The Rasmuson Foundation deserves a big round of community thanks for contributing $450,000 to complete the South Coastal Trail environmental impact statement. Completion will enable fully informed debate of the positives and negatives of various alternative routes. Only after the impacts and alternatives are fully evaluated should we be making a final decision on the South Coastal Trail.

The foundation's contribution underscores what recent studies have shown: Anchorage's trails and parklands are essential to the fabric of our community. They are a key reason why we live here, why visitors come here and why businesses will locate here.

A recent survey of a cross-section of Anchorage residents showed that five of the six recreational activities we participate in most frequently are trails-related, including walking, running, biking and cross-country skiing on municipal trails. In the survey, sponsored by the municipality, respondents gave the highest priority to the preservation of natural open space and to trails in greenbelts. Well over 75 percent felt we should maintain or increase the number of paved trail miles per resident as our community grows over the next 10 years, with nearly half wanting to increase the trail miles per resident.

The benefits are more than recreational.

Trails bring hard dollars into our economy. Visitors in Anchorage for trails-related events spend $7 million to $10 million annually. Much of this comes from annual events held on our trails, including the Iditarod ($4.5 million economic impact), the Mayor's Marathon ($1.8 million) and the Fur Rondy sled dog races. Added to this is the spending from visitors for special events on our trails and parks, such as the Winter Special Olympics ($5.4 million), the Arctic Winter Games ($1.3 million) and national and international ski races. Apart from these events, every summer day finds scores of tourists enjoying our trails, staying longer, spending more and getting wild about Anchorage.

The Coastal Trail also significantly adds to the property values. Without the Coastal Trail, the only properties benefiting from proximity to the coast are lots right on the coast. Construction of the Coastal Trail extends these benefits to many more properties. This isn't just a psychological benefit. Local real estate agents show Anchorage real estate near greenbelt trails is 5 to 15 percent more valuable than similar lots elsewhere. Constructing the Coastal Trail adds literally millions of dollars in value to Anchorage real estate.

Looking toward a diversified future, it is well known that businesses place a premium on a community's amenities and quality of life in considering where to locate. How many times have you seen a view from the Coastal Trail on promotional materials? It is a key asset in selling our city to those considering a visit or relocation.

The Rasmuson Foundation's support mirrors community support for the Coastal Trail. One indication was the immediate response last spring to a grass-roots petition drive, which got the Coastal Trail process back on track to consider a predominantly coastal route. The recent municipal survey adds the statistical evidence of a well-designed study. It shows strong community backing for the existing trail system and for adding new trails and parks.

Beyond its contribution toward completing the Coastal Trail EIS, the Rasmuson Foundation deserves our thanks for its vision and commitment. The foundation is not alone in its contributions. The Cuddy family, BP Exploration, Conoco Phillips, and other individuals and businesses have donated several hundred thousand dollars and thousands of hours to create the Cuddy Family Midtown Park adjacent to the library. When completed, this park will be an oasis in Midtown, with walking trails, a playground, and an outdoor amphitheater with the Chugach Range for a backdrop. And this mostly was with private funds!

The contributions warrant more than our thanks. They call for each of us to consider our own vision for the future of our community and what we will do to achieve it. What kind of a city do we want for our children and grandchildren? Now more than ever, in a time of smaller government, we have the responsibility to develop that vision and to work to see it fulfilled.

Michael G. Mitchell is the president of the Anchorage Trails and Greenways Coalition.