Glacier Real Estate Rout

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On Saturday, 4 December 2010, on the Vancouver Cooperative Radio program Redeye, Jane Williams interviewed, first, Robyn Duncan, Purcell Program Manager, Wildsight, and, second, Kathryn Teneese, Chair, Ktunaxa Nation Council. Topics discussed included the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort, its potentially adverse impacts on grizzly bears, the Ktunaxa sacred site known as Qat’muk, and the Qat’muk Declaration. 

Here are snippets of the interviews: 

Jane Williams: “Now, this Jumbo Glacier ski resort would be built 55 km west of Invermere. Can you describe the terrain and environment in the area that would be affected?” 

Robyn Duncan: “Sure. So, you’re correct. It would be located 55 km west of Invermere. And it’s accessible at this point only by a very rough forest service road. They have the four season ski resort planned for four glaciers. So we’re talking about very, what I would call, gnarly and extremely beautiful terrain of the four glaciers: Jumbo Glacier, Karnak Glacier, Commander Glacier and Farnham Glacier.” 

JW: “What kind of development would that ski hill bring to the area?” 

RD: “Well, in full build-out they plan to have more than 20 lifts to access these four glaciers, build more than 6000 beds to host staff and visitors, and host a myriad number of townhouses, condominiums and other forms of permanent residences.” 

JW: “Wow! That’s a tremendous amount of development in that area.” 

RD: “It is indeed.” 

JW: “What do we know about the importance of the area for the grizzly bear population?” 

RD: “Well, we’ve always recognized this area as extremely important for wildlife, in particular for the grizzly bear, to function both as core habitat and as wildlife corridor. There was recent data released this summer by Doctor Michael Proctor, an internationally renowned grizzly bear biologist, which solidifies this and highlights the absolute critical importance of maintaining the grizzly bear population not only in Jumbo Creek and its adjacent watersheds but all around. His data shows us that the Jumbo Creek grizzly bear is really critical to maintaining the populations in the entire Purcell Mountain Range.” 

JW: “And why is it so critical?” 

RD: “Any large scale development, like the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort, would seriously fragment the wildlife habitat around the area and it would challenge the ability of the grizzly bear to move both north and south. In fact, there’s only two viable trans-boundary wildlife corridors for species like the grizzly bear and the wolverine to cross back and forth across the Canadian-US border and the Purcell Mountain corridor is one of these. It is for this reason that the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative also considers the Purcell Mountains one of its priority working areas. So really the Jumbo Glacier Resort would seriously fragment the ability of the grizzly bear to move north and south along the mountain range.” …
Jane Williams: “Now, it’s [i.e. the opposition to the project is] interesting because often in these kinds of situations there will be a conflict of interest of the local people who need jobs and people who want to preserve the environment. But that’s not the case in this situation?” 

Robyn Duncan: “That’s not the case in this situation at all. Like I said, there has been steadfast opposition from the beginning, from the local population.” 

JW: “And why is it they haven’t wanted those jobs that the resort construction would bring in?” 

RD: “Well, the East and West Kootenay regions already host a large number of ski resorts and they’re all struggling to be economically viable. The main reason that they do maintain viability economically is through real estate sales. And first off, the people in the Kootenay region don’t want to see another ski resort in the area. We think that if we are going to invest in developing ski resorts, we should focus on those that are already there, in operation. And secondly, if the Jumbo Glacier Resort was to be approved there would no doubt be an influx of short term construction jobs. But I stress that it would be short term jobs only and based on the models that have been used at other ski resorts in our areas, we see that they frequently bring in construction firms from other cities. So it doesn’t mean these jobs are necessarily going to benefit our local community.” 

JW: “Now, opponents of a proposed resort near Squamish have claimed that the resort is not viable and they say that it’s really a land grab to build expensive condos. Is there any sense that a similar motivation is behind this development? 

RD: “Indeed there is. Like I say, ski resorts maintain their economic viability through real estate sales. So using the term “land grab” would not be far off at all for this situation either.” …
Jane Williams: “Now, why is the area that’s being threatened with development important to you?” 

Kathryn Teneese: “Well, it’s a critical part of our territory that holds – I guess, that could be considered to be the holder of – some spiritual values that are very important to us.” 

JW: “Tell me a little bit more about that?” 

KT: “Well, the area that’s known as Qat’muk is the home of not only the physical grizzly bear but also the home of what we call the Grizzly Bear Spirit, which in our belief is the strongest spiritual guide of the Ktunaxa Nation. And so, it’s obviously something that we want to ensure that is afforded protection, as much as we possibly can, given the amount of involvement, the infringement, or desecration even, that has taken place already.” 

JW: “So, it’s much more than just a large predator in the area that you hope to preserve. It’s deeply important to your culture?” 

KT: “Yes. It’s something that we as Ktunaxa people are very protective of in terms of our spirituality. And that’s part of the reason we haven’t spoken of it prior to now because we had expected that the information that had been provided through the various processes that your earlier guest spoke about that would have been sufficient for the government to come to a conclusion that the idea of a development in that area was not viable and didn’t make a whole lot of sense. However, when it became apparent to us that that wasn’t carrying the day and was obviously not being given the level of consideration that it should have been – that we had from the beginning identified the area as an area of spiritual importance, however we have not elaborated because that is not something that we do.” 

JW: “What led to a decision to take a declaration to Victoria?” 

KT: “Well, we were sort of watching the developments as they were unfolding and the messaging that we were getting seemed to lead to a conclusion that the government was moving down the road towards approval. And we felt, well, we need to be very – crystal – clear where we stand in terms of involvement in that part of our territory, whether it’s this project or any other kind of activity that is in opposition to what we identified as principles in our Declaration and accompanying stewardship principles. So we thought, well, we better be very clear, we’re going out on a limb, and we’re putting on the record for all to see, our connection to that place and what we are prepared to do in order to ensure the protection of that place.” 

JW: “Now, as you say, you set out stewardship principles and some explicit environmental approaches. What is your plan for Qat’muk?” 

KT: “Well, that’s what we’ve identified in our Declaration. We’ve indicated that we are prepared to sit down with whoever is interested in developing a management plan. But we want to ensure that the key areas that we identified as the Refuge Area and the Buffer Zone, that the integrity of those places is protected as best we can. And that’s not to say that other activities cannot occur within the area known as Qat’muk. But we want to ensure that the concerns that we have are taken into consideration as we move forward.” 

JW: “What does your declaration say about the proposed development of a ski hill?” 

KT: “We don’t really make specific reference because it’s not just about the ski hill. Obviously, the proposed ski hill is in the area. But we are speaking to Qat’muk as it relates to our right as a nation of people to protect and to afford protection to areas that are of spiritual concern to us, as referenced, for example, in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”  …
Jane Williams: “What kind of support do you need from both other governments and from non-government organizations, from people listening to you right now?” 

Kathryn Teneese: “Well, what we’re looking for is for people to inform themselves about who we are, number one, and our relationship to our territory. And develop and build an understanding of why we’re bringing forward the information that we have brought forward and hoping that we can work with others in terms of ensuring that the stewardship responsibilities that we have as Ktunaxa people in relation to our homeland, that we can indeed fulfill our obligations that have been given to us as part of who we are as a people and our connection to our territory.” 

A new mountainside neighborhood – unlike any other in Maine… Great Brook Preserve is a premium, new mountainside village located next to the world class Sunday River ski and golf resort in the heart of the spectacular Mahoosuc Mountains of Western Maine. Not just land for sale…

This is not a mountain slope skiing resort. It is not an Alps skiing resort. It is a glacier skiing resort in which snow cover is complemented by another glacier, the Stubai. This means that during winter, the almost 6 miles of ski runs will have an excellent cover of snow, as well as six feet of snow base. But the snow cover, the snow base, and their pristine white landscape are not the reasons why the new ski resort of Moelltal Glacier is considered a very romantic ski resort. The romance is found at the summit.

The summit of the new ski resort of Moelltal Glacier is located at about 2 miles above sea level with snow that continues to fall even during the first week of May. From the summit, the couple can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, as well as dreamy moments of isolation. The glacier always tempts people to skate and explore as well encourages couples to enjoy the unbelievable solitude. The summit of the new ski resort of Moelltal Glacier is most likely the most romantic venue for men and women who love winter. 
To get to the summit of the new ski resort of Moelltal Glacier, the romantic skiers can choose any of the three lifts. There is also the famous Glacier Jet Express, a high-speed chair lift that has a capacity of six and can take a romantic couple straight to the summit. On the way to or from the summit, the romantic couple can find various opportunities to enjoy the winter vacation in this new ski resort. There is the unique challenge of ice climbing the frozen waterfall. There is the one-of-a-kind chance to be enjoying a horse sledding ride. And there is also the rare experience of snow rafting.

