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National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Wrangell St. Elias National 

Park and Preserve

Alaska

Kennecott Operations Plan 
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KENNECOTT OPERATIONS PLAN 

PART 1: MANAGEMENT GOALS AND MANAGEMENT 

CONCEPTS 

The following goals and management concepts were developed in cooperation and consultation with the 

community of McCarthy/Kennecott. They are statements of purpose and condition for management of the 

NHL. 

1.1 Goals 

General Goal: The general goal for management of NPS lands in and around the NHL is to conserve the 

scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife habitat and to provide for the enjoyment of the same by 

such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of the future generations. The focus for 

management of the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark is to stabilize, preserve, and interpret 

the key patterns, relationships, and remaining structures and features that define the historic, cultural and 

natural character of the NHL. In some cases, individual features may have such a high degree of historical 

significance that rehabilitation or restoration is warranted. NPS will strive to meet this general goal while 

recognizing and working in partnership with the embedded Kennecott community. 

Partnerships: The NPS recognizes that a viable and diverse community of individuals and families 

existed in the area prior to the creation of the NHL, indeed prior to the entire region being designated a 

national park. NPS will work in partnership with this local community to manage the NHL in such a way 

as to maintain the character of the local communities of Kennecott and McCarthy. NPS and the 

Kennecott/McCarthy community define the partnership as an active cooperation trying to achieve mutual 

goals and objectives. The partnership is mutually beneficial. 

Communications: In recognition of the irreplaceable value of local knowledge to the development and 

implementation of NPS policy, and acknowledging that local residents, non-profit organizations, and 

businesses provide visitor services and contribute to the rich hospitality experienced by park visitors, NPS 

will establish frequent, on-going communication with the local Kennicott/McCarthy community. The 

communications protocol is described in Part 2. 

Cultural Resources 

Structures: The goal of the NPS Kennecott preservation program is to apply measures necessary to 

sustain the existing form, integrity and materials of key historic buildings within the Kennecott NHL by 

repairing and replacing deteriorated roofs, walls and foundations and, in some cases, by replacing and 

maintaining windows, siding and paint to ensure preservation of historic structures for generations to 

come. Some historic structures have been specifically identified for adaptive re-use. These will be 

generally managed at a higher standard consistent with the “Rehabilitation” definition provided in the The 

Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties. Other historic buildings may be 

preserved or managed as ruins. Hazardous substance mitigation (lead paint abatement) will be done 

concurrently with stabilization and rehabilitation of historic structures.
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Archeological Features: Preserve archeological resources contributing to the character and 

interpretation of the NHL. If removal is required to facilitate building stabilization, archeological objects 

or features will be returned to their original location upon completion of the project. Wrangell-St. Elias 

National Park and Preserve (WRST) will implement a regularly scheduled inventory of these 

archeological resources to ensure their retention and assess their vulnerability and stability. Resources 

determined to be intrusive or non-contributing to the historic district may be removed if they present a 

safety hazard. 

Small-Scale Features: To preserve the character of the landscape and to enhance the interpretive 

environment, consideration may be given to preserving and/or reconstructing small-scale structures and 

features. These features include functional and ornamental elements (such as benches), utilities (light 

standards, utilidors, and water systems) and mining features (such as equipment). Reestablishment or 

reconstruction of small-scale features must be based on historical documentation. Preference for 

restoration will be to those features (such as hose houses or utilidors) that may serve some modern use. 

Circulation Systems: The majority of existing roads and trails throughout the mill town reflect historic 

patterns, and these will be maintained whenever possible. Pathways and boardwalks may be reintroduced 

within the mill town. The addition of new roads within the mill town will be discouraged. 

Natural Resources 

Vegetation: Existing vegetation throughout the mill town is largely the result of growth since the historic 

period (1900 – 1938). Limited, selective thinning of vegetation would occur on NPS properties to 

reestablish historic views and view sheds and to protect the site from the effects of fire and damage to the 

buildings. The NHL provides habitat for unique and rare plant species that NPS will continue to monitor. 

Invasive vegetation which is considered a threat to other resources will be controlled and removed 

whenever feasible. Revegetation of disturbed areas resulting from NPS activities will utilize native 

seeds/cuttings from local population sources. In some cases re-vegetation with historically accurate, but 

non-native and non-invasive plants may be considered as part of maintaining the cultural landscape. 

Wildlife: The NHL provides habitat for numerous wildlife species. In particular the Kennicott Valley 

provides important black and brown bear habitat in the form of soapberry patches which has potential for 

conflict with visitors and residents. NPS will protect wildlife habitat and work to prevent negative 

wildlife/human interactions, while recognizing that wildlife is a resource for local subsistence use. 

Water Resources: Local streams provide water for the community as well as for NPS operations. On 

NPS lands, NPS will manage the quality of surface waters consistent with the Clean Water Act. NPS will 

continue to monitor water quality and will consult with the community in developing any necessary 

mitigation measures in regards to proposed activities. 

Natural Soundscape: NPS recognizes that natural quiet is a component of the NHL, the surrounding 

landscape, and the communities within it. It is also critical to the quality of life of local residents and 

quality of experience for visitors. NPS will consider impacts of proposed activities on the natural 

soundscape and will work with the community in developing mitigation measures in order to reduce 

impacts. 

Subsistence: Federally qualified subsistence use is allowed within WRST in accordance with Titles II 

and VIII of ANILCA. Local residents depend upon the resources from the park for personal consumption, 

cultural identity, and to maintain a subsistence way of life. 
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Interpretation 

NPS conducted a three day exhibits workshop in Kennecott in early June of 2011 with 13 NPS and 

regional staff and 17 local businesses, residents, park partners and other community members. 

Discussions produced valuable ideas for an interpretive approach that will form the foundation for 

specific interpretive projects spanning the next decade. 

Interpretation at Kennecott will enable visitors to learn about the mines and the mill town, the historic 

relationship of Kennecott and McCarthy, natural resources and the surrounding wilderness, and the 

contemporary community through a variety of media, interpretive techniques, and programs. Interpretive 

programs will emphasize the opportunity for self-guided tours and a sense of exploration, utilizing 

unobtrusive interpretive displays. Where advantageous to the program, the NPS would enter agreements 

with qualified providers to conduct guided tours and with partners to facilitate fundraising and 

cooperative projects. 

