Dr. Fred Sharpe and Dr. Andy Szabo mobilize a growing team of biologists, research partners, and universities in one of the planet’s most vital work; monitoring the health of Southeast Alaska’s whale populations.
Imagine if AWF was able to move its limited facility just a few hundred yards down the bay to a facility with 24/7 dependable hydroelectric power and back up diesel generation. Deep water dock infrastructure supplied by commercial double wall tank fuel containment and delivery system. Well maintained lodge buildings that can house year around staff, visiting researchers, and potential donors in a private convienient location.
The opportunity to leverage the essential work of the AWF to grow involvement, data collection, and the donor base is now. Mike and Sally Trotter are retiring Baranof Wilderness Lodge and would very much like to negotiate a transition of their real estate to the Alaska Whale Foundation.
By working together and engaging stakeholders this can happen.
The AWF and the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Marine Mammal Research Program entertained the addition of this property. It has since partnered with the National Geographic Society and Lindblad Expeditions. Utilizing the new Baranof Base Camp to showcase AWF work at a deep water port will provide needed exposure and result in a funding vehicle to power needed study into the future.
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Through a single donor with a contribution of $ the Alaska Whale Foundation can acquire the facilities and establish a Whale Legacy Fund to cover sustainment funds in perpetuity. The future Alaska Whale Foundation Baranof Base Camp will house research and serve as a point of sale for future donations to build on that research.
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The initial donor contribution will include the purchase of the real estate and establish an endowment fund of $ when invested at 5% will generate $ annually to support annual operating costs.
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A short scenic boardwalk carved into the ocean side cliffs connects the lodging facilities to a DNR permitted tide land dock, boat house, and fuel bay. All facilities are tied into hydro generated power and fresh water. The well appointed storage space and tool sheds will be repurposed to support research vessels, technology, and other needs.
As you continue down the boardwalk you arrive at an impressive home built on a rock bluff situated perfectly to watch whales feeding almost close enough to touch.
Moored to the floating dock, and included in the sale, can be a selection from an extensive fleet of watercraft to cater to Alaska Whale Foundation operational needs.
Accommodations include a duplex cabin and five single cabins, each elegantly furnished with pine paneling and armoires, featuring private bathroom facilities with hot showers, wash basins with hot and cold running water, and flush toilets.
An additional ten crew quarters ensure comfortable living spaces for more support personell.
The property also includes a hydropower house, powered by nearby Sadie Creek, which provides 24-hour electricity (60hz AC) to the entire lodge and two separate back up diesel generators. Additionally, there are dedicated facilities for storaging waders and boots, a storage shop with a food room, and separate laundry facilities.
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The property features a range of well-maintained structures. The main lodge serves as the central hub for food service, presentations, and research processing. The Point Cabin will host VIP’s that look to the AWF for their philanthropy. The five guest cabins will offer private accommodations for current staff, visiting researchers, graduate students, and interns.
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The Alaska Whale Foundation is partnered with
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Warm Springs Bay is famous for its natural hot springs, which have been enjoyed for centuries, including by the native Tlingit Indians. Once a herring reduction plant, the site was chosen for its protected setting, deep water, and abundant flowing fresh water from Sadie Creek that transects the property.
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Owned and operated by Mike and Sally Trotter, Baranof Wilderness Lodge brings together over three decades of experience in fishing, exploring, and outfitting in Alaska.
Now it is time for the property to serve as the base camp for world wide marine health.
Owner/Broker-Charlie Powers
Charlie Powers holds a deep passion for marine mammals and the overall health of our planets oceans. Charlie owned a lodge, commercial fished, taught school, raised a family, and managed a native corporation on Kodiak Island. In the remote village of Old Harbor, Charlie’s students would collect tissue samples from Stellar Sea Lions and Harbor Seals that elders harvested through substance to Kate Wynne at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in cooperation with the Kodiak Marine Science Center. His students collected shellfish in a cooperative venture of developing test kits for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. His lodge became the largest employer in the village with a local only policy. Later he was Vice President of Koniag, Inc, where he managed all of its fee simple estate and liaisoned with local villages. In his 30 years of being in coastal communities he has witnessed a rapid decline of sea mammals and fish communities. His company now wants to give back by finding a way for the Alaska Whale Foundation to grow its endowments and showcase its work.
Charlie can be reached at 907-654-5614