The purposes for which this Corporation is organized are:
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To educate the public on Guard Island(s) maritime, lighthouse and ecological heritage and preservation.
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To promote and provide access to and use of Guard Island(s) lands, tidelands and lighthouse and help provide infrastructure appropriate for many user group's utilization of this site.
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To engage in and promote such charitable activities as may be authorized by the Board of Directors and which are consistent with the nonprofit status of this corporation and regulations interpreting section 501 (C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
OVERVIEW:
The Guard Island property of approximately 10.5 acres including the Historic Lighthouse would be made the focal destination of an historic ecotour by tour boat, featuring maritime and ecological heritage, museum and fine art and a boardwalk interpretive trail. PURPOSE: Visitors would be offered a unique and educational experience of touring a working lighthouse and selfguided historical and ecological tour. The lighthouse would serve as a maritime artifact, gift and art gallery. The facility would welcome and encourage the following:
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Boy Scouts / Girl scouts, camp out and compass course site: April - October,
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Youth group / adult / business / arts - retreat center, school field trips: April - October,
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Cruise ship passengers in port for 6 - 10 hours daily - 3 1/2 hour tour: May - Sept.,
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Independent travelers, tour groups, general public and local residents: All year long.
EXPERIENCE:
The experience would be informative and entertaining with ample opportunities for photography and interaction with the tour guides. The selfguided interpretive trail will be comprehensive. This experience would include but not be limited to the following:
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Navigation education, Maritime Heritage, Guard Island Lighthouse history,
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Other aides to navigation as viewed from Guard Island and enroute,
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Scenery; Prince of Wales, Gravina, Cleveland Peninsula, Tongass National Forest,
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Weather and sea; wind, waves, clouds, daylight, precipitation,
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Wildlife; eagles, sea birds, intertidal, salmon, orcas, humpbacks, seals, sealions...
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Vegetation; trees, brush, grass, moss, flowers, lichens, ferns, seaweed.....
ALTERATIONS:
The infrastructure on Guard Island will be implemented as follows:
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Install a pier and dock with rip-rap and floating breakwaters approved by Army Corps of Engineers
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Repair and upgrade the structure for the purpose of cleanliness, general appearance and safety while maintaining the historical integrity of the buildings and light function.
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Address concerns of lead based paint, asbestos and fuel oil contamination.
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Construct boardwalks about the perimeter of Guard Island with observation decks and educational and interpretive signs to identify plants, animals, navigational aides, history, maritime lore, etc.....
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Reconstruct the boat house to historical dimensions for use as a mustering / classroom area. Use sky light Lexan roofing. Reconstruct carpenter's shop for storage and food prep. Construct his & hers flush toilets with sinks and drinking water system. Construct 100 person amphitheater / campfire, lecture, class, entertainment and scouting area.
CONCLUSION:
This proposal would serve the needs of the public, who seeks interesting and educational interactive experiences with historically significant properties and locations. The commercial value of this proposal would ensure the highest standards of safety and maintenance, provide insurance and indemnify future organizers and supporters of this plan.
UPDATE: Oct. 17, 2008, Constance M. Callahan, JD, Pacific Area Lighthouse Program Manager from Oakland, CA. reports that the USCG Civil Engineering Unit, Juneau, AK is working on cleaning up environmental hazards on the property in consultation with the Alaska Department of Environmental quality. She suspects that this process will likely be next spring or summer at the earliest before the National Park Service issues the NOA (Notice Of Availability) for Guard Island Lighthouse. Guard Island Heritage, Inc. presently has over 1,500 members and circa $40,000 in savings and is poised to move forward with the project.
GIH, Inc.
