Fifty-two years ago, Anchorage’s Chugach National Park was formally established in 1970 after Alaska Governor Keith Miller signed the legislation creating the park into law. With a half million acres, it is the third largest state park in the United States. Bordering Anchorage and neighborhood communities, it is known as Anchorage’s “backyard wilderness” with some of the most accessible hiking, skiing, camping, wildlife viewing, biking, snow machining, rafting, and climbing in Alaska. Annually, it receives over 1.5 million visitors. Join the Cook Inlet Historical Society for a panel discussion on Chugach State Park’s past, present and future legacy.

Moderated by Dick Mylius, president of the Cook Inlet Historical Society. Panelists include Ben Corwin, Monica Alvarez, Ryan Yelle, and Pete Panerese.

This is the fourth talk in the Cook Inlet Historical Society’s 2022-2023 Speaker Series. These presentations are virtual, free and open to the public via Crowdcast; the same link can be used to review the recorded event after the program conclusion.

Ben Corwin isthe park superintendent of the Chugach Region, Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Department of Natural Resources. Beginning with the Division as an Alaska Conservation Corps member in 2009, he has moved up the ranks as a natural resources technician, park ranger, and chief ranger. As superintendent, he works to build partnerships, tackle access issues, support field staff, build sustainable trails, and uphold the Division’s mission.

Peter “Pete” Panarese retired in 2004 after twenty-eight years of service with the Alaska State Parks, Alaska Department of Natural Resources. Formerly, he served fourteen years as deputy director of Alaska State Parks, and as chief of field operations. He also worked as a park ranger, chief ranger and superintendent of Chugach State Park, and as superintendent of Wood Tikchik State Park in Southwest Alaska. Currently, he serves on the Board of Friends of Eagle River Nature Center and was a member of the Chugach State Park Advisory Board.

Monica Alvarez is a park planner with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.

Ryan Yelle was most recent the chair of the Chugach State Park Advisory Board.

Photo Image: Governor Keith Miller at the signing ceremony creating Chugach State Park, August 6, 1970. The dedication ceremony took place at the Upper O’Malley entrance, known today as Glen Alps. Miller is third from the left, standing on the flat bed of the truck. Photograph courtesy of Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Anchorage.

Cook Inlet Historical Society Presents: The History and Evolution of Chugach State Park