KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Kayla Desroches/KMXT
The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly is on the cusp of deciding whether it will agree to hold conservation easements to Termination Point and Long Island. The contracts would restrict development and otherwise protect the natural resources on the two Lesnoi-owned properties.
The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council together with the Great Lands Trust have come before the assembly repeatedly since last summer asking them to hold those easements and have high hopes of the assembly agreeing.
Laurie Adams, director of the habitat program for the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council, says the assembly will soon hold a final vote on whether the borough will take on that role.
“All the stars seemed to be aligned at this point, it’s a lot of work to get to this point and I think we’re ready to move forward, and the trustee council is looking forward to hear back from the borough whether they would like to have this property that the trustee council is providing funding for.”
Borough Mayor Dan Rohrer says he can’t contribute a vote as mayor, but voiced his support.
“For me I think it’s a good thing for the community of Kodiak to hold the conservation easements, allowing the public to have access to those lands in perpetuity, I think that’s a really good thing for our community.”
The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly will discuss the issue at a work session Tuesday and may vote on it at its regular meeting Thursday, although Rohrer says the assembly has the option to postpone the decision. While the conservation easements are not new to the assembly, there are a few new assembly members who may need the extra time.
Rohrer also stresses the importance of public feedback in the borough process and encourages community members to speak to the assembly at the coming work session. That’ll be Tuesday beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Borough Conference room.
