Supporting Land Acquisition on Afognak Island, AK

While National Park Trust traditionally works directly with the National Park Service on land acquisition, in 2001, we stepped in to build the capacity of a local land trust, Kodiak Brown Bear Trust, to acquire land important to the protection and conservation of salmon, marine mammals, and iconic species such as the Kodiak brown bear on Afognak Island. The Park Trust extended a loan of $10,000 to the Kodiak Brown Bear Trust to acquire this land.

Open in Maps

Project Details:

Project Years: 2001 – 2004

Park Trust Role: Providing Bridge Funding

Overview

Since its founding in 1981, the Kodiak Brown Bear Trust’s mission has been to support the conservation of Kodiak brown bears and protect their wilderness habitat. The trust funds research, management, habitat protection, and educational outreach. We provided a loan to the organization, and it was critical for them to hire personnel to complete a time-sensitive land acquisition project.

Why This Place Matters

Kodiak and Afognak Islands are some of the largest islands in the United States. All five species of Pacific salmon are found there, supporting a healthy population of salmon-feeding wildlife. A distinct species of brown bear, the Kodiak brown bear, thrives on these islands since a large part of the land is protected as a national wildlife refuge and a state park. The refuge is inaccessible by road, further protecting its wildness. At least 247 species of birds have been seen on the islands, and winter bird counts are some of the highest in Alaska

Significance of the Acquisition:

• Acquired properties enhanced the protection of wildlife populations on the coast of Afognak Island in the Kodiak Archipelago.
• The Kodiak Brown Bear Trust was able to continue operations and obtain funding that allowed repayment of the loan and continued conservation operations.
• The protection of animals and habitats allowed the public to continue to experience the Alaskan islands in their natural state, with continued diversity of wildlife.