interested inbecoming byway partners. Entity to implement:Blue Ribbon Committee and Executive Director.Timeline: Test interest at Forum.
6. Encourage and facilitate the preparation ofgrants to the National Byways Program. Entityto implement: Blue Ribbon Committee.Timeline: Deadline is May 31, 2002.
Totems are prevalent in many coastalcommunities.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
4. Seek ways to package the byway’s differentexperiences into individual tourism products.
5. Define a series of sample travel adventures withineach byway segment that truly meet the needs ofthe consumer.
6. Seek ways to strengthen the intermodal andwithin-community non-auto transportationsystem along the byway.
7. Work with SEAtrails to create model projectsthat advance SEAtrails goals and those of thebyway.
8. Encourage national marketing of byways toexpand its focus on the ‘alternate transportation’systems along byways such as bicycles and kayaks.This will appeal to communities encouragingtravelers to stay longer and will mesh with theAlaska Marine Highway System’s need to use thebyway program to market to both drive-sail aswell as fly-sail travelers.
9. Market predefined segment trips within othersegments of the Alska Marine Highway System.
10. Train in-state staff to promote the next trip to alltravelers.
11. Define affordable, short-trip options. Moveconsumers past the idea that they need at leasttwo to three weeks to experience Alaska.
7-6
Of the 20 highest peaks in theUnited States, 17 are in Alaska.
Source: AK DCED
Shape the Experience, Promote theShape the Experience, Promote theShape the Experience, Promote theShape the Experience, Promote theShape the Experience, Promote theExperienceExperienceExperienceExperienceExperience
GoalsGoalsGoalsGoalsGoals1. Increase and improve marketing of Alaska’s
Marine Highway and port communities.
2. Create travel products that better mesh with theneeds of target travel markets and the needs ofthe Alaska Marine Highway System. From aproduct development perspective, provide thevisitor with a number of travel experiencechoices and view Alaska’s Marine Highway asmany different travel experiences, not just one.
3. Encourage both auto and non-auto travel alongthe Marine Highway.
4. Define affordable, tangible return-trip productsthat can be marketed to Alaska's MarineHighway travelers on-board and in partnershipcommunities.
ObjectivesObjectivesObjectivesObjectivesObjectives1. Establish and implement a byway marketing
plan that works with port communities tocontinue positioning Alaska’s Marine Highwayin national and international markets.
2. Seek additional funding to support expandedmarketing activities.
3. Identify multiple travel experiences within thesystem.
6. Create a byway marketing plan to complementthe Alaska Marine Highway System marketingplan. This approach should be partiallycommunity-based, involve local input andinclude the findings from the above bywayexperience work. Submit a National ScenicByways grant to support marketing. Entity toimplement: Byway Marketing Manager.Timeline: Test interest at Forum.
7. Seek to increase funding for marketing once aclear byway marketing plan is adopted. Entity toimplement: Blue Ribbon Committee andMarketing Manager. Timeline: Next fiscal year.
8. Explore grant sources to encourage theprovision of landside intermodal transportationservices for travelers without automobiles.Consider a Byway and Enhancements Grant forthis effort. Encourage the National BywaysProgram to consider this issue through aresearch effort. Entity to implement: BlueRibbon Committee and Executive Director.Timeline: Ongoing.
Actions for FutureActions for FutureActions for FutureActions for FutureActions for Future1. Work to integrate byway marketing and
community services to a greater degree overtime.
2. Continue to find ways to generate revenues formarketing efforts through partnerships andother means.
7-7Chapter 7 - Implementation
Actions for Actions for Actions for Actions for Actions for YYYYYear Oneear Oneear Oneear Oneear One1. Define small individual model travel products
that have good schedules, attractions andlandside lodging and services. For example,cross-gulf and southwest trips offer a newproduct to be developed. Also focus on interest-themed trips like Native American culture ornatural history. Work with partners to refinethese products. As part of the market plandevelopment effort, devise marketing strategiesfor these products. Entity to implement: BywayMarketing Manager. Timeline: Define modeltravel experiences in spring of 2003.
2. Pull together these ideas for the summer travelseason and allow Forest Service interpreters toencourage travelers to try these tours andexperiences. Entity to implement: BywayMarketing Manager. Timeline: summer 2003.
3. Perform a marketing analysis of the types ofunique and individual products Alaska’s MarineHighway is offering to travelers, including themodel travel experiences. Perform thisassessment prior as part of preparing themarketing plan. Entity to implement: BywayMarketing Manager. Timeline: Assess concept byfall of 2002.