Access/Transportation 

As a partner in the community, NPS supports and will manage for long-term pedestrian visitor access to 

the mill town, utilizing local shuttle systems. NPS will continue to support landowner use of subdivision 

easements and access to subsistence resources. 

Administration and Operations 

NPS Utilities and Infrastructure: The goal is to support historic preservation treatments and 

maintenance, visitor use, and park management in a manner least obtrusive to the historical character of 

the NHL. Where possible, systems will be designed consistent with historical utility systems and 

circulation patterns. Serious consideration will be given to use of alternative energy sources, provided 

they can be employed with minimal impact on the environment, the local community, and the historic 

landscape. 

Hazardous Materials: As part of the acquisition of the Kennecott properties by the National Park 

Service, a number of stipulations pertaining to hazardous wastes and lead paint were established. The 

NPS has entered into agreements with the Alaska Department of Environmental Compliance and the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency. Under those agreements, the NPS affirmed its obligation pertaining to 

the abatement of lead paint hazards in accordance to state and OSHA regulations pertaining to worker 

safety and training. Hazardous substance mitigation is part of all general management actions and will be 

consistent with the 1999 Kennecott NHL Mitigation of Hazardous Material Issues Work Plan and with 

the park’s 2003 Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Management Plan for Kennecott NHL. 

Visitor and Resource Protection: NPS will manage the NHL to protect the cultural and natural 

resources of the historic mining district and the surrounding glacial landscape; and provide a safe, 

educational, and rewarding experience for the area’s visitors and residents. 

1.2 Management Concepts 

The 2001 Interim Operations Plan for the Kennecott National Historic Landmark included a section titled 

Management Concepts. This section described elements of a shared community vision for management 

of the NHL. The Management Concepts were derived from two primary sources: 1) the set of documents 

that were produced at the time the NHL was established (including, but not limited to, the 1997 Park 

Service report “Kennecott Acquisition Past, Present and Future”, which supported federal ownership of 

the NHL; and 2) the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980. These 
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Management Concepts emerged from more than a decade of public discussion preceding the acquisition 

of the NHL and were put into writing by a local non-profit (Friends of Kennicott) and endorsed by the 

community in general at the time of acquisition. 

In all management activities, the McCarthy/Kennecott community seeks to assure a future in which 

Kennecott: 

 Is stabilized to prevent deterioration of historic structures or artifacts and to make them available 

to the public, to the greatest extent possible in accordance with public safety 

 Is managed with a “light touch” in which projects are undertaken in small steps, at modest costs, 

with minimal intervention process. 

 Is not just an abandoned mining town, but also a place that reflects the vitality, creativity, and 

community spirit of today’s residents. 

 Retains the slow pace, quiet, and spaciousness that foster contemplation and individual reflection. 

In particular, NPS will encourage visitors to enjoy the NHL as pedestrians, and will seek to 

minimize the impact of management activities (including, but not limited to, noise and visual 

impact) on both visitors and local residents alike. 

 Is part of a larger community in which residents act both individually and collectively to guide 

the future of the area. 

 Contributes to a strong, reasonably diverse economy that includes locally owned and operated 

businesses, community-based nonprofits, and traditions of barter and subsistence. 

 Protects and honors small-town values: safety, cooperation, self-sufficiency, and personal 

freedoms consistent with state and Federal laws. 

 Is a place where tourism is allowed to evolve within the capacity of the community, rather than a 

place where external intervention and control accelerate growth. 

 Is seen by local residents and visitors alike in its true context: a remote outpost of civilization in 

the midst of an enormous mountain wilderness. 

 Is managed to protect the cultural and natural resources of this historic mining district and the 

surrounding glacial landscape; and provides a safe, educational, and rewarding experience for the 

area’s visitors and residents. 

The NPS supports the management concepts that the community and Friends of Kennicott have 

articulated above, with the exception of application of the second bullet statement to preservation of 

historic structures in Kennecott. The terms “small steps”, “modest cost”, and “minimal intervention” were 

discussed at a June, 2012 workshop in Kennecott. Worskshop group members clarified that these terms 

are not focused solely on structural stabilization, but rather a broader landscape picture and, importantly, 

the long term NPS presence. 

NPS is legally mandated to operate under the Laws, Regulations, and Policies presented in Section 1.4 of 

the Kennecott Operations Plan/EA. If a proposal is necessary to meet the Laws, Regulations, and Policies 

but conflicts with the concepts presented above, NPS must defer to its laws, regulations and policies. If 

this is necessary, NPS will consult with the community utilizing the communication protocol described in 

Part 2.

1.3 Permits and Approvals Needed to Implement the Project 

Storm Water Permits: The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) sets water 

quality standards for Alaska water and regulates discharge into these waters (18 Alaska Administrative 

Code (AAC) 70). NPS will submit an electronic Notice of Intent (NOI) to ADEC prior to initiation of 

construction activities (http://www.dec.alaska.gov/water/wnpspc/stormwater/APDESeNOI.html) and 
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prepare the Storm Water Pollution Plan in accordance with ADEC’s General Permit Number 

AKR100000, Storm Water General Permit for Large and Small Construction Activities. 

Wetlands Permit: While impacts to wetlands are not anticipated, Waters of the United States could be 

impacted by work in Bonanza or National Creeks. Any construction projects involving permanent 

alterations to these creeks would require a General Permit (GP) from the Anchorage District of the U.S. 

Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). If the area of 

impact is less than half an acre, the project(s) might qualify for a nationwide permit; otherwise, individual 

permits would be necessary. In addition, Section 401 of the CWA requires State water quality 

certification or waiver of certification prior to issuance of a Section 404 permit. 

Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) Permits: The 

ADOT&PF may require permits for any use or modifications of the McCarthy Road and/or its right-ofway (ROW). The NPS would acquire the necessary authorization from ADOT&PF for the project. 

PART 2: MANAGEMENT ACTIONS

2.1 Communications 

In recognition of the irreplaceable value of local knowledge to the development and implementation of 

NPS policy, and acknowledging that local residents, non-profit organizations, and businesses provide 

visitor services and contribute to the rich hospitality experienced by park visitors, NPS will establish 

frequent, on-going communication with the local Kennecott/McCarthy community. The communication 

protocol will consist of the following elements: 

 The Superintendent and/or park planner will be responsible for setting annual spring and fall 

meetings. These will occur prior to Memorial Day and Labor Day and will be held at the Tony 

Zak Community building. The spring meeting will be an announcement of all proposed actions 

for the area that season. The fall meeting will be a review of the season’s actions and expectations 

for the following year. The fall meeting will emphasize what project planning/compliance might 

occur during the course of the winter and how or when public involvement might occur. Spring 

and fall meetings will be intended to be brief and primarily informative, encouraging maximum 

participation. 

