The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has authorized winter snowmachine use on 10 historic trails along the Dalton Highway corridor from November 1 through April 15 each year.

The trails include routes connecting Coldfoot to Chandalar Lake, Bettles to Coldfoot, Wiseman to Chandalar, and several other paths used historically for winter travel in the Brooks Range. The authorization applies to trails designated under RS 2477, a federal law that recognized rights-of-way established before Alaska became a state.

The trails are RST 9 (Coldfoot-Chandalar Lake), RST 38 (Tramway Bar), RST 209 (Bettles-Coldfoot), RST 254 (Wiseman-Chandalar), RST 262 (Caro-Coldfoot), RST 412 (Slate Creek), RST 450 (Hickel Highway), RST 591 (Coldfoot-Junction Trail 49), RST 899 (Hammond River), and RST 1611 (Bergman-Cathedral Mountain).

The decision follows Alaska statute AS 19.40.210(c), which governs the state's management of RS 2477 rights-of-way. The commissioner's finding limits authorized use to snowmachines during the winter season only.

The full commissioner's finding is available as an attachment to the public notice posted April 3. Questions can be directed to DNR at [email protected] or 907-269-8609. Individuals needing accessibility accommodations should contact Alaska Relay at 711 or 800-770-8973.