4. Create Byway Experience Working Committeeswith other groups, such as SEAtrails andcommunities in order to work together andcommunicate on how to provide integrated travelexperiences. Entity to implement: ExecutiveDirector. Timeline: Assemble after the Forum inMarch.
Mount Saint Elias near Yakutat.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
2. Investigate whether and how enhancedinterpretation can be a stronger competitiveadvantage for Alaska’s Marine Highway.
3. Devise the interpretive plan so that it supportsthe Alaska Marine Highway System’s marketingand expansion goals. Once travel packages aredefined, consider interpretive approach packagesthat focus on localized stories. Designinterpretation so that it addresses the needs ofvisitor markets targeted by travel packages.
4. Develop interpretive plans for key partnershipcommunities.
5. Make interpretation available year-round, withbroadened themes and new ideas.
6. Provide new permanent interpretive displays onboard ships.
7. Explore the potential for regional artists onboard.
8. Establish a regionally and culturallyrepresentative interpretive committee thatprovides direction to the byway for interpretiveplanning.
9. Seek funding to implement the interpretive goals.
10. Design marketing and interpretive programs withthe goal of balancing the overuse and underusefallacies.
11. Use interpretation to help residents becomebetter hosts and visitors become better guests.
7-8
The boardwalk community of Pelican is typicalof the smallest communities.
3. Use terminals as Visitors Centers. Make betteruse of the terminals as places where visitors canget maps and travel information. Alaska’sMarine Highway terminals should be a one-stop-shop for visitor information. These couldinclude static interpretive displays, as well askiosks for hotel and tour information.
Interpret the BywayInterpret the BywayInterpret the BywayInterpret the BywayInterpret the Byway
GoalsGoalsGoalsGoalsGoals1. Expand the Alaska Marine Highway System
interpretive program in a manner that willenhance the travel experience and attract moreriders. Interpretation should support marketingand marketing should support interpretation.
2. Raise the awareness of all visitors to the balancethat must be struck in Alaska between twomistaken extremes in thinking: 1) Alaska as anexceedingly fragile environment that cannotwithstand human use, and 2) Alaska as the vast,endless land that can withstand any abuse.
ObjectivesObjectivesObjectivesObjectivesObjectives1. Develop a system-wide interpretation plan that
capitalizes on the strength of our existingpartnership with the USDA Forest Service,while adding new partners and interpretivethemes, such as the working landscape, orcultural influences.
Actions for FutureActions for FutureActions for FutureActions for FutureActions for Future1. Seek grant funding to prepare interpretive plans
for partnership communities.
2. Use terminals as one-stop visitors’ centers.Make better use of the terminals as places wherevisitors can get maps and travel information.These could include static interpretive displays,as well as kiosks for hotel and tour information.
Invest in the TInvest in the TInvest in the TInvest in the TInvest in the TransportationransportationransportationransportationransportationInfrastructureInfrastructureInfrastructureInfrastructureInfrastructure
GoalsGoalsGoalsGoalsGoals1. Ensure operational funding provides, at a
minimum, the current level of service and,ideally, the full implementation of the SoutheastAlaska and Prince William SoundTransportation Plans.
2. Ensure capital funding for vessel upgrade/construction and terminal upgrades to completethe implementation of the Southeast Alaska andPrince William Sound Transportation Plans.
3. Educate local residents about changes andimprovements to the system.
4. Minimize the conflicts between visitor and localservice needs.
5. Minimize traffic conflicts to maintainpredictable schedules and levels of service.
7-9Chapter 7 - Implementation
12. Educate local residents about contributions byvisitors, and about transportation needs.
13. Educate the visitor about the transportationneeds of local residents and the role of the AlaskaMarine Highway System in the economicstructure of the regions it serves.
Actions for Actions for Actions for Actions for Actions for YYYYYear Oneear Oneear Oneear Oneear One1. Apply for grant funds to prepare a system-wide
interpretation plan. This should build from thework already being done by the Tongass NationalForest Team and explore the implications ofexpanding the program, costs, waysinterpretation can be a competitive advantage forthe Marine Highway and how interpretation cansupport marketing and expansion goals. Theplan should address issues of raising awarenessabout Alaska’s character and working landscape.Entity to implement: USDA Forest ServiceInterpretation Committee. Timeline: summer of2002.
2. Establish a regionally and culturallyrepresentative interpretive committee thatprovides direction to the byway for interpretiveplanning. Entity to implement: Byway SteeringCommittee. Timeline: summer of 2002.
3. Obtain funding and prepare interpretive plan.Entity to implement: Byway Steering Committeewith involvement of interpretation committee.Timeline: fall of 2002 and spring of 2003.