 The spring/fall meetings will be supplemented with a series of additional in-depth meetings held 

in Kennecott/McCarthy during summer months to discuss particular issues of concern. These 

meetings will be held as needed and advertised at least two weeks in advance. As time and budget 

allow, these meetings will be structured as working groups in order to share information and open 

up a productive, conversational dialogue to define issues and brainstorm solutions; as opposed to 

a “public meeting”. 

 Once every five years, the park will initiate a review of the Kennecott Operations Plan, seeking 

full community input in advance of adopting any revisions to the current plan. These reviews will 

focus on any discrepancies between the plan and its implementation. 

 A park leadership team member will attend each MAC meeting. The park leadership team 

generally consists of the park superintendent and the division chiefs. 

 Provide a web-based educational component regarding projects at Kennecott. This will include a 

generalized overview of how projects are entered into the budget system, and where and when 

project design, contracting, and NEPA and NHPA compliance occurs. Identify points in the 

process where there are opportunities for public involvement. These materials will be posted on 

the park’s website and on the Friends of Kennicott website. 

 Continuation of the annual Superintendent’s letter. 
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The park will inform the community with advanced notice of all issues requiring their input and the 

schedule and location of all meetings, through announcements at the mail shack and in the local paper, 

and through the community e-mail database. A list of participants will also be recorded and kept as part of 

the meeting record. 

Local Hire 

WRST was established by ANILCA. Within that act is a provision in title 13 section 1308(a) whereby 

Congress directed the Secretary of Interior to establish a program under which “any individual who by 

reason of having lived or worked in or near a conservation system unit, has special knowledge or 

expertise concerning the natural or cultural resources of such unit and management thereof (as determined 

by the Secretary), shall be considered for selection for any position within such unit” without regard to 

nationwide, standard open hiring procedure. 

WRST has a proven track record of utilizing this local hire authority throughout the park and particularly 

in the McCarthy/Kennecott area. Local hires are invaluable for the local knowledge they bring to NPS 

programs as well as providing efficiency in housing for remote locations. The National Park Service will 

continue to look for opportunities to hire locally, while remaining compliant with Federal personnel 

requirements. 

2.2 Covenants and the Architectural Control Committee 

The Architectural Control Committee (ACC) was created in 1976, prior to NPS purchases in Kennecott, 

by the Great Kennecott Land Company to oversee neighborhood covenants in the Millsite Subdivision 

that are intended to keep the historic atmosphere of Kennecott intact. The Millsite Subdivision’s 

covenants are described in the Kennicott Subdivision Declaration of Restrictions, dated September 15, 

1976. These covenants describe building restrictions, conditions of subdivision easements, composition of 

the Architectural Control Committee, process for revision of the covenants, and covenant enforcement. 

Since NPS acquisition of lots in the Millsite Subdivision in 1998, the park’s Superintendent has served as 

the ACC chair. 

The Architectural Control Committee and NPS worked with interested lot-owners during the summer of 

2010 to revise the covenants. This effort was dropped due to the highly polarized comments received 

from lot-owners regarding the proposed changes, which included proposed changes to the composition of 

the ACC (to provide for more non-NPS representation) and changes to the voting procedure. 

Consequently, the ACC will continue to operate under the existing covenants for another ten-year period 

(until 2020). The NPS, as a lot-owner in the Millsite Subdivision, has been and will continue to be a 

willing participant in future efforts to revise the covenants. 

While the ACC may serve to notify lot-owners of non-compliance with covenants, it is not the ACC’s 

responsibility to enforce the covenants. According to the Declaration of Restrictions, “If any lot owner or 

their successors shall violate or attempt to violate any of the covenants herein during the period for which 

they are enforced, it shall be lawful for any person owning any real property subject thereto to prosecute 

any proceedings at law or in equity against the person or persons violating or attempting to violate any 

such covenants, and prevent him or them from so doing or to recover damages for such violation.” NPS 

has the same rights and responsibilities as other Millsite Subdivision property owners regarding covenant 

implementation and enforcement. The NPS is willing to work with Millsite landowners and other 
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stakeholders on ways to improve management of covenants that maintain their effectiveness, provide for 

reasonable flexibility, and reduce the need for legal action as a management tool. 

2.3 Visitor and Resource Protection 

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) 

The NPS will continue to develop area-wide EMS response in partnership with local individuals, 

organizations and EMS providers inside and outside the community. The NPS supports the development 

of an EMS function within the Kennecott-McCarthy Volunteer Fire Department (KMVFD) that would 

have primary EMS-response duty on private land in the Kennecott-McCarthy area. The NPS will remain 

the primary EMS provider on NPS-managed lands, but may provide EMS service on non-NPS-managed 

land, under specific circumstances. The authority for providing EMS assistance to neighboring 

communities and outside agencies is specifically provided for in 16USC1b(1), “Rendering of emergency 

rescue, firefighting, and cooperative assistance to nearby law enforcement and fire prevention agencies 

and for related purposes outside of the National Park System”. The NPS will seek a cooperative 

agreement with the KMVFD that would address agency cooperation related to EMS and firefighting 

response. The NPS will continue to coordinate emergency response training and encourage participation 

by all interested parties. All EMS functions performed by the NPS will be in accordance with NPS 

Director’s Order #51 (EMS), the WRST Emergency Medical Services Plan and under the direction of the 

Park EMS Medical Advisor. The NPS supports the Park’s EMS Medical Advisor’s providing advice and 

oversight on EMS to the KMVFD and area guide services. 

Search and Rescue (SAR) 

The NPS will continue to provide SAR response within the NHL and greater park area. Major EMS and 

SAR incidents can quickly overwhelm local NPS staff resources. Due to this, the NPS supports an on-call 

EMS/SAR team of non-NPS responders. During an emergency incident, EMS/SAR team members would 

be hired and paid for the duration of that incident using the AD/Emergency Hire System. During on-call 

time, EMS/SAR team members are considered volunteers and are not paid. The NPS will continue to 

provide SAR training to staff and area volunteers. NPS will operate within the Incident Command 

System. The NPS will work to improve radio communication with other agencies, such as the KMVFD 

and AK State Troopers. 

