BLM Hosts Iditarod Ceremonial Start Activities

Organization:

BLM

BLM Office:

Anchorage Field Office

Media Contact:

Teresa McPherson
BLM Campbell Creek Science Center

ANCHORAGE – On Saturday, March 7, the Bureau of Land Management’s Campbell Tract will host the finish of the Anchorage route for the Ceremonial Start of the 43rd Iditarod Sled Dog Race.  The 730-acre tract is about 45 minutes by dog sled from where the mushers and their Idita-riders start in downtown Anchorage.

The BLM Campbell Creek Science Center (located at 68th Ave & Elmore Rd) will feature Iditarod National Historic Trail exhibits, activities, hot cocoa, and a place to warm up for visitors from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.  Free shuttle buses will run to race viewing areas on Campbell Tract from parking lots at Kasuun Elementary and Abbott Community Park. Campbell Tract and Campbell Airstrip provide forest-lined viewing, open viewing, and access to the area where mushers pack for their trip to the restart of the official race in Fairbanks.  Due to safety concerns, the BLM reminds visitors to leave their dogs at home for this event.

The BLM serves as federal administrator for the Iditarod National Historic Trail.  The BLM also issues recreation permits for other events on the Iditarod National Historic Trail and is a partner in the Iditarod Trail to Every Classroom! (ITREC!) teacher training program.

For additional information, contact the BLM at 267-1246 or Campbell Creek Science Center at 267-1241 on day of event. Please visit www.blm.gov/ak/iditarod to download a map showing the Ceremonial Start best viewing areas at Campbell Tract!


The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.