Romance is also found beyond the summit. The new ski resort of Moelltal Glacier has a terrain park that offers a relaxing alternative to a thrill-filled adventure. From the park, which is named the High Tauern National Park, the couple will find themselves surrounded by spectacular alpine landscapes, with the Neunbrunn waterfalls, the breathtaking canyons, and the ancient rock structures. The romantic couple can hold hands while exploring the rest of the glacier ski resort. They will be happily surprised by glimpses of elegant breed of Haflinger horses. The new ski resort of Moelltal Glacier has ski tours available to interested couples. There are hiking trails waiting to be discovered, and there is the gastronomic delights waiting at the Eissee restaurant, a place that offers a panoramic view of the mountainous glacier.

Dedicated skiers will be glad to know that the glacier skiing resort is open all year round. But in the new ski resort of Moelltal Glacier, the best skiing conditions happen during the colder season, which is at the later part of September up to the early part of May.

O.B.S. company is currently working on Austrian skiing project, Moelltal Glacier ski resort. It represents Moelltal Glacier cheap hotels and possible wintervacation activities in Moelltal Glacier, Austria.

CHARLESTON, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Greystar Management Services, L.P. announced today that it has closed on the purchase of Seattle-based Glacier Real Estate Services. Encompassing 32 properties across Washington and Oregon, the acquisition and integration with the existing Glacier team significantly enhances Greystar’s local presence and expertise in the Pacific Northwest.

“Joe Manca, Lynn Owen, Mike Simons, and the entire Glacier team have built one of the premier management firms in the Pacific Northwest, and we are thrilled to welcome them to Greystar. Their focus on quality, integrity and performance is perfectly aligned with Greystar’s core beliefs and culture”

“Joe Manca, Lynn Owen, Mike Simons, and the entire Glacier team have built one of the premier management firms in the Pacific Northwest, and we are thrilled to welcome them to Greystar. Their focus on quality, integrity and performance is perfectly aligned with Greystar’s core beliefs and culture,” said Bob Faith, Greystar’s Chairman and CEO. “Real Estate continues to be a local business, and our philosophy has always been to have the best people on the ground in any market. We believe the combination of Glacier’s local team, expertise, and reputation, with Greystar’s national resources and best practices will enable us to provide an exceptional level of service to our residents, clients, and team members in the Pacific Northwest.”

“From day one, Glacier has been about creating success for the investments of our clients, the future of our employees, and the continued success and growth of our company,” said Joe Manca, President of Glacier Real Estate Services. “We have had other opportunities over the years, and we are confident that there is no better home for our residents, clients, and team members than at Greystar. We have shared values, a shared vision, and most importantly we are focused each day on our residents, clients, and our people. We’re excited to become part of the Greystar family.”

Glacier Real Estate Services currently manages 32 properties and nearly 400,000 square feet of commercial square footage throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Glacier management team and other key employees will remain in place, joining a combined national force of nearly 5,000 Greystar team members.

About Greystar

Greystar Real Estate Partners is a fully integrated company offering expertise in multifamily management, development and investment throughout the United States. Greystar was founded in 1993 with the intent to become a provider of world-class service in the multifamily real estate business. Greystar’s innovative business model integrates the management, development and investment disciplines of the multifamily industry on both national and local levels. Because the Greystar business model includes both investment- and service-oriented businesses, the company is able to maintain a constant presence in local markets and create value in all phases of the real estate cycle.

Headquartered in Charleston, S.C., Greystar manages over 175,000 units (640 properties) in over 100 markets with a team that is nearly 5,000 strong and growing. Greystar has invested approximately $3 billion in multifamily investments since its inception.

About Glacier

Glacier Real Estate Services was founded in 1999 by Mike Simons and Joe Manca to provide professional management services to owners of multifamily and commercial properties in the Seattle area. Lynn Owen joined the firm in 2004 as Principal and the three partners worked together to solidify Glacier’s reputation for delivering high quality, proactive, and professional real estate services and retaining knowledgeable, qualified staff throughout its portfolio of properties. As a result, Glacier Real Estate Services is now one of the region’s premier property management companies and its continued growth and success is a testament to their high level of expertise and professionalism.

Greystar Management Services of Charleston, S.C. said it’s acquired Glacier Real Estate Services for an undisclosed price.