All coastal communities have a tie withfishing.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
7. Strive to retain experienced, knowledgeable, andtrained personnel within the system.
8. Educate the public and other mariners about theoperational abilities of the new vessels and theroutes and travel times of all vessels in thesystem.
9. Share operational experience gained among crewmembers.
10. Comply with required security standards.
11. Minimize safety and security concerns for allpassengers and users of the system.
12. Minimize time delays and inconvenienceresulting from security screening and othersafety measures for passengers and users of thesystem.
13. Provide travelers with connectivity from theships to pedestrian paths, communities, trailsystems and other scenic drives.
15. Take steps to implement surface shuttle servicebetween terminals by providing or contractingthe service, or encouraging a private entity toprovide the service.
16. Improve bicycle and pedestrian access to ferryterminals from nearby communities
7-10
The M/V Kennicott and the M/VTustumena are Ocean ClassVessels, meaning they can plythe high seas anywhere in theworld. Other vessels in theAlaska Marine Highway Systemfleet are restricted to the InsidePassage from Washingtonthrough Canada and insideAlaskan waters.
Source: Alaska Marine Highway System
6. Provide a safe, secure, and pleasant travelexperience for all passengers and users of thesystem.
7. Improve intermodal connections for Alaska’sMarine Highway travelers.
8. Provide for convenient and safe surfacetransportation between terminals for through-passengers without vehicles.
2. Ensure adequate funding to complete serviceupgrade and expansion plans.
3. Replenish the Alaska Marine Highway SystemStabilization Fund to ensure that funds areavailable to deal with unforeseen circumstances,such as emergency vessel or engine repairs, orschedule delays.
4. Provide matching funds for U.S. DOTappropriations for vessel and terminalconstruction and upgrade.
5. Develop and approve innovative fundingtechniques, such as GARVEE bonds, for capitalprojects within the Southeast Alaska and PrinceWilliam Sound Transportation Plans.
6. Continue to evaluate levels and types of serviceand adjust them as needed to maintain abalance.
Actions for FutureActions for FutureActions for FutureActions for FutureActions for Future1. Encourage bicycle/pedestrian paths. One
example of intermodal connection is to build afour-mile path from Alaska’s Marine Highwaydock in Haines to town, a project that was givenhigh priority by the DOT&PF SoutheastRegion pedestrian study for Haines completedin 2001. One other example is the Sitka CrossTrail, which connects the terminal in Sitka totown. The planning phase would assess the needfor paths in all Alaska Marine Highway Systemport communities.
2. Expand on board bike storage. Another way toimprove intermodal connections is to providebicycle racks on board all ships.
3. Create regional intermodal maps. Visitors couldplan their intermodal tour with an interpretivemap featuring trails, campsites, and suggestedbicycle, kayaking, hiking, and other recreationalactivities in communities along the AlaskaMarine Highway System route. Due to the sizeof the Alaska Marine Highway System, the mapmay need to be broken into a series of threemaps.
7-11Chapter 7 - Implementation
Actions for Actions for Actions for Actions for Actions for YYYYYear Oneear Oneear Oneear Oneear One1. Have Alaska’s Marine Highway reservation agents
conduct a brief survey of passengers after theypurchase their tickets to evaluate the success ofmarketing and determine the reasons forincreased ridership. Entity to implement:Alaska’s Marine Highway Staff and MarketingManager. Timeline: 2002
2. Seek grant funding for directional signage. Thebyway will need adequate signs to directpassengers from ships to local communities andtrails. Entity to implement: Alaska’s MarineHighway Staff. Timeline: Spring of 2002.
3. At a more general level, Alaska's Marine Highwayshould explore innovative funding techniquessuch as GARVEE bonds and other mechanismsto support the System. Entity to implement: theAlaska Marine Highway System. Timeline:Spring of 2002.
4. Through the Byway Forum and by working withSEAtrails, encourage communities to considerhow to improve the intermodal system along thebyway. Entity to implement: Blue RibbonCommittee. Timeline: Spring of 2002.
The rugged and treeless landscape of theAleutian Islands.
Alaska’s Marine Highway is a state highway unlikeany other in the United States. It traverses America’srichest aesthetic and cultural landscapes, inaccessibleby a typical asphalt highway. The views from thismarine-based corridor are dramatic and beautiful,allowing those who travel on it to become absorbedin Alaska’s beauty, without having to “watch theroad”. Aboard Alaska’s Marine Highway vessels, bothdrivers and passengers can interact with locals,interpreters and each other while being transported totheir next destination. This type of interaction,concurrent with learning about the corridor, cannotbe found on any other state or nationally recognizedbyway.