Fire Response 

Protection of structures from wildland fire will be accomplished through the proposed clearing and 

thinning of vegetation around structures, as well as suppression response from NPS staff and the 

KMVFD. The NPS will work closely with KMVFD and State of AK Division of Forestry to develop 

appropriate fire response strategies. The NPS will continue to work with land owners adjacent to NPSmanaged lands on fire fuels reduction. The NPS supports the development and implementation of Alaska 

Department of Natural Resources (AKDNR) Community Wildland Fire Protection Plan. The NPS 

prohibits fires on NPS lands within the millsite, 36CFR13.1904. Fire extinguishers are maintained in all 

NPS properties. NPS staff is limited in structural firefighting capability and qualifications and are not 

certified to enter a burning building. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the single largest cause of fire in historic 

buildings is arson. Regular patrols of the NHL would be conducted by NPS personnel to guard against 

this threat. A winter caretaker will be considered to provide overall site security. 
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Bear-Human Conflict Management 

The NPS will continue to address this issue through education of NPS staff, visitors and area residents on 

appropriate behavior around bears and through enforcement of the Park’s food storage regulation. 

Placement of additional bear-resistant garbage cans will be considered if need increases. When necessary, 

the NPS will actively manage bear behavior if the animal poses a threat to human safety. The NPS will 

impose emergency closures when necessary to protect human safety. Trails through soapberry patches 

will be monitored for bear activity. 

Law Enforcement 

The NPS will continue to provide a prevention-based law enforcement program in the NHL. Emphasis 

will be placed on education and enforcement of regulations that protect visitor safety and the area’s 

natural and cultural resources. A memorandum of understanding will be maintained with the AK State 

Troopers, allowing for mutual assistance between the agencies when necessary. 

2.4 Acquisitions 

NPS acquisition of properties within the NHL has been and will continue to be contingent on willing 

sellers. If approached by a willing seller, NPS prioritizes potential acquisitions within the NHL based on 

the following criteria: 

 Protection and management of the historic landscape. 

 Ability of the property to support NPS operations. 

NPS will continue to follow Departmental policies and American Society of Testing and Materials 

International (ASTM) standards regarding the screening of properties for environmental liabilities posed 

by acquisitions. 

2.5 Transportation/Access 

Kennecott Arrival/Orientation 

The park held a public meeting in summer 2012 to discuss the arrival and orientation of visitors to 

Kennecott. 

The following items were discussed and decided: 

 Shuttle van drop off and pick up needs to best accommodate those businesses that are providing 

that service. In light of this, shuttle van pick ups and drop offs will continue at the current 

location (between the Blackburn school and St. Elias Alpine Guides office) with occasional 

overflow pick-ups and drop-offs at the shuttle turnaround. 

 To provide the best visitor orientation, the shuttle turnaround will be linked via a raised 

boardwalk to the Blackburn school. The existing deck behind the Blackburn school will be 

expanded and roofed to provide a covered seating area. A bulletin board will be installed in this 

area. The existing outhouse will be expanded to provide men’s and women’s vault toilets. 

Additionally, there will be some identifying feature (sign, arrowhead on the door) visible to those 

getting off shuttle vans that identify the Blackburn building as an NPS facility. 

 NPS will avoid parking in the space north of the Blackburn building. 

Motor Vehicle Use Within the NHL 
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Use of the rights–of way in the NHL is governed by the Kennicott Subdivision plat filed with the State of 

Alaska by the Great Kennecott Land Company in 1976. Local landowners accepted the conditions of the 

plat when they purchased their land, prior to the acquisition of the remaining parcels by WRST in 1998. 

The NPS is a neighbor of landowners within the subdivision and recognizes that it is bound by the same 

conditions. 

The Kennecott subdivision plat filed with the State of Alaska specifies that “the rights-of-way as shown 

or noted are private, reserved for the use of the present owners of lots in this subdivision and their guests, 

but not the public in general.” The NPS supports park visitors coming to the NHL in a non-motorized 

fashion and utilizing local shuttle services to access the site because of the complexity of motorized 

access to the millsite subdivision, and the effects of motorized use on visitor experience. 

A community workshop was held in Kennecott in the summer of 2012 to discuss access to the millsite 

subdivision and to discuss parking. The workshop addressed these issues over a 3-night period and was 

well attended by local business owners, millsite subdivision lot owners, and those supporting motorized 

access. NPS facilitated the meeting and the group developed the following vision statement for access to 

the millsite subdivision: 

 Access to the millsite subdivision is predominantly through shuttle services and other nonmotorized means. Vehicle access and parking will be managed to minimize impacts to visitors 

and residents, minimize congestion and maximize safety. 

The NPS is committed to working with the community towards achieving this vision. The following 

action items, which focus on education, were identified by the workgroup: 

 All educational materials will be developed in consultation or partnership with community 

members. Signage should be minimized and aimed at effective conveyance of information. Land 

status maps that clearly show intermixed land pattern would be used. Signs can include “bullet 

statement” messages. Kiosks with signs meeting these standards have been installed at the 

footbridge and the airport. Signs placed on NPS lands will conform with the Sign Guidance 

identified in the Cultural Landscape Report.

 Brochures: to be developed in partnership with community. Should include information on the 

following: Why this place is different. This is a community; respect that there are people walking 

on the roads, it is a shared trail. Describe physical characteristics that lead to safety concerns. 

Encourage the use of shuttle services and alternatives. 

 Brochures to be distributed at Sportsman shows, to motorized groups and other outreach 

opportunities, including Fairbanks (to reach dipnetters). Also distributed around 

westside/McCarthy/Kennecott and by businesses. 

 Websites: Can display information similar to brochures. Visitors use websites for trip planning. 

Other websites possibilities: Friends of Kennicott, local businesses. 

The community expects NPS to set an example regarding motorized access. In recognition of this, NPS is 

committed to maintaining a usable employee shuttle service and encouraging employees to use it. Visiting 

NPS staff need to be conscious of minimizing motorized trips between McCarthy and Kennecott. 

Subsistence ORV use: The use of Off-Road Vehicles by federally qualified subsistence users in the area is 

authorized by 36 CFR 13.460, which allows the use of “surface transportation traditionally employed”. 

