National Park Trust Assists National Park Service with Gold Mining Purchase

The National Park Trust (NPT) and the National Park Service (NPS) announce the transfer of the deed to the Chittitu Mine in Alaska's Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve.

The National Park Trust (NPT) and the National Park Service (NPS) announce the transfer of the deed to the Chittitu Mine in Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve, a 907-acre inholding strategically located in the heart of the park.

"NPT was asked to help with the negotiations. This was a 'must' purchase for the park and we were pleased to have been part of the process," said Paul Pritchard, President of NPT. "Both the NPS and the owner were committed to the protection of the park. It makes all the difference in the world when you have a willing seller. NPT was asked to help keep the negotiations moving. The problems were more of a nature of misunderstandings than differences."

In addition to helping bring the negotiations to mutual agreement, NPT was called upon to help search for the missing patent at the National Archives. The patent was essential for the acquisition to be completed.

"NPT was there for us when we needed help," said Diane Wohlwend of NPS.

Mined continuously from 1902 through the early 1950's, Chittitu Creek was the largest gold producer in the Nizina District. It remains an important cultural resource, with numerous historic buildings and structures. Based on its local and regional significance and the quantity and condition of its artifacts, the Chittitu Creek drainage is considered eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Historical photos show miners at the tents, the impact on the terrain from mining, and some of the mining procedures.

"We appreciate the work of the National Park Trust in bringing this acquisition to completion," said Gary Candelaria, Superintendent of the park. "NPT got this moving when negotiations had reached an impasse, and helped both the NPS and the owner stay focused."

The National Park Trust is the only private land conservancy dedicated exclusively to America's parklands, saving nationally significant wildlife, scenic wonders, and historic monuments.

More information:
http://www.parktrust.org/projects/chittitu/release1.html

For more information, contact:
Robin Pritchard
Public Affairs
National Park Trust (NPT)
202-548-0500
robin@parktrust.org
Web site: http://www.parktrust.org