We started the year with high hopes for completing the Eagle Beach Conservation Project. This has been a roller coaster ride—now with a disappointing ending.

In June of 2004, with support of the SE Scout Council, SEALTrust applied for a National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grant to help purchase, at appraised value, the entrance and generally everything seaward of the camp road. The land would be added to the Amalga Natural Area Park; SEALTrust would hold a conservation easement. The project ranked just a few points shy of the grant award, which encouraged us to reapply in 2005. Our second effort was successful! And a very generous, private, donor contributed the rest of the money!

Raising $1 million in 18 months was a victory. However, the appraised value didn't satisfy the Scout Council's expectations or financial needs. Ironically, on December 31, 2005, the same day that the grant award was publicly announced, the Southeast Scout Council dissolved itself and reorganized, with the Western Alaska Scout Council, into a new Great Alaska Council which operates out of Anchorage.

SEALTrust has held on to the grant through 2006 with the intent to present the Eagle Beach Conservation Project to the new Great Alaska Council. Unfortunately, at the end of November we received word that their Southeast Alaska representatives have “reached consensus to decline the offer.” Without the willingness of the local representatives, and knowing that the Great Alaska Council is in an expansion phase, SEALTrust’s only realistic option is to close the file on this Eagle Beach Project.

Clearly SEALTrust is motivated to secure the public’s interest in Eagle Beach, and of course, the Great Alaska Council members are obligated to pursue the Scout’s interests. These are not necessarily conflicting goals, but unfortunately, our respective interests did not overlap sufficiently for a mutually agreeable conservation project to bear fruit at this time. Situations obviously change, and we will stay open to future opportunities for securing public access and other conservation values at the Eagle Beach camp. We wish the SE scouting community success with their new organization and camp ventures.

As in all great endeavors, a disappointment won’t keep us from striding forward. The Southeast Alaska Land Trust is confidently moving ahead, firmly committed to “ensuring that vital natural areas will remain in place for the benefit of future generations.”