The clock was ticking as purchase options were about to expire, when, on January 22, Governor Tony Knowles used an executive privilege to approve permanent protection for 68 acres of intertidal land on both sides of the Homer Spit near Green Timbers and 38 acres along Beluga Slough across from McDonald's Restaurant. (See circles on map.) Two years ago, Kachemak Heritage Land Trust, the Trust for Public Land (a national land conservation organization with a northwest regional office in Seattle), and the City of Homer joined forces to prepare an acquisition proposal for the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS) Trustee Council.

Because of the importance of these parcels and the imminent threat of development made obvious by nearby permitted activities already taking place, it was imperative to act quickly to ensure their permanent protection. Tens of thousands of shorebirds are attracted each spring to these intertidal flats to feed on invertebrates. When such crucial habitat is lost, these travelers do not easily find alternate routes. Harbor seals, juvenile salmon, and a variety of waterfowl species also feed in the area. These same tidelands provide high-quality recreational and educational opportunities for thousands of visitors and residents including school children and scientists.

The Trust for Public Land secured purchase options from the five private landowners and KHLT rallied bird-watchers and many others to express their support for this small parcel program acquisition. A hearty thank you to each of you who wrote letters --according to EVOS Executive Director Molly McCammon, this project had more public support than any proposal to date!

The project moved smoothly through the acquisition process until it met an unexpected snag in the State Legislature. EVOS purchases must receive a legislative blessing even though no state money is being spent. We feared the project would be lost when we were told it could not be reviewed until late March, long after the purchase options expired. To our relief, at this critical point Governor Knowles interceded with his approval. The City of Homer will own and manage these properties under a protective conservation easement held by the U.S. Department of Justice. Coupled with adjacent land the City has dedicated to its newly-designated conservation zone, a neighboring property under conservation easement with KHLT, and the State's Kachemak Bay Critical Habitat Area designation, this acquisition will preserve forever resources on which both wildlife and people depend. Simultaneously, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has acquired key Beluga Slough properties intended for protection and minimal-impact use as a visitor center and a network of pedestrian trails. Each of these projects will enhance the value of the others toward creating an attractive environment for recreation and wildlife conservation. We appreciate this opportunity to work with the Trust for Public Land and the City of Homer on a project so very important to Homer's economy and to its quality of life.