The 1986 Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve General Management Plan made the 

determination that ORVs were a traditional means of access for subsistence purposes in the park. This 

Kennecott management plan does not propose any restrictions on this activity.
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Parking 

Kennecott residents and the park agree that Kennecott has very limited parking space. In consultation 

with the local community, the park has identified the following action items: 

 Provide limited (10-space) designated parking in the dairy barn area. Users to include: 

handicapped; local use for non-shuttle times; special events; visitors; and lot owners with no 

property access. Additionally, NPS has established and will continue to maintain a parking area 

for employees and contractors near the Dairy Barn. NPS will run a shuttle for employees that live 

on the West Side or McCarthy but work in Kennecott, so as to minimize park vehicle traffic. 

 Consider options for a pedestrian trail from the designated public parking in the Dairy barn area 

to the shuttle bus turnaround or Blackburn school area. 

 When access to private property is restricted due to winter conditions, Kennecott landowners will 

be free to park on the main rights-of-way within Kennecott. 

 WRST will work with the local community to support an efficient public shuttle system and 

adequate hours of operation, to reduce the need for parking within the NHL. 

 The park will develop a public education campaign through the park’s website, signs, and 

brochures at information kiosks in Kennecott/McCarthy and along the McCarthy Road, informing 

the public of the local shuttle system and the lack of public parking in the NHL. 

 No parking at the shuttle turnaround (after a parking spot is designated). 

 No parking on NPS owned portions of easements in the millsite subdivision. 

 Utilize restored features (boardwalks, railroad rails) to discourage parking. 

 A 10 mph speed limit will be posted through the Kennecott subdivision, posted at the NHL 

boundary. 

Roads 

Alaska State ROW, McCarthy to Kennecott: NPS will encourage ADOT&PF to design the rail corridor 

road as a one-lane gravel road that maintains its historic character with a 25-mph speed limit designed to 

accommodate safe vehicle passing. 

Subdivision easements within the NHL: A cooperative agreement will be sought with NHL lot owners and 

businesses to address NHL road maintenance. 

Wagon Road: Segments of the Wagon Road that occur on NPS lands will be managed primarily as a 

pedestrian trail, with allowance for motorized use for those accessing private property along the trail and 

for federally qualified subsistence users engaged in subsistence activities. 

Toe of the Kennecott Glacier Road: This road traverses private land, university sub-division lands, and 

finally NPS lands . The NPS portion of this road will be designated a park road, open to motorized use. 

Motorized travel on NPS lands off the designated road will only be allowed for federally qualified 

subsistence users engaged in subsistence activities. 

Walk-In Campground 

The concept of a walk-in campground has been proposed and evaluated twice (a 2002 Environmental 

Assessment and this Kennecott Operations Plan and EA). The proposal would designate 42 acres of land 

east of Kennicott River for primitive tent camping. The site under consideration is one mile northeast of 

McCarthy and 0.35 mile from McCarthy Airport. Campground facility development and amenities would 

include vault toilets, bear-resistant trash receptacles, bear-resistant food storage boxes, and centralized 

food storage area. Access to the campground would be provided by local shuttle vehicles and non-
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motorized methods. Routes of access would be either the trail described above, or from McCarthy airport 

using public rights-of-way (Kennecott-McCarthy Road and/or the Wagon Road) crossing a platted 

subdivision on nonfederal land. NPS rangers would patrol the campground to ensure compliance with 

food storage, non-motorized access, and other regulations. 

Concerns have been expressed by the public regarding potential human-bear conflicts with such a 

development. The effects of the proposed campground on bear habitat and on potential bear-human 

conflicts are discussed in this EA. Despite mitigation provided by bear-resistant facilities, the NPS is still 

concerned about this as a potential problem at this site. NPS is also concerned about our ability to 

effectively maintain and manage such a facility, particularly when other privately owned facilities exist in 

the area. Consequently, this project is not been submitted for funding nor is it considered a high funding 

priority for the park. 

Trails and Glacier Access

Kennecott is not just a historic site; one of the most common and important activities undertaken by 

visitors to Kennecott is use of the hiking trails that provide access to surrounding frontcountry and 

backcountry, including the heavily visited Root and Kennicott Glaciers. Two of the most popular hiking 

trails in the park are included, in their entirety, within the boundaries of the Kennecott NHL: trails to the 

Root Glacier and to the Bonanza/Jumbo Mines. Management of these and other trails and associated 

visitor activities is therefore central to the Kennecott Operations Plan. This section addresses trails which 

provide access to the surrounding frontcountry and backcountry from the Kennecott townsite, including 

the following: 1) the Root Glacier Trail with connections to the glacier itself and the Erie Mine area; 2) 

the Bonanza Trail with connections to Bonanza and Jumbo Mines; 3) the “Wagon Road” towards 

McCarthy, and 4) a proposed trail alongside the Kennicott Glacier towards the Kennicott River footbridge 

with connection to a proposed walk-in campground. Short pedestrian trails and boardwalks within the 

Kennecott townsite are discussed elsewhere in this document (see proposals listed under “Circulation and 

Access” for the Industrial, Administrative Core, and Residential A zones), but we note here that these 

shorter trails work in concert with frontcounty/backcountry trails to promote and preserve a pedestrianoriented experience within and around the NHL. 

All frontcountry/backcountry access trails will be managed and maintained as pedestrian-oriented trails 

with accommodation, where appropriate, for permitted uses of motorized vehicles by local residents and 

their guests and for subsistence activities. To preserve the natural character of the area surrounding the 

NHL, regulatory and interpretive signs will be kept to a minimum along the corridors of these trails, but a 

strong emphasis will be placed on provision of educational and interpretive information at trailheads and 

within the NHL itself. This information will be delivered by an appropriate combination of posted signs 

and maps, available pamphlets and self-guided tours, and direct contact by NPS rangers and other 

interpretive partners, and will collectively emphasize the following: 1) safe and low impact travel 

techniques in the front and backcountry, including bear safety; 2) interpretation of natural/cultural/glacial 

history of the surrounding area, and 3) appropriate locations and practices for hiking, camping, 

picnicking, food storage, use of toilets, etc., with an emphasis on protecting natural resources and private 

property. Patrolling of trails will be provided at a level sufficient to enforce visitor observance of these 

practices. 

