Project Information

Title: PWS 4009 Meals Hill Protection Project

Project Year and Number: 2017: PWS 4009

Other Fiscal Years and Numbers for this Project: None

Principal Investigator (PI): Amanda Hults (Great Land Trust)

Managing Agency: ADNR

Assisting Personnel: None

Research Location: Valdez, AK

Restoration Category: General Restoration, Habitat Protection

Injured Resources Addressed: Not Specified

Abstract:

This project encompasses the permanent protection of approximately 184 acres in the Port Valdez area adjacent to the Valdez Ferry Terminal in Prince William Sound. The Meals Hill property consists of two parcels that contain habitat ranked in the highest priority category in the 2014 Great Land Trust EVOS Habitat Land Prioritization. The parcels are also in close proximity to prior EVOSTC habitat protection projects and thus build on past EVOSTC efforts.

The parcels were purchased using EVOS funds and are now held by the City of Valdez. A conservation easement is also held by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. The City of Valdez is currently in the process of designing and constructing recreational improvements on the property.

Injured services and species recovery and habitat protection is the EVOSTC’s focus in the spill area. Acquisition of this property contributes to EVOSTC area-wide goals, including recreation uses and habitat protection for injured species. Injured species are dependent on the coastal, wetland, and upland habitats provided by these parcels. Protection of the parcels conserves habitat for fish, shore birds, seabirds, migratory birds, and mammal species. The protection of Meals Hill also provides recreational opportunities by securing public access to a unique, locally accessible coastal property with existing trails for non-motorized recreation along the coast and within walking distance to the Ferry Terminal, Valdez Small Boat Harbor, and downtown Valdez. Protection of the property also has created public access for multiple recreational activities including hiking, biking, kayaking, bird and wildlife viewing, and berry picking.


Proposal: Not Available

Reports:
FY22 Q2 Report: View (282 KB)
FY22 Q3 Report: View (282 KB)
FY22 Q4 Report: View (999 KB)
FY23 Q1 Report: View (983 KB)
FY23 Q2 Report: View (283 KB)
FY23 Q3 Report: View (999 KB)
FY23 Q4 Report: View (971 KB)
FY24 Q1 Report: View (1,001 KB)

Publications from this Project: None Available

Resolutions: