from NPS Glacier National Park:

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Officials at Glacier National Park today announced plans to seek public comments for a proposed project to stabilize the existing Heavens Peak Lookout.

The National Park Service (NPS) has decided to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) for the project to review all possible resource issues from the proposed Heavens Peak Lookout stabilization. This environmental analysis will begin this summer (2010), with a goal of having the EA completed by spring 2011.

The goal of the project is to stabilize the historic Heavens Peak fire lookout that was built by conscientious objectors during World War II. Stabilization of the lookout would slow down the accelerating deterioration so that this historic structure can remain on the landscape as part of Glacier National Park’s cultural history.

Constructed in 1945, the Heavens Peak Lookout was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 and embodies the NPS rustic design philosophy of buildings that are “harmonious” with the landscape. The lookout is located on Heavens Peak, within recommended wilderness inside Glacier National Park. It lies within an area of high grizzly bear density.

Heavens Peak Lookout is structurally sound at this time, but the deteriorating roof and missing shutters threaten its long-term survival. The proposed project would repair the roof, shutters and exposed exterior wood surfaces, paint the exterior and stabilize the masonry. Glacier National Park Fund would pay for the stabilization as one of their legacy projects in honor of the park’s Centennial.

In addition to the proposed action, two other alternatives have been identified to date: 1) no action, in which case the lookout would eventually be lost, and 2) rehabilitation which would fully rehabilitate the lookout and re-build the trail access to the lookout.

Comments and concerns on the proposed Heavens Peak Stabilization project should be submitted online by Monday, August 16, 2010, at http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov/glac or mailed to: Superintendent, Glacier National Park, Heavens Peak Lookout EA, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936. There will be another opportunity for review and comment when the environmental assessment is completed.
–

This announcement appears to represent a change in plans. This fully funded Glacier Park Fund legacy project was supposed to get underway next month according to earlier announcements.

—Malcolm

Every purchase of this mountain adventure novel set in Swiftcurrent Valley, the Belly River Valley and Chief Mountain benefits the Glacier National Park centennial committee.

Buy the book, then head for the park and follow Robert Adams’ quest yourself while celebrating the centennial.

A fire lookout constructed of wood, stone and glass perches at the tip of the north ridge of Glacier National Park’s Heavens Peak. Built on the prominent, often-photographed 8,994-foot mountain in 1945 at a cost of less than $5,000, the structure once served as an integral link in the park’s network of manned fire lookouts. The lookout was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Calling the rustic lookout “the most enduring legacy of the Civilian Public Service (CPS) Camp in Glacier National Park,” The Glacier Park Fund has taken on the building’s restoration as one of its Glacier Park Centennial Legacy Projects. The proposed work involves stabilizing the roof, repairing and reconstructing shutters, repairing and painting exposed exterior wood surfaces, and masonry stabilization.

The Glacier Park Fund projects funding needs of $36,000 of for the lookout’s rehabilitation. (Click here to make a donation.) The planned restoration work will slow down the accelerating deterioration so that the historic structure can withstand the harsh alpine conditions in harmony with the landscape.

While air observation allows a more comprehensive coverage of the park
and has replaced the manned lookout almost entirely, the Heavens Peak fire lookout once provided observers with a marvelous panoramic view including the Livingston Range, the Lake McDonald Valley, Logan Pass and the Garden Wall. Typically, observers used an Osborne Firefinder (aligning the sites rather like aiming a rifle) to pinpoint the exact location of any observed smoke on a circular park map.

The construction of the Heavens Peak lookout was one of many projects completed by conscientious objectors assigned to Glacier Park’s World War II Civilian Public Service Camp (CPS). The camp housed 550 men.

The Glacier Park Fund’s overall goal for multiple, short-term legacy projects is $250,000. According to the fund, the Heavens Peak Lookout restoration, in consultation with the park’s historic architect, is part of a 2010 birthday gift to the park. In 2009, restoration work on a 1913 ranger cabin was completed providing space for a winter school programs. More accessible trails, a wildlife viewing platform and upgraded Logan Pass visitor center exhibits are also on the wish list.
–

My Glacier National Park Centennial posts can be found on Twitter by searching on the #glaciercentennial tag.