NPS will construct a 3.5 mile pedestrian trail to the NHL from the footbridge over the east (dry) fork of 

Kennicott River. The route will generally follow the east side of the Kennicott Glacier, staying well away 

from private property, from the viewshed of the railroad corridor, and from popular swimming areas at 

the toe of the glacier. Route planning will incorporate community input and will take into account the 

evolving viewshed as the Glacier continues to thin and retreat. At the north end, the foot trail would 

connect with the old Wagon Road in the vicinity of the West Bunkhouse or Company Store. The trail 
13

would be constructed and maintained exclusively for non-motorized use, with a tread approximately 2 

feet in width constructed of unconsolidated outwash and existing moraine material, and with minimal 

alterations of grade as necessary only to ensure safety and that water will move off the trail.

2.6 NPS Utilities and Infrastructure

Mill Site Water System: The design for the water system is still underway and the Kennecott Operations 

Plan/EA will not serve as the NEPA compliance document for the water system. Instead, once specific 

design details are known, the project will be presented and analyzed in a separate EA. The EA would 

consider the impacts of the proposed system on water quality and quantity, vegetation, wildlife, area 

access, scenic quality, and the integrity of the cultural landscape. The comments submitted by the MAC 

subcommittee and individuals regarding the water system will be retained and addressed in that sitespecific EA.

Components of a water system may include a water source (either a well or water intake from Bonanza 

Creek); a water storage tank; waterline between intake and the storage tank; water treatment; water 

distribution lines for potable water and/or limited fire suppression.

Sanitary Sewer System 

Collection, treatment and disposal of sewage (wastewater) generated by visitors and staff in NHL 

buildings and on the west side of the Kennicott River will be achieved primarily by septic systems (septic 

tanks and leach fields).

The NHL buildings that could potentially be equipped with sewer service are the Dairy Barn, Old School, 

New School, West Bunkhouse, and Company Store.

The existing ADEC approved septic system and leach field has been expanded to service the Dairy Barn 

property acquired in 2005. The Store, West Bunkhouse, New School, Old School and Dairy Barn would 

be serviced by this system field. 

Excavations would be made along the west side of the site behind the Store and under the historic wagon 

road. About 1050 lineal feet of buried sewer line from the Store to the Dairy Barn would be provided. 

Sewage lift station(s) may be required. The lift station would be installed in a buried manhole in the line 

between the Store and Dairy Barn. A total of 6-8 manholes would be constructed.

Power Generation and Distribution 

A power generation and distribution plan will be developed based on projected power requirements for 

the next 10 to 20 years. The plan and subsequent design will take into account expansion of the system 

and use of alternate energy sources of power generation including hydro and solar power at Kennecott 

NHL. This information would include projected costs and the total hours of generator time that would be 

reduced/saved with alternative systems installed.

The generator located south of the Dairy Barn will continue to provide power for NPS operations at 

Kennecott as other alternatives are considered. NPS will construct an enclosure around the generator 

connex in order to mitigate noise production and visual impact.

Airport Operations Facility/office and lots 
14

Installation of a co-gen unit to supplement existing power generation and provide heating capabilities 

occurred in 2011. Long term intent is for this area to serve as the telecommunications hub for Kennecott 

and west side NPS facilities and serve as a winter office. This office also will serve as an incident 

command post and provides an aviation support function. 

The NPS acquired a 5 acre lot adjacent to the McCarthy airport in 2012. This lot was acquired with the 

intent of future development to provide support for NPS operations in the McCarthy/Kennecott area. 

While no specific site plan has been prepared, the lot may be developed to include the following: 

 Water 

 Year-round housing unit (at back of lot) 

 Seasonal housing 

 Staging area for materials and supplies 

 Communications hub 

 Secure storage area 

A specific site plan and development of the area will be handled in a separate compliance document and 

will be done in communication with the community. 

Solid Waste Management: 

NPS supports working with the community to deal with solid waste issues, by promoting pack in/pack out 

concepts for visitors and landowners alike, and by supporting a recycling program. Bear proof garbage 

containers have been installed in Kennecott and the kiosk on the west side. Bear proof recycling 

containers will be installed at the Company Store and at the old school in Kennecott. NPS supports the 

development of a privately owned solid waste transfer facility and would consider utilizing such a facility 

if economically viable. 

West Side Development 

With NPS acquisition of a five-acre lot adjacent to the McCarthy airport, further development at west side 

will not be considered. Cabanas that are currently located in the Dairy Barn area at Kennecott may be relocated to west side. This will not require any further development of the area. 

2.7 Zone by Zone Actions 

Archeological Resources, all Zones: Wherever feasible, all categories of archeological resources 

identified in the 2000 Cultural Landscape Report will be retained on the landscape. If removal is 

necessary for public safety or to facilitate building stabilization, archeological resources will be re-located 

as close to the original documented location as possible. 

2.7.1 Administrative Core Zone 

Vegetation: The following vegetation clearing will be done around all historic structures on NPS lands in 

this zone, for fire and windfall protection; and for access to the buildings: 

 Clear all spruce within 30’ of all structures. 

 Limb spruce trees up to 10’ above the nearest surface fuel within 100’ of all structures. 

 Clear all woody vegetation within 5’ of all structures. 

 Selectively clear or plant other vegetation to maintain quality viewsheds. 
15

Invasive plant species will be managed consistent with the 2010 NPS Alaska Region Invasive Plant 

Management Plan and EA. This document and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) describe the 

following elements of invasive plant management: 

1. Continue physical control methods where effective. 

2. Allow limited use of herbicides to control infestations not responding to physical control methods; and 

3. Implement mitigating measures with best management practices and monitoring of overall program 

effectiveness and environmental effects. 

Revegetation: Where needed native vegetation may be planted to screen modern NPS facilities using 

native seeds/cuttings from local populations. In some selective cases historically accurate non-invasive 

non-native plants may be planted to enhance the cultural landscape.

Circulation/Access: The following are proposed for this zone: 

 Improvement and maintenance of a pedestrian trail from the General Manager’s Office, up the 

creek to the footbridge, connecting to the top of the mill building. This trail would connect with 

the Old Wagon road and Silk Stocking Loop described in the Residential A zone. 

 Where historically appropriate, reconstruct hose houses that will be used to store limited wildland 

fire suppression supplies (such as backpack pumps or extinguishers). 

General Manager’s Office

Stabilization: Cyclic maintenance. For most preserved or rehabilitated historic structures, cyclic 

maintenance means repairs to roofing, windows (re-caulking), and re-painting on a 5 – 10 year cycle.

