American Bald Eagle Foundation

The Goal and Mission:

The American Bald Eagle Foundation is an educational foundation dedicated to the protection and preservation of bald eagle habitat by sponsoring and facilitating research activities. With caring people, the research can be made available to everyone who wishes to live in greater harmony within the eagles’ environment. The American Bald Eagle Foundation is a private, non-profit organization whose mission is to share that knowledge.


The Future:

Among the Foundation’s objectives is the building of a Research-Resource Center in Haines, Alaska, close to the unspoiled natural laboratory of the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve. The research and instruction made possible by this Center will help interested citizens become more knowledgeable about the American Bald Eagle, its environment, and other animals that share that environment.


About the founder:

Dave is not only a national trustee, he is also the founder of the American Bald Eagle Foundation. He has experienced just about every aspect of the true Alaskan pioneer.

Originally from Minnesota, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in education. In 1965 he and Charlotte, his wife, came to Alaska to teach. In addition to teaching, he has also served as the Mayor of Haines, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and president of the Independent Business Association for Alaska. His educational background and his intensely independent mindset led him to create the ABEF.

Unfortunately, in 1987, during the early construction phase of the ABEF’s natural history museum, a collapsing wall fell on Dave, crushing his back and paralyzing him from the waist down. However, his spirit was unaffected and to this day he spends 30 – 40 hours per week in the museum giving wonderful presentations to the many thousands of visitors who come to the American Bald Eagle Foundation.