Overview

Project
Properties

Murgas
Property

Overview
Location
Property Owner
Acreage
Property Description
Conservation Values

Overview:
The Southeast Alaska Land Trust is working with a Petersburg landowner who is offering a conservation easement to maintain the wildlife and recreational values on approximately 50-acres.

Uniquely positioned at the southern end of a lowland peninsula adjacent to public uplands, his offer is contingent upon its use as part of a public trail system from the proposed coastal trail in Scow Bay to the popular recreational facilities at Sandy Beach. Consisting primarily of large second growth spruce/hemlock forest meshed with several large patches of open muskeg, the property supports habitat for black bear, wolves, martin, deer, and an occasional moose. Currently Southeast Alaska Land Trust has received funding from the US Fish and Wildlife Service to gather material supporting the base line report and conservation easement.

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Location:
This property sits in Scow Bay at the base of Raven Ridge lying directly behind Petersburg, Alaska. The proposed trail would begin with a right-away from the new coastal trail through the Murgas property, featuring a nature walk loop, then run below the ridge towards Sandy Beach over moderately level terrain.

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Property Owner: John Murgas

Acres: Approximately 50-acres

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Property Description:
Contains slight topographical variations, about 2/3 of the property consists of large second growth spruce/hemlock forest beautifully aligned in a transitional zone and the remainder 1/3 open muskeg. From the muskeg, there are spectacular views of mountains directly adjacent on the west side of the property, and east across the Wrangle Narrows. A maintained road traverses through the parcel east to west providing access for an adjacent homeowner. The property is surrounded by a mosaic of development interests including, but not limited to a subdivision on the north.

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Conservation Values:
This property contains valuable woodlands and wetlands that possess unique natural, ecological, scenic, open space, and recreational values of importance to the people of Alaska. Forested areas provide habitat for black bear, wolves, martin, deer and an occasional moose among other animals; a new recreational link to the other side of town and proximity to the nearby forest service trail; and educational value associated with nature loop.

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