Long-distance hikers may someday be able to travel via trails from Alaska to Argentina if an international trail proposed by Alaskans comes to fruition. The new trail would link Alaska with the lower 48 and beyond using existing trails where possible.The idea of a transcontinental trail has been shared by many over the years but it has recently been spearheaded by Doug Gibson, an Alaskan who advanced the concept through the Trails and Recreational Access for Alaska-Citizens Advisory Board (TRAAK). Last year TRAAK created an interagency task force to investigate the feasibility of an international trail connecting Alaska with the contiguous U.S. According to TRAAK, "there is a potential for 3 or 4 international routes that would serve as summer, winter, marine, and land-based trails."

The task force is soliciting input from individuals and groups in Alaska and communicating with Canadians to gauge interest and generate support for the proposal. Possible components of the larger trail could nclude the historic telegraph route through Alaska and Canada and tributary trails to some coastal communities served by the Alaska Marine Highway System and Canadian ferries.

Gibson is attempting to organize a nonprofit organization to promote and fund the international trail. The concept, he said, is in the "very early stages." But Gibson is enthusiastic about the many possibilities and believes that "whatever route is established would be a great thing."

Contact TRAAK at traak@dot.state.ak.us

Volunteer: A New Era for the Forest Service?

Volunteer: Alcohol Backpacking Stove Made from Tuna Cans

Volunteer: All One Trail

Volunteer: Combating Sprawl to Save Rivers and Communities

Volunteer: Development Threatens Pacific Crest Trail

Volunteer: EPA Air Quality Ruling Aids Forest Preservation

Volunteer: Finding Hope in the Wilderness

Volunteer: Fragile Mojave Preserve Threatened by Airport Legislation

Volunteer: High Sierra Recharge

Volunteer: Learning Leadership on the Trail

Volunteer: National Trails Day

Volunteer: Peace Corps Announces New Information Technology Initiative

Volunteer: Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program Needs Help!

Volunteer: SCA Participant Honored at White House

Volunteer: Top 10 Tips to Protect America's National Parks

Volunteer: Trails for the Birds

Volunteer: Try a Little Wilderness

Volunteer: Washington Trails Association Gives USFS, Congress Failing Grades on User Fees

Volunteer: What are Wild and Scenic Rivers?