MEMORANDUM NO. 03-201

DATE: November 19, 2003

TO: Mayor Cushing / Homer City Council

FROM: Walt Wrede

SUBJECT: Funding Request / Land Acquisition in Bridge Creek Watershed

Daisy Lee Bitter came to visit me a few weeks ago to tell me that the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies was attempting to purchase two lots immediately adjacent to the Wynn Nature Center. The lots comprise approximately 9.2 acres and are part of the Bridge Creek Watershed. They are relatively wet but could be developed using a fair amount of fill material. The Center hopes to purchase the property and add it to the Wynn Nature Center. As you can see from the attached fact sheet, the Center is seeking donations from interested parties. Daisy Lee approached me because she heard that the City was interested in acquiring or otherwise protecting property within the Bridge Creek Watershed.

I think this is a good opportunity to partner with the Center and the general public in an effort to protect the municipal watershed and promote conservation. I would recommend that the Council make a financial contribution to this effort.

RECOMMENDATION: Make a contribution of $3,000 to $5,000 from funds contained in the Land Bank.