This Corridor Partnership Plan representsgroundwork toward recognizing the world-classfeatures of Alaska’s Marine Highway and the coastallandscape it traverses. The plan also examines thediversity of each of the System’s 33 port communities,as well as the activities within them, essential toAlaska’s well being. The plan does not look toregulate activities along the corridor, but rather toidentify and embrace its fishing, timber, and miningindustries; the very fabric that makes Alaska the greatstate that it is. ”To increase visitor awareness of theimportant role coastal Alaska plays in their lives,” is theprevailing theme of this plan.
With this in mind, the Corridor Partnership Plandefines two corridors, the Management Corridor (theships and terminals under the direction of the AlaskaMarine Highway System), and the ExperienceCorridor, (the lands and communities along theroute that are outside the jurisdiction of the MarineHighway and, therefore, this plan). The goals,objectives and improvements in this plan apply tothe ships and terminals, although this plan also setsthe framework for which communities can becomebyway partners. Should these entities so choose,additional enhancements could extend further alongthe corridor.
Alaska’s Marine Highway covers more than 8,000miles of coastline, traversing state and internationalboundaries while serving 33 port communities. Thelist of stakeholders is extensive as evidenced by thestrong community response in support of thisnomination. However, once the initial publicoutreach has been completed, there will still be agreat deal of work to be done. Based upon the goalsand objectives throughout this plan, the followingare the immediate tasks to be completed upondesignation:
Public InvolvementPublic InvolvementPublic InvolvementPublic InvolvementPublic InvolvementContinue to reach stakeholders for support andcomments about the byway.
Establish a submission process for communitiesand organizations to submit projects for grantapplications for water-based or land-basedenhancements.
Fireweed lines the shore, as the M/VColumbia and a fishing vessel motor by.
Organize a Major Byway WOrganize a Major Byway WOrganize a Major Byway WOrganize a Major Byway WOrganize a Major Byway Workshop/orkshop/orkshop/orkshop/orkshop/Conference for the RouteConference for the RouteConference for the RouteConference for the RouteConference for the Route
Once the initial public involvement hasconcluded, host a byway workshop orconference to enable the Alaska MarineHighway System to solidify byway partnershipswith and within communities.
Establish the ‘Blue Ribbon’ Steering Committeeto work with the Marine Highway, bywayspartners and the scenic byway program.
Produce TProduce TProduce TProduce TProduce Text and Graphics thatext and Graphics thatext and Graphics thatext and Graphics thatext and Graphics thatInventory the Intrinsic QualitiesInventory the Intrinsic QualitiesInventory the Intrinsic QualitiesInventory the Intrinsic QualitiesInventory the Intrinsic Qualities
Produce detailed inventories of intrinsic valuesfor placement within a management databaseand web-site. This would be valuableinformation to assist users with trip planning onthe Alaska Marine Highway System.
Work with the Marine Highway in itscontinuing efforts to market the byway.
Produce a full size ‘road map’ for the corridorand its communities
Establish the framework for the development ofGPS (Global Positioning Satellite) linkedinformation kiosks on board the ships tomonitor the ship’s location and describesurrounding points of interest along the route.
Produce a Detailed ìPhase OneîProduce a Detailed ìPhase OneîProduce a Detailed ìPhase OneîProduce a Detailed ìPhase OneîProduce a Detailed ìPhase OneîFacilities Improvement PlanFacilities Improvement PlanFacilities Improvement PlanFacilities Improvement PlanFacilities Improvement Plan
Inventory each terminal and ship in order tomake recommendations for signage, informationand affordable service facilities
Make recommendations for connecting the entirebyway through graphics, signage and otherconnecting themes.
Expand Forest Service Interpretation onExpand Forest Service Interpretation onExpand Forest Service Interpretation onExpand Forest Service Interpretation onExpand Forest Service Interpretation onboard shipsboard shipsboard shipsboard shipsboard ships
Work with the Forest Service interpretive team todetermine how the existing partnership with theMarine Highway can be expanded to reach moreriders.
Explore the potential for greater interpretationthrough technology or increased funding.
Seek input from communities and bywaypartners for inclusion in interpretation efforts.
Produce a Detailed Byway MarketingProduce a Detailed Byway MarketingProduce a Detailed Byway MarketingProduce a Detailed Byway MarketingProduce a Detailed Byway MarketingPlanPlanPlanPlanPlan
Expand the existing marketing plan for theMarine Highway to include the National ScenicByway designation.
Seek funding for an expanded marketinginitiative.
Seals are just one variety of wildlife that canbe observed along Alaskaís Marine Highwayroutes.
As the Alaska Marine Highway System celebrates its40th anniversary, this plan represents a ‘road map’ forthe byway to follow over the next 40 years. Withthoughtful, creative and open discussion, Alaska’sMarine Highway can meet the needs of its passengersand stakeholders while enhancing the experienceaboard its ships.
