The USDA Forest Service finalized the final phase of a purchase of nearly 23,000 acres of land on Admiralty Island from Shee Atiká, Incorporated.

For each of the last four years, Congress has appropriated funds through the Land and Water Conservation Fund for the acquisition of the Cube Cove lands, which both the Forest Service and Shee Atiká are excited to have completed.

“The completion of the Cube Cove land transfer was truly a monumental team effort.” said Pamela Steffes, Chairman of the Board, Shee Atiká, Inc. The corporation said it is grateful to the Forest Service and the Alaska congressional delegation for working together on the project, a sentiment shared by Alaska Regional Forester David Schmid, “A historic opportunity, with a wonderful partner – Shee Atiká — allowing us to continue our mission of connecting people to nature,” he commented.

Cube Cove is located 30 miles south of Juneau, Alaska, and 20 miles north of Angoon, on Admiralty Island within the Kootznoowoo Wilderness and the Tongass National Forest.
Now publicly owned, the newly acquired lands will be managed as designated wilderness by the Forest Service, which provides the public with opportunities for remote and primitive recreation. Those interested in learning more about these opportunities should visit www.wilderness.net for specific guidelines for land uses in the Kootznoowoo Wilderness Area; or they may call the Admiralty National Monument direct at (907) 586-8800.

Read the full press release here.