Potluck to raise funds for Clam Gulch Beach Road

The deteriorating one-lane gravel road, which is part of the Clam Gulch State Recreational Area, is in the process of becoming maintained thanks to local action.

The road starts at about Mile 117 on the Sterling Highway and is in need of serious repair.

Gravel was recently put down with some money from the Clam Gulch Beach Road Fund, started by Per Osmar. And it has helped.

Now people "can drive a car down, which they couldn't two or three weeks ago," Osmar said.

Much of the road work can not be completed while people are still using the road frequently, Osmar said. "The rain continues to wash away the gravel, which means more work."

The community continues to raise money for the beach road. One Clam Gulch citizen, Becky Harris, has decided to throw a fund-raising party.

"People like that," she said. "Something fun to do and we can make some money."

The potluck is today from 4 to 7 p.m. Harris said there will be turkeys, salads, several kegs donated by the Clam Shell Lodge, where it will be held, and music by Frozen Chozen starting at 9 p.m. Harris hopes to make some money for the cause.

The cost of maintaining the road for the next several years has not yet been determined.

Currently, the fund has about $1,200 and is being handled by Lambe Tuter and Wagner CPAs, as a contribution to the road. Also, United Rentals in Soldotna donated a Caterpillar for half a day.

Last Sunday, Osmar and some other community members raised $360 from tourists using the beach road. "It was the best time I've had in a long time," he said.

Checks have been coming in from Indiana, Maine, California and Canada with notes attached saying, "We used your road, thank you for letting us use it," Osmar said.

"Everything is going good."

Donations for the road work can be made to the Clam Gulch Beach Road Fund at the Wells Fargo Bank.