Glacier Real Estate Services of Seattle manages 32 properties and about 400,000 square feet of commercial real estate in the Pacific Northwest. It was founded in 1999 by Mike Simons and Joe Manca.

Greystar employs 5,000 people nationally.

House Overview

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.0
Price: $144,900

Property type: Single Family
Listing type: for sale
Agent: Robert Muchnicki
latitude : 34.850512
longitude : -119.134083

House Details

CHARLESTON, SC – Greystar Management Services, L.P. announced today that it has closed on the purchase of Seattle-based Glacier Real Estate Services. Encompassing 32 properties across Washington and Oregon, the acquisition and integration with the existing Glacier team significantly enhances Greystar’s local presence and expertise in the Pacific Northwest. 

“Joe Manca, Lynn Owen, Mike Simons, and the entire Glacier team have built one of the premier management firms in the Pacific Northwest, and we are thrilled to welcome them to Greystar. Their focus on quality, integrity and performance is perfectly aligned with Greystar’s core beliefs and culture,” said Bob Faith, Greystar’s Chairman and CEO. “Real Estate continues to be a local business, and our philosophy has always been to have the best people on the ground in any market. We believe the combination of Glacier’s local team, expertise, and reputation, with Greystar’s national resources and best practices will enable us to provide an exceptional level of service to our residents, clients, and team members in the Pacific Northwest.” 

“From day one, Glacier has been about creating success for the investments of our clients, the future of our employees, and the continued success and growth of our company,” said Joe Manca, President of Glacier Real Estate Services. “We have had other opportunities over the years, and we are confident that there is no better home for our residents, clients, and team members than at Greystar. We have shared values, a shared vision, and most importantly we are focused each day on our residents, clients, and our people. We’re excited to become part of the Greystar family.” 

Glacier Real Estate Services currently manages 32 properties and nearly 400,000 square feet of commercial square footage throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Glacier management team and other key employees will remain in place, joining a combined national force of nearly 5,000 Greystar team members. 

Greystar Real Estate Partners is a fully integrated company offering expertise in multifamily management, development and investment throughout the United States. Greystar was founded in 1993 with the intent to become a provider of world-class service in the multifamily real estate business. Greystar’s innovative business model integrates the management, development and investment disciplines of the multifamily industry on both national and local levels. Because the Greystar business model includes both investment- and service-oriented businesses, the company is able to maintain a constant presence in local markets and create value in all phases of the real estate cycle. 

Headquartered in Charleston, S.C., Greystar manages over 175,000 units (640 properties) in over 100 markets with a team that is nearly 5,000 strong and growing. Greystar has invested approximately $3 billion in multifamily investments since its inception. 

Glacier Real Estate Services was founded in 1999 by Mike Simons and Joe Manca to provide professional management services to owners of multifamily and commercial properties in the Seattle area. Lynn Owen joined the firm in 2004 as Principal and the three partners worked together to solidify Glacier’s reputation for delivering high quality, proactive, and professional real estate services and retaining knowledgeable, qualified staff throughout its portfolio of properties. As a result, Glacier Real Estate Services is now one of the region’s premier property management companies and its continued growth and success is a testament to their high level of expertise and professionalism.

Today was my fourth trip to Mendenhall Glacier.  The first time I saw this place was in November. I was up here for an intensive two-day interview process, and in between interviews had asked a real estate agent to show me a couple of homes that I had seen online.  After seeing the homes she brought me to the glacier, and I was speechless.  I had never seen such a sight.

It was cold, windy, drizzling and no-one but us was there.  This was the first time I had seen eagles in the wild (she told me to “look for the cottonballs in the trees”).

The second time I visited, was within an hour of my landing in Juneau on January 9.  That day was cold, cloudy and icy.  Again there was no-one else around but me and my short-term room-mate.  January 9 was also my introduction to Yak Traxx, which have gotten me through quite a few icy situations on trails over these past months.  Worth their weight in gold.

My third trip to the glacier my room-mate and I hiked some of the back trails up into the surrounding mountains.  It was her idea, and yet she whined, complained and swore the entire trip.  I did not enjoy it, and after our hike was done I asked her to drop me off at Auke Bay Harbor so I could walk in peace, enjoy the sunshine, take beautiful boat pictures, and enjoy some quiet time. 

While we hiked those trails we did not run into another person out there, but there were many people enjoying the cold sunshine that day out on the ice – some riding mountain bikes, some playing hockey, many people simply walking their dogs. 

