Protected Park
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, AK
In 2002, we supported the National Park Service (NPS) in acquiring more than 40 mining claims as well as land along Chititu, Rex, and White Creeks in the National Preserve. In our role, we leveraged our real estate and legal expertise to support NPS in negotiations with the property owner and uncovered missing information on past ownership that was key to allowing NPS to purchase the property.
Project Details:
Project Years: 2001 – 2002
Parcel Size: 907 acres
Park Trust Role: Research and legal support
Overview
Wrangell-St Elias is America’s largest national park. Acquisition of the property protected the rustic quality and historic buildings of the Alaskan precious gold mining era that began in the Chititu Creek area of the Nizina Mining District around 1902. Placer mining, or washing out gold from sand and gravel, was the primary method used there. The property also included mining camp buildings and other historic artifacts.
Why This Place Matters
The Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve has increased in popularity over the years. Although the Chititu area located within the Preserve is only accessible by air, the increase in tourist facilities in nearby private lands and hunting access was a concern for the preservation of this historic district. The transfer of the land from the private sector to the Park ensures that the visitor facilities on nearby private lands do not expand to this historically significant mining district.
Significance of the Acquisition:
- The public can see and learn about the early history of the Alaskan gold mining era, seeing sites and buildings from that time.
- Visitors can continue to have a rustic, remote wild area experience free from modern lodging and service facilities.
