Great Land Trust completes Land Deal to establish new Potter Marsh Watershed Park
Land Conservation Organization announcement outlines partnership creating new 300-acre conservation easement
Great Land Trust, a local nonprofit focused on land conservation, successfully completed a landmark transaction on Tuesday, Dec. 31, in partnership with the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) that creates the 300-acre Potter Marsh Watershed Park in Anchorage.
After four years of negotiations and fundraising efforts, GLT secured over $6 million to protect this vital habitat. The newly acquired land has now been transferred to the MOA Department of Parks & Recreation, where it will be managed as a public park, with a conservation easement held by GLT to safeguard its ecological values forever.
Located directly above the iconic Potter Marsh, the new park stretches from Golden View Drive on the east to the Old Seward Highway on the west. The 300-acre park is adjacent to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge (which contains Potter Marsh) and Chugach State Park, creating a significant corridor for wildlife conservation and recreation. Multiple streams run through the new park property and significantly contribute to the wetlands of Potter Marsh below.
“This has been a long-awaited project for the Anchorage community, and we are thrilled to see it come to fruition,” said Ellen Kazary, Executive Director of Great Land Trust. “Not only will this park provide new opportunities for wildlife viewing and hiking, but it will also protect critical habitats, including wetlands, streams, and forests that support abundant wildlife in the new park and in Potter Marsh. It’s a win for both conservation and the community.”
Strategic Partnerships & Funding
The creation of Potter Marsh Watershed Park was made possible through strategic partnerships and generous funding.
GLT raised funds and acquired 200 acres of undeveloped land above Potter Marsh from GCI, a telecommunications company operating in Alaska. GCI sold the land below appraised value, and the discounted sale price was used to leverage federal grants.
GLT also collaborated with the MOA Real Estate Department to designate 100 acres of adjacent land from the Heritage Land Bank for conservation and parkland. Combined, the properties form a 300-acre public park, now owned and managed by the MOA Department of Parks & Recreation for all of Anchorage and its many visitors to enjoy.
The project has been supported by a variety of funding sources, including two National Coastal Wetlands grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, the first-ever Community Forest Program grant from the U.S. Forest Service awarded in Alaska, and a grant from the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. Additional financial support has come from the Rasmuson Foundation, Anchorage Audubon, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, ConocoPhillips Alaska, and Alaska Conservation Foundation, alongside over $240,000 raised from local community donors.
A Vision for the Future
The park is now open to the public, offering several miles of basic trails and breathtaking views of Potter Marsh, the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, and Turnagain Arm. GLT and the MOA Parks & Recreation Department are planning to kick off a master planning process in the next two to three years with the community to determine the park’s future infrastructure and recreational offerings. Stay connected with Parks and Recreation on social media and their website for updates on participation opportunities when the master plan process begins.
“It’s no secret that people come to Anchorage, and they stay in Anchorage, because of the amount of parks, open spaces, and recreational opportunities we can provide,” said Taylor Keegan, Parks Superintendent for the Municipality of Anchorage Parks and Recreation Department. “So, to continue to grow that feels really special, and exciting. We’re happy to do it.”
“Potter Marsh has long been one of Anchorage’s most beloved natural areas, attracting over 200,000 visitors a year from Alaska and around the world,” said Kazary. “By establishing this new park, we’re ensuring Potter Marsh will remain protected for generations to come while also expanding opportunities for the public to enjoy this incredible landscape.”
The Potter Marsh Watershed Park is poised to become a treasured destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout Anchorage, further cementing the community’s commitment to preserving and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
(This public service announcement is courtesy of Great Land Trust. GLT is a nonprofit founded by Alaskans for Alaskans with a mission to conserve the lands and waters essential to the quality of life and economic health of Alaskan communities. Since 1995, GLT has conserved over 56,000 acres of priority wildlife habitat, permanently protected more than 100 miles of salmon streams, secured increased access to public lands, and created parks and public natural areas throughout its Southcentral Alaska service area, including nine parks in Anchorage. For more information visit our website at www.greatlandtrust.org.)
Photo Credit: Bob Waldrop (top photo) Carl Johnson (story photo) Map Credit: Great Land Trust