News From The Gustavus Land Legacy

by Hank Lentfer

The Gustavus Land Legacy (GLL), in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC), is engaged in the single biggest conservation effort Gustavus has ever known.  The goal: protect wildlife habitat by purchasing almost 3,000 acres of the Gustavus forelands from the state Mental Health Land Trust (MHLT).  The FOGB board, recognizing the project's enhancement of Park values, recently voted to offer $2,000 in matching funds from the FOGB account.  Donations made in response to this offer will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $2,000.

The beginning of the GLL can be traced back seven years when a handful of Gustavus residents gathered to discuss concerns over the fate of lands belonging to the MHLT.  Combine the fact that the MHLT is the single largest land owner in Gustavus with their mandate to maximize revenue from those lands and there is plenty reason for concern.  Early discussions with the state and within the community has blossomed into the current effort.  GLL is a recognized non-profit group involving dozens of people actively working with the Conservancy to negotiate the purchase and raise the needed funds.  In September, the Conservancy signed a purchase agreement with the MHLT which provides a two-year window in which to raise the funds.  The lands included in the purchase agreement include almost the entire beach from the park boundary near Point Gustavus to the boundary near the base of Excursion Ridge.  (The only two areas not included in the deal is the dock road and the piece of DNR land south of the airport.)  Also included are two upland parcels: one on the Upper Good River and another in the Upper Rink Creek area.

Once purchased, the Conservancy will hold clear title to the land.  The land will be managed by a ten person committee comprised of 5 local residents and 5 Conservancy seats.  The primary management objective is habitat preservation.  Human use such as berry picking, hiking, and hunting will be allowed on the lands as long as they do conflict with the goal of habitat preservation.  The details of this arrangement are spelled out in a management agreement to be signed by both TNC and GLL.  (See a draft of the management agreement at www.gustavuslandlegacy.org. 

With the major paperwork hurdles behind, the GLL is focused on the formidable task of raising the estimated 3 to 4 million dollars needed to complete the purchase. (The exact price will be determined by an independent appraiser). GLL is working closely with TNC in seeking large donations and grants, both private and public.  These large contributors look for (in some cases require) a significant local donation.  Gustavus residents have responded with widespread enthusiasm, contributing $50 thousand dollars so far.  GLL has a fund raising goal of another $50 thousand in the next year.

The FOGB board urges you to take advantage of the matching funds to support this project.  Donations are tax-deductible.  Make checks to The Nature Conservancy (put 'GLL' on the memo line) and send to: Gustavus Land Legacy, P.O. box 62, Gustavus, AK, 99826. 

For more information or to get involved contact Hank Lentfer at: P.O. box 162, Gustavus,

AK 99826.  697-2221, hank_lentfer@gustavuslandlegacy.org.