Land Protected for Raptor Center Site (AK)

JUNEAU, ALASKA, 9/12/03 – The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national land conservation organization, has protected a 10.5-acre parcel of open space adjacent to Brotherhood Park that had been slated for development.

Located on the west side of Juneau’s glacier-fed Mendenhall River in the Mendenhall Valley, the 10.5 acre property features a lush meadow and spectacular views of the glacier, and borders the Kaxdigoowu Heen Dei Trail, a popular route for hikers, runners, and cyclists.

In addition to key open space lands being added to the signature Brotherhood Park, the property will also become the new home of the currently displaced Juneau Raptor Center/Alaska Coastal Wildlife Center. The newly located center will provide a local facility for raptor rehabilitation and environmental education. The Center will also allow for local field research, educational programs and southeast Alaska’s natural history, and a consolidation of wild animal rehabilitation facilities, including raptor rehabilitation and housing facilities.

The property was conveyed to the City of Juneau who will add it to Brotherhood Park and relocate the Raptor Center to the site. U.S. Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured the funding necessary to enable the City to acquire the property for protection.

“This new addition will enhance Brotherhood Park. The new land being added to the park gives us even more space for recreation, and once the Alaska Coastal Wildlife Center has been constructed, the raptor center will have a permanent home in a first-class facility,” said Senator Stevens.

“This effort would not have been possible without the foresight and leadership of Senator Ted Stevens. We are grateful for his hard work on behalf of the Raptor Center. The incredible conservation value of this beautiful property is rivaled only by the dedication of the community to making sure it was protected. It offers a tremendous addition to Brotherhood Park and a terrific home for the Juneau Raptor Center who will in turn offer the community a new array of education and wildlife rehabilitation services,” said TPL Project Manager Rinee Merritt.

Juneau Raptor Center Board President Sandy Harbanuk said, “It’s extremely satisfying for our organization to be able to help conserve a significant green space in Juneau while educating about nature in southeast Alaska and rehabilitating injured animals. We’re very thankful for the leadership of Senator Ted Stevens, the assistance of the Trust for Public Land, the help and cooperation of the City & Borough of Juneau, and the continuing interest of the community in our work and future.”

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 1.5 million acres of land in 46 states. In Alaska, TPL has protected nearly 70,000 acres. TPL depends on the support and generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses to achieve land for people mission. For more information, please visit www.tpl.org.