Alaska dogs in my three months of experience here are big, hardy, running, joyful, happy and friendly dogs.  I have met many who were running ahead of their owners, and have yet to be scared by a vicious or dangerous dog.

Today was another beautiful, cloudless, sunny spring day in Juneau, with temperatures close to 50 degrees.  There were many people at the glacier when I first arrived, and yes, indeed spring is just around the corner.

When I lived in Tennessee I used to go trail running and mountain biking out on a series of trails out at an air force base, that was only 10 minutes from my house.  In all the years I trained out there I never once got bored with the place.  I loved it out there. 

But I have to say that my very favorite time to be out there on those trails was when the weather was horrible – windy, cold, freezing rain, in the middle of winter.  Because I was the only local person who would ever dare train in such crap.  And I would be running out there feeling completely free……knowing that there was not another soul out there……..and that I had the place totally to myself.

Mendenhall Glacier is a stunningly beautiful place. 

And yes (true to form), I think I love it the most when it is cold, rainy, icy.  And when I don’t have to share it (or my need for privacy), with anyone else.

The Louisville Zoo continues to move forward with its Glacier Run exhibit area.  Initial phases have already opened, including a splash park, but the most exciting portions are slated to come online in the next year or two.  Glacier Run is set to transform the way we interact with wildlife at the Louisville Zoo and will transform the Louisville institution into a world leader in exhibit design.

The next phases of the project, Glacier Run Village, broke ground last September.  The first part of the exhibit, opening in the spring of 2010, will be home to seals and sea lions.  A second signature portion housing polar bears will open in 2011.  Future phases for Steller’s sea eagles, sea otters, and an animal outreach center will be completed after the main exhibit opens.

Fundraising efforts gained momentum recently with $2 million in additional funding provided by the James Graham Brown Foundation, bringing the total amount raised to $20.2 million.  The Louisville Zoo still needs $8.9 million more to complete the entire project and establish an endowment.  Once complete, the new Glacier Run exhibit is expected to provide $33.6 million in local economic impact while providing 400 new jobs.

Glacier Run is leading the way toward innovative 21st century zoo exhibit design.  The Village of Glacier Run is an old mining town set on the edge of the Arctic wilderness.  The design reflects the changing shape of the human and wild environment and offers lessons on how to live in conjunction with nature.  Wildlife in the exhibit is experienced in this transition zone as polar bears cross catwalks in the town and immerse the viewer in the juxtaposed human and wild habitat.  According to Louisville Zoo Director John Walczak:

“The Louisville Zoo is known for its award-winning, innovative exhibits and Glacier Run will continue that tradition. Not only will it communicate one of the most relevant conservation issues of our time, global climate change, it will also be the high quality, exciting experience that our visitors and community have come to expect.”

This exhibit marks a shift between the pristine exhibits of the 20th century displaying animals in a simulacra of their natural habitat untouched by humans.  The trend has been catching on worldwide as exhibits strive to connect animals and viewers in a more realistic and personal level.

In Vienna at the Schönbrunn Zoo, artists Cristoph Steinbrener and Rainer Dempf have created an installation that takes this notion a little further.  Called “Trouble in Paradise,” the installation inserts human components in stark contrast to the natural environment.  Buffalo graze over railroad tracks, a rhino lounges in a pool with a submerged car, and penguins play at the foot of an oil well.

Steinbrener/Dempf wanted to confront the typical notion of “paradisical nature” to draw emphasis on the relationship between humans and the natural world.  Their purpose is confrontational; to evoke a reaction from the viewer that demonstrates the sometimes stark contrast of clashing worlds.  According to the artists:

“Present-day conceptions of zoological gardens aim at the presentation of animals in an idyllic and apparently natural environment, untouched by civilization. But this is a contemporary conception, since courtly menageries and kennels were adapted to the exposure of animals as decorative objects.  Until the early years of the 20th century, animals were part of a preferably spectacular and exotic staging, to the entertainment and amazement of the public. The artificial and the sensational were foregrounded, without creating a realistic setting of the natural environment of the animals.”

The Vienna installation is only temporary and runs through mid October.  The groundbreaking work at the Louisville Zoo is helping, as well, to redefine the way the public views and interacts with the natural world in transition.  The innovative exhibit is sure to be a great hit when it opens in a couple years.  Glacier Run at the Louisville Zoo was designed by Peckham, Guyton, Albers, & Viets of St. Louis and Arrasmith, Judd, Rapp, Chovan, Inc. of Louisville.