The Alaska Department of Natural Resources is accepting proposals from people or businesses interested in providing educational services and guided nature walks at the Eagle River Nature Center.
The nature center, located in Chugach State Park at the east end of Eagle River Road, is currently maintained and operated by Friends of the Eagle River Nature Center. Their permit expires Dec. 31.
"Friends" is a non-profit organization founded by Asta Spurgis, Carole Lloyd and the late Dick Lloyd in 1996 when budget cuts threatened the future of the center's operation. That year, Chugach State Park accepted their bid, and "Friends" assumed financial and managerial responsibility for the center.
Their state-issued permit was automatically renewed in 2001. Spurgis, director of operations for the center, said the Request for Proposal was issued because automatic renewal was not an option this time around.
Spurgis said "Friends" will submit an RFP by the Nov. 30 deadline.
"Friends" is a non-profit organization that relies on personal donations, corporate sponsors, memberships, parking fees, fundraising merchandise sales and cabin rentals for revenue. Spurgis said the state, which owns the building, does provide help with some building maintenance costs.
With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the nature center offers interpretive programs, nature studies, guided walks, opportunities for wildlife viewing, public use cabins and a yurt.
Although their future at the nature center is somewhat uncertain, "Friends" has little doubt about their past performance.
"We're confident we've done a good job and exceeded the expectations of the state and the community," Spurgis said.
If awarded to "Friends," the concession contract could extend their operation of the center for up to 25 years.
Spurgis said they hope to stick around long enough to increase services and meet growing demands without overdeveloping the area. At the very least, "Friends" would like to just continue doing what they're doing now.
"We provide a public service to the community," she said.
Jerry Lewanski, director of The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, said all offers will be evaluated with the same goal in mind.
"We want to provide as good or better service," Lewanski said.
The division hopes to come to a decision by Dec. 9. An intent to award notice and 10-day protest period will precede the contract award.
If the process goes beyond Dec. 31, Lewanski said a short-term agreement with "Friends" would likely maintain services in the interim.
"We have no intention of interrupting services at the center," he said.
An hour-long pre-proposal conference was held Monday at the nature center providing an opportunity for interested parties to ask questions.
Spurgis said only one other interested party - a representative from the Native Villiage of Eklutna - was present at the session.
For more information, call the Department of Natural Resources at 269-8666 or visit www.dnr.state.ak.us/ to view the media release "Eagle River Nature Center Request for Proposals Available."