Small scale features: Reconstruction of boardwalk and stairs from GMO to Hancock addition.

Interpretation: Opened to the public in 2009. Enhance the sense of discovery by developing a hands-on 

resource space for corporate history. Plan components include durable, functional period workplace 

furnishings, mostly large tables and office chairs, and tabletop magnifying glasses, reinstallation of 

refinished drafting table and storage drawers that were taken out of the building during restoration and 

currently stored in the Machine Shop, and interpretive panels that introduce corporate leadership, 

including financial investors, and their on-site jobs. Part of self-guided walking tour and guided tour with 

concessioner. 

Vegetation: Re-vegetate area with native seeds/cuttings from local populations.

Hospital

Stabilization: Implement interior false-work to keep walls, floors and roof from collapsing. Maintain a 

roof. No interior access proposed. No painting proposed.

Interpretation: Manage and interpret as a ruin. No interior access proposed. Part of a self-guided walking 

tour. Modify existing accessible windows so that visitors can see inside.

Assay Office

 

Stabilization: Will move salvageable remains of the building back to its original location.

Interpretation: Manage and interpret as a ruin. Part of a self-guided walking tour.
16

Vegetation: Remains of the building will be kept clear of tall woody vegetation for viewshed and fire 

protection. 

Railroad Depot

Stabilization: Cyclic maintenance. Restore electrical systems.

Interpretation: Opened to the public from 2004 - 2007 as a visitor center. Replicate original Wells Fargo 

and Railroad Depot signs. Produce at least one panel for the interior. Part of a self-guided walking tour 

and guided tour with concessioner.

Sawmill and Carpenters Shop

Stabilization: None. Allow ruin to deteriorate in place. 

Interpretation: Manage and interpret as a ruin. Part of a self-guided walking tour.

Vegetation: Keep the site and the margins around it free of vegetation in order to interpret as ruin and to 

protect from fire/rot. Selective thinning to improve and/or maintain views. 

Company Store

Stabilization: Work to include: Level 1--construct public restrooms, complete field lab area, interior 

finishes, lights, elevator/lift to Level 2 and 3, install utilities and additional furnaces. Level 3--construct 

staff office area, interior finishes, lights and communications. Maintain as visitor contact point and 

administrative office space.

Vegetation: Thin some trees to open up viewshed in front of deck area.

Interpretation: Opened to the public in 2009. Maintain as primary exhibit space with visitor access. To 

minimize interpretive intrusions in the town, the General Store will provide a central interpretive focus 

and a place to fully develop the landmark’s primary stories. Given the need for durability and low 

maintenance, the full range of exhibit techniques can be used including hands-on and interactive media 

Replicate original Post Office and General Store sign and open the post office for general public access. 

Consider developing the outside area of the front and back of store as a gathering place for visitors. 

Small scale features: Maintain Hoist House #52. Clear random building material from interior, strong 

interpretive value. Re-establish cribwall/utilidor from Company Store to the end of the Carpenter’s shop.

Railroad Trestle

Stabilization: Minor finish work such as closing up utilidor. Cyclic maintenance. 

Interpretation: Part of a self-guided walking trail.

Vegetation: Selectively clear for viewshed of glacier and tailings retaining wall.

National Creek Re-Channelization
17

Stabilization: Based on the geotechnical evaluation of National Creek, we know that the rock glacier at 

the head of the valley continuously contributes a large sediment load to the stream. Engineering for 

stream rechannelization identified the need for the periodic removal of sediment. Removal will require 

periodic excavation from the stream bed to retain its current configuration. Excavation will require the use 

of heavy equipment such as backhoes and dump trucks. Planted materials in the actual streambed will be 

periodically impacted.

2.7.2 Industrial Core Zone

Vegetation: The following vegetation clearing will be done around all historic structures on NPS lands in 

this zone, for fire and windfall protection; and for access to the buildings: 

 Clear all spruce trees within 30’ of all structures. 

 Limb spruce trees up to 10’ above the nearest surface fuel within 100’ of all structures. 

 Clear all woody vegetation within 5’ of all structures. 

Selective thinning for viewshed will also be undertaken in order to enhance views. Specific areas of 

consideration in this zone will be on NPS lands along the Portal trail above the mill building and along 

the trail linking the GMO to the top of the mill building. Revegetation of disturbed areas (such as 

proposed water lines) will be conducted utilizing native herbaceous vegetation seed collected from the 

surrounding area. Such plantings will also be considered in order to screen certain views. In some 

selective cases historically accurate non-invasive non-native plants may be planted to enhance the cultural 

landscape. Area will continue to be monitored for invasive plants and populations of such will be 

controlled and removed. 

Circulation/Access: 

 Construct accessible trails and boardwalks behind the power plant, machine shop, and leaching 

plant. 

 In cooperation and consultation with private lot owners, consider restoration of boardwalks 

and/or railroad within this zone as a tool to control parking. 

Tram Terminus 

Stabilization: Work to include structural repairs to the upper mill including the tram deck, structural 

reinforcement to ore bin, floor repairs, and reconstruction of upper tram deck and roof. Dependent on 

funding, construction of a protective roof structure over the upper tram deck and roof may be considered 

rather than reconstruction.

Interpretation: Open to the public as part of a concession tour.

Vegetation: Maintain scenic views through continued brushing.

Concentration Mill 

Stabilization: Work to include structural repairs including foundation repairs and column and truss repairs 

Levels 1 through 7. Mock-up for project to test internal stabilization methods was performed in 2011, 

with other work scheduled for 2012 and 2013. Repairs to the mill to repair the foundations and reestablish 

deteriorated timber crib retaining walls will require site disturbance during the period of construction. 

Once completed, the landscape will be restored. 
18

Additional work dependent on funding will include structural repairs to the mill structure at Levels 8 and 

above. This work will include foundation and column and truss repairs, new roof construction, and 

stabilization of the ore bins. 

The intent of the proposed work is to stabilize the structure for a guided visitor opportunity. Long term 

(more than 10 year) plans would include siding repairs and replacement and painting. Window repairs and 

replacement may be required to protect the interior of the building and to provide draft control as part of 

future fire suppression within the mill. 

