Minutes
Gustavus Land Legacy
February 22, 2001
Gustavus Public Library, 2/22/01, 2:00 p.m.
Present: Meadow Brook, Adrianna Cahill, Carol Dejka, Greg Streveler, Janene Driscoll, Karen Taylor, Kathy Streveler, Matt Cahill, Paul Barnes, Maureen Moore, Morgan DeBoer, Hank Lentfer, Nat Drumheller
Guests: Tomie Lee- Superindentent Glacier Bay National Park
Randy Hagenstein- Associate State Director, The Nature Conservancy of Alaska, Homer office
Jeff Pickett- Director of Development, TNC of AK, Anchorage office
Jim Ferguson- Coastal Forests Program Director, Juneau office
Bruce Baker- S.E. Alaska Land Trust
The meeting began with a recap of the previous day's discussion:
-The legislative intent of the Dude Creek Crane Habitat would be used as a guide for the management philosophy of the Mental Health Trust lands being acquired by The Nature Conservancy in Gustavus. This says that every effort will be made to protect habitat and wildlife populations while continuing to allow customary human activity. Only in the case of demonstrable evidence of negative impact from human use will measures be taken to rectify the conflict.
-Concern was raised regarding balancing TNC's broad support and local interests, especially trapping and mechanized travel on TNC lands. TNC wants a consistent message to donors and community members so that neither is misled.
-Would TNC be interested in purchasing other lands in Gustavus? Yes, IF there is a willing seller, the price is reasonable, and it can be included in this initial fundraising project for the MHT lands.
-Management plans for lands adjacent to the park will be compatible with park policies.
-The monitoring and enforcement of policies on TNC lands was discussed. TNC would ask the community to resolve any disputes or conflicts. An advisory board will be established to deal with these issues. The board will consist of community members and resource users and resource advisors from the area. All state fish and wildlife regulations will remain.
-Tomie Lee offered to help in any way she can.
End of recap.
It was asked if the connection with TNC or Ducks Unlimited would result in greater use or visitation to these land. Not likely. Perhaps small numbers of people, but nothing noticeable. TNC is not marketing Alaskan preserves and WILL NOT market preserves in Gustavus.
The meeting turned to the finances of the project:
-TNC discussed previous negotiations with MHT and their success in acquiring lands from them in the Kenai area. Using that experience as a guide, they hope to negotiate a price for the Gustavus lands very soon and lock it in place so that a fundraising goal can be set. A two-year period would be allowed for fundraising, but the goal could be met much earlier.
-TNC hopes to purchase the lands (fee simple), but will negotiate conservation easements on some if necessary. All negotiations will be open with all information available.
-Expenses were talked about-cost of lands and easements, administrative costs, fundraising costs, etc. Future, ongoing costs should be minimal. A stewardship endowment for future operating costs may be created.
-Fundraising was discussed at length. TNC is a 501C3 non-profit organization. All donations to this project are tax deductible, but checks MUST be made out to The Nature Conservancy. 'For Gustavus Land Legacy' should be written in the memo space in the corner of the check. Hank Lentfer is GLL's executive director. Donations can be given to him, mailed to GCA's P.O. box, or mailed to the Anchorage office of TNC.
-TNC will provide GLL with a list of donors so that thanks can be sent in addition to TNC's acknowledgement.
-TNC shared some of their expertise in fundraising. Different ideas were brought forth. The importance of giving visitors to Gustavus the opportunity to contribute to this effort was stressed. Local businesses will play a key role.
-Donations of services from local businesses to TNC count towards the fundraising goal.
-Other potential partners, fund sources, and fundraising strategies were discussed. Ducks Unlimited was unable to attend the meeting. It is expected that they will play a role in fundraising and advising.
-Conservation dollars go farther in Alaska than in the other states.
-Essential to TNC is that this project be a component of their larger goal for Alaska, the "Great Places in a Great Land" campaign. All money raised for this project will go directly to it.
GLL is now working with TNC to develop Memorandums of Understanding regarding this project. Some issues to be addressed in these MOUs are:
-TNC's role in negotiating a deal with MHT and working with GLL to raise funds.
-The roles of TNC and the community in creating management policies for acquired lands and in monitoring those policies., developing baseline information, general rules, maps, etc.
-How will tasks be allocated between TNC and GLL? Communication will be crucial.
-Concern that TNC intends to "lock up" lands they acquire
The importance of this project as a model for community stewardship of TNC lands was made clear.
In addition, TNC is looking at some native inholdings in the park west of Glacier Bay.
TNC of Alaska is holding its board meeting in Gustavus in mid June. About forty people will attend and will be staying at the Glacier Bay Lodge.
(Written by Nat Drumheller)