Greetings Southeast Alaska Land Trust members and friends,

It’s time for winter reflections and a conservation update. It’s also time to ask for your generous 2007 membership contribution.

SEALTrust’s 10th year will end by putting in place our 9th conservation easement on a 3.62-acre wetland parcel in the fen meadow bordering Strawberry Creek! Strawberry Creek is the main rearing stream for sockeye, coho and pinks in the Herbert and Eagle Rivers system. Songbirds, waterfowl and raptors nest and feed in the fen meadow. SEALTrust will donate this land to the City and Borough of Juneau for addition to the Amalga Meadow Natural Area Park.

Three other large projects are also moving ahead. We have funds committed for acquiring a 65-acre privately-owned parcel within Pt. Bridget State Park and have made an offer to purchase it at the appraised value. If the landowner is willing, SEALTrust will donate that property to the State Park.

We are working with two different ad-hoc groups in Ketchikan—the Leask Users Coalition, and the Coast Guard Beach Working Group—to help secure public access and conservation protection on parcels owned by the Alaska Mental Health Trust.

The Leask Lakes project is a 1,065-acre parcel at the head of George Inlet. Our $2 million Leask Lakes grant application for Forest Legacy Program funds was ranked second in the Alaska program and is now in national competition. The Coast Guard Beach project comprises two properties totaling 73.5 acres of beach front land along the Tongass Narrows. The Gateway Borough Assembly recently passed two resolutions supporting continued public access through the property. Acquisition discussions are just beginning.

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.

SEALTrust offered to purchase, at appraised value, the entrance, their wetlands and the beach at the Eagle River Scout Camp. This land would be added to the Amalga Natural Area Park, SEALTrust would hold a conservation easement, and the Scouts would own the camp site.

We raised $1 million in 18 months through grant awards and a very generous, private donation. However, the appraised value didn't satisfy the Scout Council's expectations or financial needs. The Southeast Alaska representatives on their new Great Alaska Scout Council have recently “reached consensus to decline the offer.” SEALTrust will stay open to future opportunities for securing public access and other conservation values at the Eagle Beach Scout Camp and wish the SE scouting community success with their new organization and 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.”

We hope you agree that our work makes an important contribution to Southeast Alaskan communities. We couldn’t do any of it without receiving your support. Your annual, tax-deductible, membership donations are SEALTrust’s main source of operating funds. Your generous gifts allow us to:

    1    network with communities and willing land owners;
    2    build strategies and attract grant funds for community conservation projects; and
    3    assist private landowners interested in conserving family lands.

Please renew your membership now. Memberships also make a wonderful gift!

Thank you again for your continued support.

Peace on Earth and Best Wishes for 2007!

Sincerely,