In future years, should Alaska’s Marine Highway benominated as a National Scenic Byway, travelers willhave a better understanding of the important rolecoastal Alaska and the Pacific Northwest plays intheir lives – and a greater awareness of the uniquerecreational, cultural, historical, aesthetic and scenicqualities accessible only on Alaska’s Marine Highway.
8-3Chapter 8 - Conclusion
A bald eagle hunts in Alaskan waters with snowcapped mountains as a backdrop.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
AlaskaíAlaskaíAlaskaíAlaskaíAlaskaís Marine Highway Byways Marine Highway Byways Marine Highway Byways Marine Highway Byways Marine Highway BywaySupporters and ContactsSupporters and ContactsSupporters and ContactsSupporters and ContactsSupporters and ContactsPublic outreach has been underway during thedevelopment of this Corridor Partnership Plan. Dueto the high number of potential stakeholders alongthe corridor, this process will continue for manymore months. Once the initial outreach is completein the spring of 2002, the ‘Blue Ribbon’ SteeringCommitte will be established, and a paid ExecutiveDirector/Byway Leader will be sought. At the timeof going to press the following resolutions andletters of support have been received with manymore in the ‘works’. A majority of the communitiesand organizations have assigned a local contactperson to work with the byway. Comments andsupport for this designation has been very positive.
Resolutions of SupportResolutions of SupportResolutions of SupportResolutions of SupportResolutions of SupportCity of Chignik, Mayor Jim BrewerCity of Cold Bay, Mayor John MaxwellCity of Haines, Mayor David BlackHaines Convention & Visitors BureauCity of Hoonah, Mayor Albert DickCity & Borough of Juneau, Mayor Sally SmithJuneau Convention & Visitors Bureau,
Jeff Butcher
Kodiak Chamber of Commerce,Christopher Ellis
Lake & Peninsula Borough,Mayor Glen Alsworth, Sr.
City of Petersburg, Leo LuczakCity of Seldovia, Mayor Susan HecksCity of SkagwayCity & Borough of Sitka, Barnaby DowSitka Convention & Visitors BureauSitka Chamber of CommerceSoutheast Conference, Loren GerhardSouthwest Alaska Municipal ConferenceCity of Valdez, Mayor Bert CottleCity of Wrangell, Carol Rushmore
Letters of SupportLetters of SupportLetters of SupportLetters of SupportLetters of SupportSenator Alan Austermann, KodiakAlaska Lighthouse Association, David BentonAleutians East Borough,
Mayor Dick JacobsenCity of Bellingham, Mayor Mark AsmundsonBellingham/Whatcom County Convention &
Visitors Bureau, John CooperPort of Bellingham, Jim DarlingWhatcom CountyDepartment of Community
& Economic Development,Deborah Sedwick
Gastineau Channel Historic SocietyGlacier Swim Club, Carol PrattCity of HoonahJuneau Lighthouse Association, Valerie O’HareCity of Kodiak, Mayor Carolyn FloydKodiak Convention & Visitors Bureau,
Murphy FornerKodiak Island Borough, Robin Heinrichs
Historic lighthouses line the marine routesthroughout coastal Alaska.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
Sheldon Museum, Haines, Cynthia JonesRepresentative Gary Stevens, KodiakCity of Unalaska, Mayor Pamela FitchUnalaska Convention & Visitors BureauUSDA Forest Service, Alaska Region,
Nora LaughlinUSDA Forest Service, Chugach National Forest,
Dave GibbonsUSDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest,
Thomas Puchlerz
We expect several more resolutions and letters ofsupport for the Alaska Marine Highway System afterthe printing of this plan. An updated list ofsupporters can be found on the Alaska MarineHighway System State Scenic Byway web-site athttp://www.dot.state.ak.us/scenic/bamhs.html.
ContactsContactsContactsContactsContactsPrincipal Byway ContactsPrincipal Byway ContactsPrincipal Byway ContactsPrincipal Byway ContactsPrincipal Byway ContactsAlaska’s Marine HighwayAlaska Department of Transportation and PublicFacilities
Operations and Administration:Alaska Marine Highway System-Operations3132 Channel Drive, Room 200Juneau, AK 99801-7898(907) 465-3955
Reservations:Alaska Marine Highway System-Reservations6858 Glacier HighwayJuneau, AK 99801-7909Central reservations office: 1-800-642-0066Text telephone for the speech or hearingimpaired: 1-800-764-3779Reservations Fax (907) 277-4829http://www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/index.htmlLocal reservation numbers:Juneau (907) 465-3941Anchorage (907) 272-7116Commercial shipping desk: (907) 465-8816
Alaska Department of Transportation and PublicFacilitiesStatewide Planning3132 Channel DriveJuneau, AK 99801-7898(907) 465-4070
9-2
The largest glacier in Alaska isthe Bering Glacier complex,2,250 square miles, whichincludes the Bagley Icefield. Icefields cover about 5% of the stateof Alaska, or 29,000 squaremiles.
