Date: January 31, 2006
Contact: Melissa Wilson, 406-888-7895
Contact: Mary Riddle, 406-888-7898

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Officials at Glacier National Park seek comments on potential sites for new employee housing on the east side of the Park. Officials propose to remove 11 housing trailers from the St. Mary administration area and to construct five new housing structures in a new location.

The new housing units, to be used primarily by seasonal employees stationed at St. Mary, would be dormitory style. Preliminary alternative areas being considered for the new housing structures include: 1) Rising Sun, 2) Swiftcurrent housing area, 3) East Glacier, and 4) a suitable location outside of the park. A combination of locations would also be considered.

“The trailers are in poor condition and for safety reasons need to be removed from the Divide Creek floodplain” stated Superintendent Mick Holm. “They are also incompatible with the St. Mary Historic District.”

An early public scoping meeting will be held to facilitate additional discussion with the public. The meeting will be held 5:30 pm February 28, 2006, at the Student Commons building at Blackfeet Community College, Browning.

Scoping is an early and open process which occurs prior to the development of an EA. Scoping comments are used to identify issues and alternatives that should be addressed in the EA. The public will also be provided with an opportunity to comment on the EA.

Comments can be provided directly through the park’s planning website (http://parkplanning.nps.gov/parkHome.cfm?parkId=61) by selecting this project. Or write to: Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Attn: St. Mary Trailer Replacement EA, West Glacier, Montana 59936. Comments are due by March 14, 2006.