Hansen Horse Trail bridge prior to rehabilitation work.

Hansen Horse Trail Bridge after rehabiliation work was completed, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge trail crew members and student summer interns completed construction of a new bridge and 75-feet of "turnpike" on the popular Hansen Horse Trail in time for Fall hunting season.  The trail is used by hikers as well as for horseback riding and packing, most often as a 20-mile route from Funny River Road to the heart of the Andy Simmons Unit of Kenai Wilderness.  The existing bridge was not adequate to support equestrian use and posed a significant safety concern.  The former trail went through a wet, muddy patch, so visitors were creating side trails to avoid the mud and thus destroying habitat on either side of the trail.  The trail crew added a turnpike, a trail structure designed to elevate the trail above saturated soils, to protect habitat and make the trail accessible for visitors.  Along with the bridge and turnpike work, the trail was also cleared of beetle-killed spruce and other blown down timber.  The new bridge and boardwalk makes the route easier and safer for Refuge visitors.