Source: State of Alaska
Federal OfficesFederal OfficesFederal OfficesFederal OfficesFederal OfficesUSDA Forest ServiceRegion 10: Alaska RegionP.O. Box 21628Juneau, AK 99802-1628(907) 586-8806Fax (907) 586-7843http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/
Tongass National Forest648 Mission Street (Federal Building)Ketchikan, AK 99901-6591(907) 228-6202Fax (907) 228-6215http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/index.html
Chugach National Forest3301 C Street, Suite 300Anchorage, AK 99503-3998(907) 271-2500Fax (907) 271-3992http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach/
Federal Highway AdministrationScenic Byway ProgramIntermodal Division, HEP-50400 7th Street SW, Room 3222Washington, DC 20590(800) 429-9297http://www.byways.org/
National Scenic Byways Resource Center227 West First Street, Suite #610Duluth, MN 55802(218) 529-7510 or (800) 429-9297 option 5Fax: (218) 625-3333http://www.byways.org/community/center/
State OfficesState OfficesState OfficesState OfficesState OfficesAlaska Department of Transportation and PublicFacilitiesScenic Byways
Central Region Scenic Byways CoordinatorMurph O’BrienP.O. Box 196900Anchorage, AK 99519-6900(907) 269-0516Murph_O’[email protected]
Northern Region Scenic BywaysCoordinatorJerry Rafson2301 Peger RoadFairbanks, AK 99709-5316(907) [email protected]
9-3Chapter 9 - Resources
Rugged mountainous peaks and majesticglaciers line many of Alaskaís Marine Highwayroutes.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
State Office of TourismAlaska Division of TourismP.O. Box 110801Juneau, AK 99811-0801(907) 465-2012Fax (907) 465-3767http://www.dced.state.ak.us/tourism/
Alaska Department of Natural ResourcesDivisions of Land, Mining, Forestry and Water400 Willoughby Ave, Ste 500Juneau, AK 99801(907) 465-2400Fax (907) 465-3886http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/
Alaska Department of Natural ResourcesParks and Outdoor Recreation550 W. 7th Ave Ste 1380Anchorage, AK 99501-3561(907) 269-8700Fax (907) 269-8907http://www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks/index.htm
Local Government and Chamber ofLocal Government and Chamber ofLocal Government and Chamber ofLocal Government and Chamber ofLocal Government and Chamber ofCommerce/Convention and VCommerce/Convention and VCommerce/Convention and VCommerce/Convention and VCommerce/Convention and VisitorisitorisitorisitorisitorBureausBureausBureausBureausBureausState of AlaskaDepartment of Community and EconomicDevelopmentPO Box 110800Juneau, AK 99811-0800(907) 465-2500Fax (907) 465-5442http://www.dced.state.ak.us/mra/home.htm
All contact information and web links to the Alaskaport communities and their Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitor Bureau can be foundthrough the Department of Community andEconomic Development above.
Alaska Municipal League217 Second Street, Suite 200Juneau, AK 99801(907) 586-1325Fax (907) 463-5480http://www.akml.org/
City of Prince Rupert, British Columbia424 – 3rd Avenue WestPrince Rupert, B.C. V8J 1L7(250) 627-0934http://www.city.prince-rupert.bc.ca/
Prince Rupert Tourism1-800-667-1994 or (250) 624-5637http://www.tourismprincerupert.com/welcome.htm
9-4
Ketchikanís once famous brothel in thehistoric Creek Street district.
