Minutes
Gustavus Mental Health Lands Group
February 12, 2001
Gustavus Public Library, 7 p.m. – In attendance: Nat Drumheller, Janene Driscoll, Meadow Brook, Lewis Sharman, Carol Dejka, Judy Brakel, Kathy Streveler, Chuck Rice, Andrea Byrnes, Aimee Youmans, Adrianna Cahill, Greg Streveler, Nathan Borson.
Janene Driscoll read an excerpt from a Seattle Times article about the Nature Conservancy. Meadow told a bit more about the Nature Conservancy. They have chosen 12 areas to focus on in Alaska and Icy Strait happens to be one of them. We are lucky to be situated in their target area with a proposal in hand. They are already raising funds for the Gustavus Land Legacy!
Executive Administrator Position: Greg, Meadow, and Lynne Jensen will choose from among the three excellent applicants for this position.
Management Policy: Judy has written up a proposed policy based on discussion so far. There was some discussion about management, ownership, and conservation easements. It was generally agreed that this will serve as a statement of our management intent. This will be discussed further at the work sessions (see below) and presented to the community at an open house to be held while TNC is here.
Andrea showed a mock-up of the brochure that is in progress. A color proof should be ready to hand out to the Nature Conservancy when they get here. Talked a bit about how many copies and envelopes to print. Agreed that the Management Policy would be incorporated in a cover letter to the brochures that go to local residents. Talked some about distribution - with Icy Passages, for example.
Visitors: Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and SEALTrust all coming to Gustavus 2/21-22 for a kickoff for the campaign for the Gustavus Land Legacy. Total of about 7 people. We assigned people to show them around the parcels and worked out a schedule. There will be a work session on Thursday afternoon. Issues we would like to see addressed include:
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Interim and permanent ownership
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Conservation easements
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Management policy
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What each of the parties expects
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Local involvement
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Will certain uses (recreational, duck hunting) be promoted by the owners or easement holders?
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Liability
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Why would people object to TNC owning land?
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Financial questions - Nature Conservancy will collect money for the land legacy and donations will be tax-deductible. We will be able to spend money from the contributions for further fundraising. How to coordinate fundraising efforts.
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What are we forgetting to ask?
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What about the future (more Gustavus land)?
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Is there a timeline?
(Prepared by Nathan Borson)