Minutes
Gustavus Land Legacy
October 28, 2001
Gustavus Public Library, 10/28/01, 7:05 p.m.
Present: Hank Lentfer, Greg Streveler, Morgan DeBoer, Blair, Tania Lewis, Heidi Robichaud, Janet Doherty, Eric Syrene, Nat Drumheller, Kezia Graham, Paul Barnes, Nathan Borson, Kim Heacox, Lynne Jensen, Meadow Brook.
Purchase Agreement
The Purchase Agreement was signed between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Trust Land Office (TLO) last week!
- 2,949 acres with addition of another parcel added by state: upper Rink Creek (a big addition).
- At end of two-year fundraising effort, as many tracts will be bought as we were able to raise funds for.
- Order of purchase is spelled out by the agreement, starting with Dude Cr W and Good River. The order does not match precisely with the community's priorities.
- The price will be determined by an assessment to be completed between 12 months from now and 3 months from closing.
- June 30,. 2003 is the closing date. If parties agree, closing date can be extended to June 30, 2004.
We have inquired about whether Snyder would sell the "Sandhill Crane Resort" but haven't heard back. Don't know what TNC will do about this.
Fundraising
- Locally, we have raised well over our $50,000 goal, mostly from local contributors. The response to the electric bill insert was very good. The response to the brochures and posters in businesses was a total flop (we raised maybe $1,000). People respond well to a direct personal request, not to a brochure.
- Hank attended fundraising workshop in Juneau.
- TNC has submitted a proposal to the Paul Allen Foundation for $1 Million.
- Hank will submit a proposal to Ducks Unlimited for $1 Million.
- Government money may be available: can submit for North America Wetland Conservation Act, US Fish and Wildlife Service March 1. That's another $1 Million potential with a private match required.
- Coastal Wetlands Conservation Program from USFWS provides funds through state, and state would own the land. Could be used to expand Dude Creek Critical Habitat Area with the parcels adjacent to it.
- TNC's Jeff Pickett is working on database of individuals to contact. Working with local businesses and individuals to identify potential donors capable of making substantial contributions.
There was discussion that there is still a need for local fundraising even though we reached our initial target. Additional efforts are good publicity and strengthen our position with institutional donors.
It was generally agreed that we would set a goal of $50,000 additional local donations (including Juneau) to be raised by next year at this time. Janet volunteered to make the money thermometer.
Decided to form a fundraising sub-committee. First meeting: 5 pm 11/7 at the Bear's Nest with food. Janet, Lynne, and Hank, at least, will be there.
Management Agreement
Hank has incorporated substantial comments on the draft agreement and has a new draft. Controversial topics were
- Who is on the management committee? Equal seats between community and TNC (5 each). Proxy votes are allowed. Gustavus seats to be filled by GLL initially and then by a vote of the committee itself to represent a diversity of user groups.
- What uses are allowed? Public uses will be restricted only if they a) have a negative impact on the primary purpose of the land (habitat conservation); and b) if needed to resolve conflicts between users.
- Procedure for resolving conflict between users: a three step system of escalating concerns eventually reaching the committee.
It was noted that there is presently no guarantee that prevents TNC from selling the land or turning it over to NPS. There was some discussion about the desirability of having a permanent conservation or public-use easement on the land as well as a management agreement that lasts only a year.
It was generally agreed that
- The conditions Hank described above are acceptable.
- Some further means (beyond initial TNC ownership) of assuring that the purpose and uses of the lands would be protected in perpetuity would be desirable.
- Drafts of the agreement will continue to circulate for additional comments. Hank will present it at the next GCA meeting.
- There is no urgency to signing the agreement as it doesn't go into effect until the land is purchased. We will continue to circulate and refine it for at least another year.
Adjourned at 9:00 pm