City of Bellingham210 Lottie StreetBellingham, WA 98225(360) 676-6979http://www.cob.org/index.htm
Bellingham and Whatcom County Chamber ofCommerce and IndustryPO Box 958Bellingham, WA 98227(360) 734-1330Fax (360) 734-1332http://www.bellingham.com/
Additional Information Sources andAdditional Information Sources andAdditional Information Sources andAdditional Information Sources andAdditional Information Sources andContactsContactsContactsContactsContactsAASHTOAmerican Association of State Highway andTransportation Officials444 North Capitol Street, NWSuite 249Washington, DC 20001(202) 624-5800http://www.aashto.org/
Southeast ConferenceP.O. Box 21989Juneau, AK 99802-1989(907) 463-3445Fax (907) 463-5670http://www.seconference.org/
Prince William Sound Economic DevelopmentCouncilP.O. Box 2353Valdez, AK 99686(907) 835-3775Fax (907) 835-3265http://www.alaska.net/~pwsedc/
Kenai Peninsula Economic Development District14896 Kenai Spur Highway, Suite 103AKenai, AK 99611-7756(907) 283-3335Fax (907) 283-3913http://www.kpedd.org/
Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference3300 Arctic Blvd., Suite 203Anchorage, AK 99503(907) 562-7380Fax (907) 562-0438http://www.swamc.org/
Seward Highway Partnership BoardByway Leader: Murph O’BrienAlaska Department of Transportation & PublicFacilitiesP.O. Box 1969004111 Aviation DriveAnchorage, AK 99519-6900(907) 269-0700
Glenn Highway Partnership BoardByway Leader: Joe LawtonGeneral Manager, Alaska State Fair2075 Glenn HighwayPalmer, AK 99645(907) 745-7150
Chapter 9 - Resources 9-5
Dining on the ships extendsbeyond fast food. Meal itemsinclude salmon, halibut, lamb andvegetarian dishes, as well asdaily specials. However, themost popular cafeteria sales itemis the famous cheeseburger,selling over 25,000 per year.
Source: Alaska Marine Highway System
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
SEAtrails215 Shotgun AlleySitka, AK 99835(907) 747-6481http://www.seatrails.org/
TRAAKTrails and Recreation Access for AlaskansAlaska Department of Transportation and PublicFacilities3132 Channel DriveJuneau, AK 99801(907) 451-2387 or (907) 465-8769
American Society of Landscape Architects636 Eye Street, NWWashington, DC 20001-3736(202) 898-2444Fax (202) 898-1185http://www.asla.org/
A passenger aboard an Alaska MarineHighway System ship enjoying the views fromthe observation deck.
9-7Chapter 9 - Resources
An Alaskan fisherman displays his catch.
Meeting the Federal CorridorMeeting the Federal CorridorMeeting the Federal CorridorMeeting the Federal CorridorMeeting the Federal CorridorManagement Plan RequirementsManagement Plan RequirementsManagement Plan RequirementsManagement Plan RequirementsManagement Plan Requirements
We have designed this corridor management plan tomeet both the requirements of the National ScenicByways Program and our own needs, locally, for easyuse and interpretation of the plan. Therefor, weprovide the following summary section to indicatethe required 14 elements of a corridor managementplan.
LocationLocationLocationLocationLocationCorridor Map (USGS or comparable quality)Show on the map the corridor boundaries (lengthand width), the location of intrinsic qualities(recognizing that the scale of the map may preventyou showing all details — just get in as many apossible), and the different land uses (what landwithin the corridor has been zoned by your county ortown). USGS maps are recommended because theyare available for the entire U.S. and provide excellentdetails of land forms and building locations.
Physical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionPhysical DescriptionGeneral Review of Road (Safety) NarrativeDiscuss design standards concerning any proposedmodifications (e.g., shoulder improvements, roadwidening, curve straightening) to the roadway. Thisdiscussion should include an evaluation of how theproposed changes may effect the intrinsic qualities ofthe byway corridor. Discuss how the shape (length &width) of the corridor was determined (as is shownon the map described above) by identifying why theendpoints were chosen and why the width is the sameor variable along the length.
Highway Design & Maintenance StandardsProvide a general review of the roadway’s safety andaccident record to identify any correctable faults inhighway design, maintenance, or operation. Theidea is to locate hazards and poor design that may bea problem for drivers who are not familiar with theroute and identify the possible corrections. Thisinformation is typically available at the State DOTor from the State Police.
Intrinsic QualitiesIntrinsic QualitiesIntrinsic QualitiesIntrinsic QualitiesIntrinsic QualitiesIntrinsic Quality AssessmentEvaluate the intrinsic qualities as to which are oflocal, regional, or national importance, and identifytheir context within the areas surrounding them.There should be at least one substantive paragraphfor each intrinsic quality identified.
Intrinsic Quality Management StrategyThis narrative shows how the intrinsic qualities willbe managed and identifies the tools that are used todo this (e.g., zoning, overlay districts, easements).Recognize that the level of protection for differentareas along a National Scenic Byway or All-American Road can vary, with the highest levels ofprotection given to those sections with the mostimportant intrinsic qualities. All nationallyrecognized scenic byways should, however, bemaintained with particularly high standards, notonly for travelers’ safety and comfort, but also forpreserving the highest levels of visual integrity andattractiveness.
