Land Will Be Added to Brotherhood Park (AK)

Juneau, Alaska 3/28/2003 – The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit conservation organization, today announced it is working to protect 10.5 acres of land at the south end of Brotherhood Park in Juneau. The property will be transferred to the city for inclusion into the park.

In addition, a portion of the site will become the new home of the Juneau Raptor Center. Founded in 1986, the all-volunteer nonprofit center has nursed hundreds of owls, eagles, and other birds back to health. The new facility will also increase its education programs.

“Protection of this property will also provide a permanent home for the Raptor Center, which previously has operated in various locations throughout the city. Moreover, adding this tract to the park will allow for increased public recreation and will further protect the views of the Mendenhall Glacier,” said Rinee Merritt, the TPL project manager. “I am thrilled to have worked with so many people within the Juneau community to help preserve this parcel.”

Merritt praised Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, who led the effort to secure federal funding for the project. “Without Sen. Stevens, this project would not have happened. With his leadership, this land will be added to the park for the enjoyment of everyone in Juneau,” she said.

Juneau Mayor Sally Smith said, “It is wonderful that this Juneau playground will be permanently protected and enhanced with a raptor center. We owe a lot to Sen. Stevens for securing the funding.”

Sandy Harbanuk, director of the Raptor Center, said, “It is really exciting to have the opportunity to move forward. We are really thankful to Sen. Stevens. The Juneau Raptor Center gets a first-class rehabilitation facility, as well as the chance to expand our education and research programs. And Juneau gets additional park space in an area already heavily used by the community for recreation, preservation of the viewshed of the Mendenhall Glacier, and a gem of a natural science center.”

The Trust for Public Land is a national nonprofit land conservation organization conserving land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, and natural areas, ensuring livable communities for generations to come. Since its founding in 1972, TPL has helped protect more than 1.6 million acres of land in 45 states. TPL depends on the support of individuals, foundations and businesses. For more information, call (206) 587-2447.