For the first time in over a century, the historic Treadwell Ditch Trail is fully reconnected from Eaglecrest to South Douglas, marking an extraordinary milestone for the Juneau community. This multi-decade effort restores continuous public access along Juneau’s longest trail, highlighting the power of community partnerships.
The reconnection of the 13.3-mile trail was made possible by the combined efforts of a record six partner organizations: the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Juneau Community Foundation, U.S. Forest Service, City and Borough of Juneau, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Wildlife Restoration Program (Pittman–Robertson Act), and Trail Mix, Inc. These groups worked alongside the Volunteer Trail Maintenance Team, founded by passionate local retirees, and hundreds of community volunteers to bring the trail back to life.
“The history of Trail Mix, Inc. and the history of the Treadwell Ditch Trail are intertwined. Trail Mix, Inc. was founded in 1993 by community members who recognized that interagency cooperation was key to the success of Juneau’s trails” says Meghan Tabacek, Executive Director of Trail Mix, Inc. “The reconnection of the Treadwell Ditch encapsulates Trail Mix’s mission to steward a safe and enjoyable trail system by bringing people and resources together for trail improvements and activities. Trail Mix was honored to work with a passionate team of agency partners, the Juneau Community Foundation, Trail Mix crew members, and volunteers to turn the dream of a reconnected Treadwell Ditch Trail into a reality.”
The $1.2 million Treadwell Ditch Trail Renovation Project was primarily funded by a federal grant through ADF&G, using Pittman–Robertson in Wildlife Restoration funds provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This grant covered 75% of the project’s cost, with the remaining 25% provided by the Juneau Community Foundation, CBJ, Trail Mix, Inc., and community donors. Hunter Access program funds, generated by federal excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment, are administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife Restoration Program. More information about ADF&G Division of Wildlife Conservation activities funded by Pittman–Robertson can be found at http://www.hunteraccess.adfg.alaska.gov.
“Trails are Juneau’s most popular recreational infrastructure,” notes CBJ Deputy City Manager, Robert Barr. “This project exemplifies a key goal of the Parks & Recreation department, which is to develop community partnerships that increase the scope and accessibility of healthy recreation for all. We are pleased to be a part of this new recreation resource for Juneau.”
Over the past five years, the project installed 33 bridges and 25 culverts, hardened the trail with thousands of pounds of gravel, and rebuilt degraded sections across the 13.3-mile route. 45 Trail Mix crew members worked on the trail, who together contributed 10,638 hours of labor. Additionally, more than 25 members of the Volunteer Trail Maintenance Team, formed by dedicated locals to care for the Ditch, put in an additional 18,000+ volunteer hours. Numerous other community members also volunteered on the trail, making this a true all-hands-on-deck effort.
“The completion of the Treadwell Ditch Trail renovation project marks a significant milestone for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game,” said Katie Sechrist-Gaynos of ADF&G. “This enhanced access not only supports our commitment to sustainable wildlife management but also ensures that hunters can safely and responsibly enjoy the rich hunting opportunities Juneau has to offer.”
These improvements have transformed the trail from a state of disrepair into a safe, sustainable, and accessible community resource. “The accomplishments on Treadwell are an example of how collaboration and shared goals can result in a successful outcome,” said Pete Schneider, Recreation Staff Officer, U.S. Forest Service. “The Forest Service is proud to work with such a dedicated group of volunteers and trail stewards, and Juneau is a better place because of them.”
The historic trail follows the Treadwell Ditch, a 14-mile-long aqueduct constructed between 1882 and 1889 to supply water to the Treadwell Mines, once the largest gold-mining complex in the world. As we celebrate this major milestone, it is important to acknowledge the original stewards of this land, the Aak’w Ḵwáan and T’aaḵu Ḵwáan, whose care for these lands spans millennia.
“Huge thanks to the donors who made this possible, and to Trail Mix and their amazing volunteers for all their hard work! This trail is an awesome recreation opportunity for Juneau,” said Amy Skilbred, Executive Director, Juneau Community Foundation.
The project now ensures continuous public access to the off-road areas of Douglas Island, strengthening Juneau’s world-class trail system and securing the trail’s legacy for future generations.