Alaskaís Marine Highway Corridor Partnership Plan
will not get in the way of the scenery, but still besufficient to help tourists find their way. Thisincludes, where appropriate, signs for internationaltourists who may not speak English fluently. TheState DOT Traffic Engineering office should havethis information.
Outdoor Advertising Control ComplianceIn paragraph format, demonstrate that all existinglocal, State, and Federal laws on the control ofoutdoor advertising are being met. The State DOTOutdoor Advertising Compliance section shouldhave this information.
Marketing & PromotionMarketing & PromotionMarketing & PromotionMarketing & PromotionMarketing & PromotionMarketing NarrativeDescribe how the National Scenic Byway will bemarketed and publicized, what actions are in placeand what is planned.
PeopleíPeopleíPeopleíPeopleíPeopleís Involvement & Responsibilitys Involvement & Responsibilitys Involvement & Responsibilitys Involvement & Responsibilitys Involvement & ResponsibilityPublic Participation PlanDiscuss how on-going public participation will beachieved in the implementation of corridormanagement objectives.
Responsibility ScheduleList all agency, group, and individual responsibilities(specific and general) who are part of the team thatwill carry out the plan. Describe the enforcement andreview mechanisms and include a schedule of whenand how you’ll review the degree that thoseresponsibilities are being met.
Interpretation PlanDescribe plans that are in place, or are planned,within the communities along the byway (such asmuseums, seasonal festivals that interpret theculture, existing State historical markers) to interpretthe significant resources of the scenic byway tovisitors.
VVVVVisitor Needs & Expectationsisitor Needs & Expectationsisitor Needs & Expectationsisitor Needs & Expectationsisitor Needs & ExpectationsVisitor Experience PlanList and discuss the efforts to minimize anyintrusions on the visitor experience and identify theplans for making improvements to enhance thatexperience.
Development PlanDescribe how existing development might beenhanced and new development might beaccommodated while still preserving the intrinsicqualities of the corridor. For instance, this might bedone through design review, land managementtechniques, and economic incentives, etc.
Commerce PlanEvaluate how to accommodate commercial traffic(logging trucks and farm vehicles) and access tobusinesses along the route, particularly services forthe traveler, while ensuring the safety of sightseers insmaller vehicles, as well as bicyclists and pedestrians.Explain in paragraph format.
Sign PlanIn paragraph format, demonstrate how the State willensure and make the number and placement ofhighway signs (regulatory, directional, warning, andguide) more supportive of the visitor experience and
The longest Alaska MarineHighway System ship is the M/VColumbia at 418 feet, while theshortest is the M/V Bartlett at 193feet.
Source: Alaska Marine Highway System
9-8
9-9Chapter 9 - Resources
Special thanks to:Special thanks to:Special thanks to:Special thanks to:Special thanks to:
Federal Highway Administration
USDA Forest Service
Region 10: Alaska
Tongass and Chugach National Forests
Alaska Department of Community and Economic
Development
Alaska Department of Transportation and Public
Facilities
Alaska Marine Highway System Staff
Statewide Planning and Operating
GIS and Mapping
The many communities, organizations and localgovernments served by the Alaska Marine HighwaySystem who have offered their support for theNation’s most unique scenic byway.
Cormorants cluster on a rock along theAlaska Marine Highway Southcentral route.
Photo Credits:Photo Credits:Photo Credits:Photo Credits:Photo Credits:All images are copywritten and used with permission.
Alaska Department of Community and EconomicDevlopment:
Prepared for:Prepared for:Prepared for:Prepared for:Prepared for:Alaska’s Marine HighwayAlaska Department of Transportation and PublicFacilities3132 Channel DriveJuneau, AK 99801-7898
Tony Knowles, Governor of the State of Alaska
Joseph L. Perkins P.E., Commissioner, AlaskaDepartment of Transportation and PublicFacilities
Thomas B. Brigham, Director of StatewidePlanning, Alaska Department of Transportationand Public Facilities
Captain George Capacci, General Manager, AlaskaMarine Highway System
Sharon Gaiptman, CTP, Marketing Manager, AlaskaMarine Highway System
Diane Regan, Alaska Scenic Byways Coordinator
Prepared by:Prepared by:Prepared by:Prepared by:Prepared by:Jensen Yorba Lott, Inc.522 West 10th StreetJuneau, AK 99801(907) 586-1070Fax (907) 586-3959
Christopher Mertl, ASLA, Project Manager
WWWWWith:ith:ith:ith:ith:Whiteman & Taintor7490 Clubhouse RoadBoulder, CO 80301(303) 516-0987Fax (303) 516-0988
John Whiteman
Christianson Communications, Inc.8800 Glacier Highway, Suite 230Juneau, AK 99801(907) 789-3098
