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.

Read more about this story at the link below:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/great-land-trust-completes-land-deal-to-establish-new-potter-marsh-watershed-park

By Alyeska Resort staff

TNews Contributors

Alyeska Resort, nestled in the scenic town of Girdwood, Alaska, is one of North America's premier mountain destinations, celebrated for its breathtaking views, diverse outdoor activities, and exceptional skiing terrain. Located just 40 miles south of Anchorage, Alyeska offers a year-round escape into Alaska's wilderness, with activities suited for every season.

Winter Wonderland

Alyeska is perhaps best known as a winter paradise, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world. The resort receives an impressive average of 650+ inches of snowfall each season. With over 1,600 skiable acres, Alyeska caters to all skill levels, from gentle beginner slopes to challenging advanced runs. For thrill-seekers, Alyeska is home to some of North America's steepest terrain, with trails like Christmas Chute, which challenge even the most experienced skiers. In addition, Alyeska offers night skiing on select evenings January-March, allowing guests to prolong their time on the slopes! On clear nights, keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights shining above the Chugach Range.

For those not interested in skiing, Alyeska still has plenty to offer during winter. The resort offers snowshoe, Nordic ski, and fat bike rentals. With the surrounding Chugach Mountains creating a dramatic backdrop, winter activities here feel both invigorating and awe-inspiring.

End your winter adventure day with a snack at the Sitzmark or a hydrotherapy session at the Alyeska Nordic Spa. Hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxing café offer the perfect place to recuperate after a long day on the snow. Hot, Cold, Rest, Repeat!

Read the entire story at the below link:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/alyeska-resort-basecamp-for-adventure

By:  Brooks Chandler

TN Contributor

 The Chugach Arts Council has organized a unique Memorial Day celebration honoring six U.S. Army members who perished in a helicopter crash on Portage Glacier while assisting victims of the Good Friday earthquake in 1964.  

Chugach Arts Council Director Marie Wagner told TN the “Maynard Mountain Heros” will be recognized in a ceremony held at the Princess Cruise Ship Terminal in Whittier beginning at 1 pm on May 27.  Family members of 1st Lieutenant Robert J. Gilbert who perished during the “Operation Helping Hand” mission ferrying relief supplies to Whittier will be in attendance and will also spend a few days in Girdwood.  According to Ms. Wagner the event will feature poetry readings, Yup’ik , Tsimshian and Polynesian dance groups and Celtic music performed by Mary Schallert & Lisa Maloney.  

Exhibits will honor the military service of Alaska Natives, Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, Women, VietnamWar veterans,  Coast Guard members and Gold Star families.

The gathering will participate in the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m.for all those who died in military service to the United States.   This is a minute of silence done at 3 pm local time across the United States.

Those wishing to attend should take either the 11:30 or 12:30 tunnel in and plan to return on the 3:00 or 4:00 tunnel opening.  

If you would be interested in volunteering to help with the eventcontact Ms. Wagner at info@chugachartscouncil.org

For the agenda, please see the link below:

https://www.turnagainnews.org/articles/memorial-day-event-in-whittier

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Jennifer Wingard assumed a leadership role as co-chair of the Girdwood Board of Supervisors sharing governance responsibilities with current GBOS Co-Chair Briana Sullivan following Mike Edgington completing his tenure as co-chair to the GBOS.