Gustavus Nature Conservancy Lands At Risk of Transfer
The Issue
Do you enjoy walking the Nagoonberry Trail, hunting on the Gustavus forelands or strolling along the beach? This access may be at risk.
The Hoonah Indian Association has requested that Nature Conservancy (TNC) turn over the title to them of all of the TNC lands in Gustavus. The TNC owns 6 tracts of land in the Gustavus City forelands as well as uplands areas totaling over 2,600 acres. These are the lands we know as the Gustavus Legacy Lands (attached map).
It is unknown how this would affect our access to the Nagoon Berry Trail and the rest of the lands. We have a great chance of success in swaying their actions to either remaining status quo or the Gustavus citizens in being invited to be in on the decision making if we get involved now.
Background: TNC partnered with the community of Gustavus in an effort to purchase and protect this unique area. With the assistance of Ducks Unlimited, the US Fish and Wildlife and hundreds of private local donors over 2,600 acres were purchased by TNC for 3.2 million dollars. Gustavus residents raised $120,000 through sushi feeds and fund drives plus spearheaded the effort to secure the remainder through federal and other funding sources. The TNC lands consist of 4.5 miles of beachfront and large tracts of coastal wetlands. The development rights are owned by the state, but the TNC currently owns title to the land. The only restrictions that TNC has on the land is no livestock grazing or motorized vehicles allowed on the properties. It has been said, but not written in the covenants, that Gustavus residents and visitors have free access to enjoy this wilderness.
We are encouraging you to write a letter to the TNC stating how important these lands are to you, how they are woven into the very fabric of our daily lives and our businesses. TNC is all about keeping donors happy and your letter will be read and be strongly considered in their decision making.
Action steps:
1) Please sign the petition which is posted at Toshco, the library, and here.
2) Please send a personal letter to the TNC state director. If you would like an electronic copy of the attached example letter, please contact Kimber Owen or Kathy Streveler in Gustavus.
Direct your letters or email to:
Ivy Spohnholz, State Director, TNC Alaska
The Nature Conservancy Alaska Program
715 L St., Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501
Email: alaska@tnc.org
Web: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/gustavus-forelands-preserve/
Photo by Sean Neilson from https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/gustavus-forelands-preserve/
The Issue
Do you enjoy walking the Nagoonberry Trail, hunting on the Gustavus forelands or strolling along the beach? This access may be at risk.
The Hoonah Indian Association has requested that Nature Conservancy (TNC) turn over the title to them of all of the TNC lands in Gustavus. The TNC owns 6 tracts of land in the Gustavus City forelands as well as uplands areas totaling over 2,600 acres. These are the lands we know as the Gustavus Legacy Lands (attached map).
It is unknown how this would affect our access to the Nagoon Berry Trail and the rest of the lands. We have a great chance of success in swaying their actions to either remaining status quo or the Gustavus citizens in being invited to be in on the decision making if we get involved now.
Background: TNC partnered with the community of Gustavus in an effort to purchase and protect this unique area. With the assistance of Ducks Unlimited, the US Fish and Wildlife and hundreds of private local donors over 2,600 acres were purchased by TNC for 3.2 million dollars. Gustavus residents raised $120,000 through sushi feeds and fund drives plus spearheaded the effort to secure the remainder through federal and other funding sources. The TNC lands consist of 4.5 miles of beachfront and large tracts of coastal wetlands. The development rights are owned by the state, but the TNC currently owns title to the land. The only restrictions that TNC has on the land is no livestock grazing or motorized vehicles allowed on the properties. It has been said, but not written in the covenants, that Gustavus residents and visitors have free access to enjoy this wilderness.
We are encouraging you to write a letter to the TNC stating how important these lands are to you, how they are woven into the very fabric of our daily lives and our businesses. TNC is all about keeping donors happy and your letter will be read and be strongly considered in their decision making.
Action steps:
1) Please sign the petition which is posted at Toshco, the library, and here.
2) Please send a personal letter to the TNC state director. If you would like an electronic copy of the attached example letter, please contact Kimber Owen or Kathy Streveler in Gustavus.
Direct your letters or email to:
Ivy Spohnholz, State Director, TNC Alaska
The Nature Conservancy Alaska Program
715 L St., Suite 100 Anchorage, AK 99501
Email: alaska@tnc.org
Web: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/gustavus-forelands-preserve/
Photo by Sean Neilson from https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/gustavus-forelands-preserve/
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Petition created on January 5, 2024