EDUCATION | RECREATION | PRESERVATION | COMMUNITY

A Trail to the Future

The University of Alaska Southeast, in collaboration with the City and Borough of Juneau, is planning to upgrade the old Auke Lake Trail extending from the east side of the university through the city park and tracing the northeast lake shore. A pedestrian bridge spanning the estuary from Auke Lake to Auke Bay will be built on the pre-existing highway bridge foundation. Not only is this bridge an essential element connecting the trail to campus and parking areas, but the location offers one of Juneau's most spectacular views of the Mendenhall Glacier. The total cost of the proposed Auke Lake Trail project is $1.2 million.

Education

The trail will provide improved access for anthropology, geology, and environmental science students to better utilizeAuke Lake as a natural science lab only a few steps from campus.Anthropology students have found the remains of pioneer homesteads and a fox farm minutes from the Hendrickson Building. Geology students use GPS to create bathymetric maps of the lake bottom to learn more about the formation of the lake through glacial erosion. The Auke Lake Trail will feature interpretive signs to educate all user groups on the natural and cultural history of the area.

Recreation

The trail will offer year-round recreational opportunities for both campus and the community as well as Juneau’s many visitors. The allure of a healthy lifestyle and interaction with the environment of Southeast Alaska is the overwhelming draw for new students, faculty, and staff to UAS. In support of UAS’ mission, the trail will serve to bring our students into the natural environment to enhance their educational experience.

Preservation

Building the trail will permanently dedicate the east side of Auke Lake as a greenbelt, protecting it from future development while preserving it for use by migrating waterfowl and local wildlife. Auke Lake is part of a mainland watershed that feeds into Auke Bay. The University of Alaska collaborates with Alaska Fish and Game and the National Marine Fisheries Service to provide vital data from Auke Creek that informs fisheries management decisions in the Juneau area.