HomeMy WebLinkAbout10192018 City Council Laydown - Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers Letter\STQ9/
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SEWARD IDITAROD TRAIL BLAZERS, INC.
ber 15, 2018
Interim City Manager Jeff Bridges
Seward City Council
PO Box 167
Seward, AK 99664
Dear Mr. Bridges and Seward City Council,
SEWARD IDITAROD
TRAIL BLAZERS
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At our October meeting, the Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers voted unanimously to oppose
locating any cruise ship docks along the Seward Waterfront between the Alaska Sealife Center
and the Seward Boat Harbor. This includes the proposed Option 1, to build one to three docks
along the waterfront to accommodate cruise ships up to 1040 feet, and Option 3, to build a
"boutique" dock for 700' ships near the Alaska Sealife Center.
The Iditarod National Historic Trail, designated by Congress in 1978, starts in Seward by the
Alaska Sealife Center. It is the only National Historic Trail in Alaska. A bronze monument of a
prospector and his dog marks the start of the historic trail. Along the trail is a second bronze
monument honoring famed pioneer musher Jujiro Wada, and a Mile Zero sign, mounted on a
tripod like the northern Iditarod Trail markers. All were sponsored by the Trail Blazers.
The Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers published a brochure, "Walk the First Mile" available free to
the public. The City Parks and Recreation Department installed seven interpretive signs about
the cultural and natural history of the area along the trail.
Thousands of visitors and locals use this path year-round.
We oppose any changes to and impacts on the INHT/bike path and the public's enjoyment
including: moving or altering the trail; restrictions on access to the trail; disruption of the birds,
sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales and other wildlife; loss of beach habitat and access; blockage
of the scenic views of the bay and surrounding mountains by cruise ships and infrastructure;
impairment of the air quality due to exhaust; impairment of the water quality due to
discharges; disruption by cruise ship announcements and whistles; and increased vehicle and
foot traffic into this already busy Waterfront zone.
We appreciate your consideration of our concerns.
ly,
Dan Seavey,
President, Seward Iditarod Trail Blazers
P.O. Box 1923 • Seward, Alaska 99664
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