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The
National Park Service (NPS) has released an Environmental Assessment
(EA) for public comment which evaluates the impacts associated with
the replacement of the Eielson Visitor Center and the construction
of a new permanent Toklat Rest Stop in Denali National Park and
Preserve. The new Eielson Visitor Center would be constructed on
the same site as the existing building, and would be appropriately
sized to provide necessary functions. It would be designed to utilize
the site's sloping topography and to blend in as much as possible
with the landscape. The NPS is evaluating a no-action alternative
and two action alternatives for this project. Under the no-action
alternative, the existing Eielson Visitor Center, which was constructed
in 1959 and consists of approximately 3700 square feet,would continue
to be used as the main stop and turnaround site for most of the
visitors using the park's shuttle bus system. The Toklat Rest Stop,
an undeveloped parking area with 10 chemical toilets, would continue
to be used by tour and shuttle bus passengers. The Eielson Visitor
Center would be replaced under both action alternatives with a new
facility of approximately 9000 square feet that would incorporate
alternative energy supply systems and meet accessibility standards.
During the 2005-2006 visitor seasons, the existing Visitor Center
would be demolished and a new structure would be constructed on
the same site. The structure would be designed so that the main
floor is below ground level, with the roof at the same level as
the parking lot. The roof would function as a picnic and observation
area. The functions performed at the Eielson Visitor Center would
need to be continued during the construction period, and both action
alternatives include constructing a permanent rest stop facility
near the present Toklat Rest Stop at Mile 54. It would provide facilities
and some services to temporarily replace those usually available
at Eielson during the two summers of new visitor center construction.
Afterwards it will function as one of the rest stops along the park
road. Under Alternative 2 the permanent Toklat Rest Stop would be
constructed 600 feet downstream of the Toklat Bridge and 450 feet
downstream of the present rest stop. Under Alternative 3 the new
facility wouldbe located on the present site, 200 feet downstream
of the west Toklat Bridge, but would be enlarged. Both sites are
predominantly previously disturbed ground, with the alternative
2 site more screened from park road views. Under both action alternatives,
the park would install bank stabilization along the Toklat River
from the Toklat Road Camp to the Toklat Bridge to protect all of
the development. This work would complement the bank stabilizationthat
was installed in 2003 to protect the gravel processing area below
the road camp. Printed copies of the EA will be distributed to local
libraries, visitor centers, and those who request printed copies.
The EA will be posted on the new NPS public comment website at:
http://parkplanning.nps.gov It will also be posted on the Denali
National Park and Preserve web site at: http://www.nps.gov/dena/home/planning/home.html
. The EA will be available for public review on April 9, 2004. The
public comment period closes May 9, 2004. If you would like to comment
on the project, please submit your comments in writing to Superintendent,
Denali National Park and Preserve, P.O. Box 9, Denali Park, AK 99755.
Comments may faxed to (907) 683-9612, or may be e-mailed by going
to the new NPS public comment website at: http://parkplanning.nps.gov
. The NPS will make a decision about the Eielson/Toklat project
no sooner than 15 days after the close of the public comment period.
If you have any questions about the EA, please call the Superintendent's
office at (907) 683-9581 or the park's Compliance Officer, Steve
Carwile at (907) 644-3612.
Privacy & Disclaimer
Author:Jane
Tranel
Last modified on: April, 2004
www.nps.gov/akso
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