Mental Health Lands -- What Should We Do?
An Open Letter to Gustavus'ers
Trivia question: who is the biggest private landowner in Gustavus? No, it's not the folks with the golf course, it's the Alaska Mental Health Trust (MHT), which owns about 1/5 of Gustavus (3000 acres). The Trust was given the land (and land in other parts of Alaska too) to use as a source of income for mental health programs in the state. They are in the business of selling, leasing and developing their lands and the resources on them.
It's not just lousy boot-sucking muskeg that they own either. In Gustavus, the Mental Health Trust owns virtually all of the beachfront, some of the choicest moose hunting grounds, scenic open space in the core of the town and other parcels scattered throughout the community. We have always used these lands as if they were open to the public, but in fact, they are private property.
A few months ago, the MHT land office let it be known that they might consider selling conservation easements on some of their properties (they're always willing to consider outright purchase of their properties). An easement allows others the right to use the land for specific purposes, such as for a utility corridor. In a conservation easement, those purposes are typically such things as public access, hunting, berry picking, etc. The MHT would retain title of the land and could sell it at any time, but the uses guaranteed in the conservation easement would continue no matter who owned the land. The price of the easement would be determined by an appraisal and other factors.
"Get a grip," you say. "Who has a couple of hundred grand to purchase these conservation easements?" A nationwide organization called the Trust for Public Lands has expressed a willingness to help find funds, if Gustavus wants to pursue the idea. They have been here twice, and are optimistic that money can be found to buy conservation easements on at least some MHT lands.
What does this mean for Gustavus? If the community wants to keep on moose hunting, skiing, trapping, berry picking, recreating, and all the rest on Mental Health lands, then we need to act soon. But before we go another step, we need to know if the community wants to pursue getting conservation easements, and if so, on which parcels. That's where you come in. You will soon be receiving a survey in the mail asking for your opinion about this matter. Please take a few minutes to fill it out--it's very important that we get an accurate indication of the wishes of the community.
In addition to the survey there will be a Town Meeting, where those of us who are survey-impaired will have a chance to ask questions and voice our opinions. The date and time of the Town Meeting have not been determined, so check the Post Office, Gusto, Beartrack or the Gustavus Community Association web site for further details.
Meadow Brook