Juneau, AK – The Southeast Alaska Land Trust (SEALT) announced the recent acquisition and conservation of 2.5 acres of wetlands adjacent to Juneau’s Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge (Refuge). It is located within the lands traditionally owned, used, and named by the Tlingit Áak’w Kwáan.
The property, named Eagles View, sits between the residential area of the Mendenhall Peninsula and the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge (Refuge). The acquisition of this parcel is the latest of several conservation properties along both the Mendenhall Peninsula and the Refuge, and expands upon the established conservation areas to safeguard important habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife, to maintain excellent, local recreation opportunities, and to preserve the Refuge boundary.
The 2.5-acre Eagles View property and the Refuge are both a part of the Mendenhall Wetlands, the third largest saltwater tidal marsh in Southeast Alaska. The Mendenhall Wetlands are also globally recognized as an “Important Bird Area,” a vital area used year-round by hundreds of resident and migratory birds. The diverse ecosystem of the wetlands also supports numerous species of fish and other wildlife, including deer, bears, and river otters.
“Protection of the Eagles View parcel will help ensure that important wetlands surrounding the Refuge remain available as resting and feeding habitat for an impressive variety of ducks, geese, and shorebirds”, according to SEALT’s Executive Director, Steve Brockmann. “The land is now open to public recreation, but it will never be filled or otherwise developed,” he added.
Eagles View was originally part of the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge and became private property through a process known as “accretion.” As coastal glaciers retreat, lowland areas once covered by ice begin to rise and when land that was formerly underwater is lifted above the mean high tide line, it is known as “accreted” land. Landowners with property abutting the Refuge are legally entitled to claim this newly uplifted land as private property.
Since 2002, SEALT has been working with owners of accreted land adjacent to the Refuge to permanently preserve these vital wetlands and the Refuge boundary. The acquisition of Eagles View will maintain public access to this scenic property, as well as preserve important wildlife habitat. SEALT now conserves 21 parcels and over 103 acres abutting the Refuge.
“Eagles View is an important link in the network of existing conservation lands along the Mendenhall Wetlands State Game Refuge,” said Jay Nelson, President of the Board of Directors. “As Juneau grows, this rich and diverse urban wetland will become increasingly precious as a spawning and rearing area for salmon and other species and a source of recreation for residents and visitors alike. This acquisition is a win for Juneau’s future.”
The Eagles View conservation property will be owned and managed as open space by SEALT. The Eagles View property is free and open year-round to the public for passive recreation, including hiking, birding, and exploring.
The Southeast Alaska Land Trust has been working to conserve lands adjacent to the Refuge, as well as other important habitats in southeast Alaska since 1995. The organization works to preserve the natural resources of the region and to facilitate public recreational and educational opportunities. The Southeast Alaska Land Trust conserves over 3,600 acres of land throughout Southeast Alaska.
Read more about the Mendenhall Peninsula conservation properties and see a map at this link.