Nature sanctuary faces divided board, lack of funds for master plan

Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary delayed construction of phase one of its master plan that was scheduled to begin this fall after failing to raise enough money for the initial projects.

Executive director Taylor Andrews, who joined the non profit in July, said Gilcrease, 8103 Racel St., is ready to request permits for construction to the city but lacks sufficient funding . Gilcrease fell $300,000 short of the $600,000 price tag for phase one, which would last six months and include projects such as a new parking facility and hooking into the city's sewer system.

Andrews said the entire project is estimated to cost $10 million and could lead to a new public entrance, a courtyard, renovations to the animal habitats and more.

Board treasurer and former Clark County Commissioner Thalia Dondero said she supports the board's decision to delay construction.

"If the money isn't there, you don't go ahead and not pay somebody," she said. "Everybody's focused on getting it done."

Andrews said he plans to meet with the board to strategize a way to raise the funds . The next meeting was scheduled for sometime in November.

"We're anxious to get it done," he said.

Andrews said there has been a misunderstanding about the $4 million donation from Gilcrease Orchard to the sanctuary because only $500,000 can be dedicated to the master plan, according to contracts; the rest must be endowed to the operations expenses.

Andrews said there are concerns for how the sanctuary will be sustainable in the future because it operates at an annual loss of between $200,000 and $300,000 .

"Entry fees don't cut the mustard," he said. "Because of the endowment, we're able to keep the doors open."

Andrews hopes to raise enough money for phases one and two . He said there are a few board members disappointed that the money is being planned for overall site renovations and not being immediately routed toward animal cages and habitats.

Board member Jessica Pigula said members are split on priorities and she's frustrated. She wants to divert all the money to updates for the aviary, she said, and the division among board members has stalled the process.

"To complete phase one, we don't have enough money and we need to raise money, but for me, I would rather just take the money and build aviaries," she said.

She said rather than building new facilities to try to draw more visitors and donations, she would rather spend the money on two aviaries, which could cost as much as $100,000 each.

Pigula said the sanctuary has already spent $140,000 on permits, planning, civil engineers, temporary aviaries and master plan preparation.

"We're just trying to see if we can figure out the best solution . Overall, I'm just frustrated," she said. "We've been talking about it since 2007."

But Dondero said it's time the facilities are updated.

"The sanctuary was not very modern at one time, and I think we all knew at one point that it had to be fixed, and I think those things kind of came forward with the fire," she said, referring to a blaze that swept through the sanctuary March 19, 2010, when 200 birds and one dog died.

As of Nov. 1, there were more than 200 birds at the sanctuary and between 40 and 50 livestock, including llamas, goats, burros, miniature horses and more, Andrews said.

Board president Helen Mortenson declined to comment and directed questions to Andrews.

For more information on the sanctuary, call 702-645-4224 or visit naturesanctuarygilcrease.org.

Contact Centennial and North Las Vegas View reporter Laura Phelps at lphelps@viewnews.com or 702-477-3839.