Medovaya says trails like Petersburg’s recently completed Cabin Creek boardwalk and trail have the potential to both boost tourism and decrease out migration in Alaska. (Photo: Hannah Flor/KFSK)

The guest speaker for Petersburg’s upcoming chamber of commerce banquet will be talking about the economic benefits of outdoor recreation. Mariyam Medovaya is a coordinator for the Alaska Long Trail project, which aims to connect Seward and Fairbanks through existing and future trails.

Medovaya told KFSK’s Hannah Flor that she grew up hiking with her parents in her native Russia. She says she moved to Alaska in 2008 partly because of the Alaskan wilderness. And she says the state’s natural beauty makes a big impression on the people who visit from around the world. 

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Petersburg’s Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet takes place Saturday, February 15th. Tickets for the dinner are available at Lee’s Clothing.