Snomads, Inc. will begin maintaining the state-owned segments of the Watermelon Trail near Homer following a vote in favor of the move by members of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly on Tuesday.

The Snomads Snowmachine Club already maintains the sections of the Watermelon Trail that cross Kenai Peninsula Borough land, however, some parts of the trail cross state land. The group applied for an easement with the State of Alaska, through which the Kenai Peninsula Borough was named the grantee.

State Rep. Sarah Vance, R-Homer, in a letter to assembly members called the trail “one of the major backcountry arteries providing multiuse access to the Caribou Hill South Trail System” and encouraged the borough to become the grantee.

“This trail has been used by the public for decades but has lacked consistent authorized maintenance that has led to degradation of the habitat and limited access for users,” Vance wrote.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the legislation at their Tuesday meeting. More information about that meeting can be found on the borough’s website at kpb.legistar.com.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.