Considering property (Fairbanks, Nenana, Tanana: fit in, leases, how much)

[Vancefish]

Hello all,
I currently live in Denver, Colo. I have wanted to move to Alaska my entire life and have found land I really like. It's almost five acres near deadman lake. Directly between Nenana and Tanana on the Nenan river.
I am curious after reading these forums and seeing pictures of highway rivers (I loved all the pics by the way, Thanks). Does the Nenan river get used this way? Also, Does anyone know about snow coverage in this area? Is a snow mobile the way to go or would an ATV be better? This may sound funny(stupid outsider question) How much lumber can a snow mobile pull?
I am also curious about building supplies in Nenana or Tanana?

[Marty Van Diest]

You must mean that it's near the Tanana River. The Nenana River enters the Tanana at the town of Nenana.

It is not uncommon to haul lumber by snowmobile. I don't know where Deadman lake is, tried to find it on googlemaps but couldn't. Generally the winter opens the interior up to travel that cannot be done in the summer. An atv likely would not get you there at all. But, I can't say for sure because I haven't located Deadman Lake yet.

[Vancefish]

Thanks for posting. Looking at the great photos and reading the comments is not helping with my desire to move yesterday however.
I have the lake saved on google, But had to find it first. The Tanana river(thanks) runs from Nenana to Tanana. Almost between the two, The river moves around the lake like a huge U. The lake is somewhat heart shaped, with a small pond to the N.E. Also the telegraph line runs right across the north side of the lake.
I believe a truck could drive the river. I don't think it could get from the river to the property itself however. Thus the question about the ATV/snow mobile. I need to know average snow pack. If the snow never gets all that deep I'd think the ATV may work better. With a foot or two the snow mobile would be better.
I also have questions on building. I read that many people have 10" walls for insulation. Is that 2"x10" framing or cross supported 2"x4" framing?

[Arcticthaw]

Found your lake, The telegraph line, is actually now a winter sled road. So snowmachine would be primary transportation. You really need to see the land personally in the summer to discover if it is swampy. There is potential around the lake for not much sun in the winter looking at the topo map in the following link.

Try this map, use the contols on the right to zoom out then center on the lake.

http://fox.dnr.state.ak.us/QMI/QMI?s...&mtr=f001n010w

If you get lost or end up at the DNR site, click on search by map, and better detailed map.

[Vancefish]

I'm glad you found it. The Property I'm looking at is up on the hill to the north about 100 feet above the telegraph trail. What I like about the property is that I will have OK southern sun exposure and it's high enough on the hill for wind. I worry a little about the tree height, and thus tower height for a wind generator. I think these could be overcome though. I've also found wind speeds in the area to average around 12-20 mph. Which is enough to generate some power when there is little to no sun.
I still need info on building supplies in Tanana or Nenana and how much weight has anyone ever pulled with a snow mobile..lol.

[Arcticthaw]

You will most likely get your lumber from Fairbanks, unless you doing rough or green lumber. there used to be a sawmill in Nenana, years ago. Tanana is a river comunity so supplies are barged in during the fall and summer. Nenana is a central Barge location. look up Yutana Barge lines.

How much a snowmachine will pull depends on size and type of snowmachine, sled being pulled and trail conditions, breaking snow, packed trail, hills!. Too many to give you an accurate idea. One guy I work with cositently hauls two 30 gallon drums of fuel behind his machine.

Something to look into is the local native culture. Will you be surrounded by ANILCA land? If your close to Minto sometimes some of the young ones are not very white friendly. Who owns the land around you, can you harvest fire wood?

You should look into if the lake is aircraft accesible, Can one land and take off on floats?

Think how your access will be in the summer too.

I see you needing a 20 - 24 foot river boat, snowmachine, ATV (consider a light 2wd that will fit in the boat. 4x4s weigh between 600 and 700 lbs. Pickup truck and trailer. Place to park you stuff when up river. Dont forget your snowshoes, pack etc. Maybe a good dog to help alert you to unknown dangers and keep you company.

[Vancefish]

Well to start off with. I'm as white as they come. Blond and blue. I will not worry to much on that though. I've been dealing with race issues in Colorado my entire life. I think it will be OK.

There are 12 cabins on the lake now and fire wood is plentiful. It looks like a decent amount already dead or downed, giving plenty from simply the fire risk cleanup on the property.

I don't really know if I'd have a place to leave a barge. I could see a few one day leases maybe. I don't believe I'd need it once I'm fully moved in either. The lake is float plane accessable. I hear that's pretty spendy for large loads. I think it could still be cheaper to pull in. Two 30 gallon drums is something like 700lbs. That's pretty good.

I already have winter gear for camping here in Colorado. I have a huge pack. I'm looking for a new set of snowshoes but haven't decided yet. I have also been looking into a Canadian Goose parka.

I already have two dogs that love the cold. I've even been looking at taking them skijoring(thats likely spelled wrong), here in Winter park. They both love to pull, and bark at intruders.

[Marty Van Diest]

You should get a good snowmobile. Get one that is good for towing like a skandic. I don't know if there is a good trail from the river to the lake in the summer. you should contact some of the other cabin owners on the lake regarding that.

It does look like a nice place to live.

I've been down the river a couple times and flown over that area some. I don't know if they make an ice road for pickups down the Tanana or not. Don't try it yourself unless someone else has already gone on first. Even then, you can go through the ice while driving right in someone else's tracks. Been there...

[Vancefish]

That Skandic SUV looks great. I'm also happy to see an 11 gallon cap. on it. Although a number of people here own snow mobiles (and I have driven a few) They seem to be getting less common. The state of Colorado (I remember) has put a lot of restrictions on where and which machines you can use. Personally I think pulling a load of lumber for and hour or so sounds a lot better then where I work now. Not to unload but city life sucks.
From what I've gathered the access in the summer isn't much worse then winter. A four wheel drive ATV should be able to handle it, And I'd really prefer no road access. With the trails that do exist I should be able to make it into one town or another fairly quickly, (once built and moved in) even compaired to a city-subburb commute. The plan however is not to commute, but live out there a while. Just recover from life and camp for a living. Luxury camping of course, Electricity and a septic isn't ruffin it. Especially when satelite TV is an option.

[Marty Van Diest]

I hope you arent planning to commute...cause ya can't do it from there. Not without an airplane or helicopter.

Have you talked to any of the neighbors?