Recent work has been done to identify and delineate the deposition of detonation cord and blasting caps 

on the north side of the mill building. The inventory revealed the presence of large amounts of debris 

(estimated between 1500 and 1800 cubic yards) on the north side of the mill building potentially 

containing undetonated blasting caps. This area will continue to be posted as closed as long as the site is 

hazardous. Some of the mill building stabilization efforts identified above will require working in this 

area. Site specific mitigation of the hazard, through removal of the debris material, will occur prior to 

work being conducted in these specific areas. Removed material will be taken to a safe area, screened for 

blasting caps, and burned. Long term, much of the debris potentially containing blasting caps may remain 

on site. The area will be clearly posted and, if necessary, physical barriers will be put up at access points. 

Archeological resources: Replace ore chute. Minimize disturbance to other interior and exterior 

archeological resources during stabilization.

Interpretation: Interpretation of the stabilized mill building through partnership/concession-led tours that 

meet NPS standards for interpretation. In the Sacking Garage, bring the sacking process to life by 

displaying an original flat car loaded with burlap bags filled with ore, show the sacking and stacking 

process with working pulleys to raise and lower the chute, and reinstall the original tracking scale and 

winch used to pull cars back and forth. 

Small scale features: Track inclines on north and south sides of mill building will be brushed or otherwise 

cleared and managed as ruins; reconstruction of roof enclosure will occur on the utilidor along south edge 

of mill building. Internal stabilization of scale house and lab sheds.

Leaching Plant 

Stabilization: Ongoing work to include repairs to halt collapse onto railroad corridor, site stabilization, 

foundation replacement, repairs to floor and wall structure, lead paint mitigation (including painting), 

rehabilitation of doors and windows to control access. Scheduled work includes structural repairs to the 

walls of the leaching plant including column realignment and footings, shear wall repairs, truss repairs, 

and asbestos abatement. Allow south addition to collapse and manage as a ruin. Implement interior falsework/rigging to keep ruin structure from collapsing onto the railroad corridor or into the north addition. 

No interior access proposed in the south addition. 

Interpretation: Continued tour opportunity with mill building. North sacking shed identified for future 

milling exhibit to accommodate physically challenged visitors that cannot access the Mill. Exhibits could 

include installation of original equipment such as shaker tables and crushers that demonstrate the different 

milling processes.

Small scale features: Stabilization/reconstruction of bracing and the original track incline for the leaching 

plant deck, north of leaching plant. Reestablish the deck at the north elevation with an integrated 

accessibility ramp into sacking shed.

Machine Shop
19

Stabilization: Scheduled work to include reestablishment of collapsing service decks on north and south 

sides, door and window repairs, siding repair, and reconstruction of a porch roof over the east entrance. 

Interpretation: This is the largest open interior space in Kennecott, and could be used to display original 

machinery such as the overhead hoist, forge, drive shaft, and belts, as well as return original machines and 

tools that were purchased in 1938 and shipped to Dunkle Mines. Produce at least one panel for the 

interior. After proposed structural repairs, building will be open to the public. Part of a self-guided 

walking tour. 

Power Plant 

Stabilization: Mediate oil and asbestos in the area. Boiler and stack preservation treatment. Window 

repair/lead abatement including painting. 

Interpretation: Roadside viewing platforms opened to the public in 2006. Maintain the one interpretive 

exhibit panel on upper mezzanine. Inside tour could be led by a concessioner on an ADA rampway. 

Exterior and upper decks can be part of a self-guided walking tour.

Small scale features: 

 Stabilization of structure members (those affected by fire of the south deck of the power plant). 

 Reconstruct small section of boardwalk with stairs west of power plant.

Transformer House 

Stabilization: Repair or replace missing windows and doors and paint. Landscape to improve drainage 

away from building.

Interpretation: Not open to the public. Part of a self-guided walking tour. Modify existing windows so 

that visitors can see inside. 

2.7.3 Commercial Zone

Vegetation: The following vegetation clearing will be done around all historic structures on NPS lands in 

this zone, for fire and windfall protection and to maintain public access: 

 Clear all spruce trees within 30’ of all structures. 

 Limb spruce trees up to 10’ above the nearest surface fuel within 100’ of all structures. 

 Clear all woody vegetation within 5’ of all structures. 

Vegetation screening will be considered in this zone, particularly to screen the Dairy Barn area from the 

shuttle turn-around viewshed. Views of the glacier will be maintained. Disturbed area revegetation will be 

considered as needed utilizing native herbaceous vegetation seed or historically accurate plantings 

collected from the surrounding area. In some selective cases historically accurate non-invasive non-native 

plants may be planted to enhance the cultural landscape. Area will continue to be monitored for invasive 

plants and populations of such will be controlled and removed. 

Refrigerator Plant 

Stabilization: Cyclic maintenance. Re-construct cribbing walls. 
20

Interpretation: Opened to the public in 2008. Part of a self-guided walking tour. Produce at least one 

panel for the interior. 

Small scale features: Restore historic ramp to the railroad corridor. Restore boardwalk. 

West Bunkhouse 

Stabilization: 2013 work included exterior rehabilitation consisting of floor and wall repairs, construction 

of exterior shear diaphragm, siding repair and painting, repairs to doors and windows. Retain interior 

options for potential partnerships and/or interpretation. Depending on the nature of future partnerships 

and the adaptive re-use of this building, it may be necessary to make significant changes to the building to 

protect occupants from fire, to meet operational needs of the users, and to install electrical, heating and 

plumbing services. The prospective partner would be responsible for all interior improvements in 

accordance with The Secretary of Interiors Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties. 

Partnership: NPS will consider partnering with a non-profit for long-term adaptive re-use and 

management of this building. Criteria for potential partners include: 

 Financially capable of funding interior rehabilitation to accommodate proposed adaptive re-use. 

 A partner who places value on protection of historic, cultural, and natural resources. 

 A partner who has an existing or historic connection with the community and/or Kennecott. 

 Adaptive re-uses of the building must also allow some public access for interpretive purposes. 

Of the three bunkhouses remaining in the mill town, the National Creek and East Bunkhouses are in poor 

condition and will be managed into the future with little or no interior access to the public. Only the West 

Bunkhouse retains a high level of integrity reflective of its historic past, both with respect to its exterior 

appearance and to its interior design, functionality, and spatial layout. Because of the high historic and 

interpretive value of the structure, NPS has classified the interior rooms of the building relative to 

potential adaptive re-use. The purpose is to give potential partners an indication of where adaptive re-use 

might be considered. NPS rated each interior portion of the building as primary or secondary space. 

Primary space indicates rooms or areas that have maintained the integrity of their character-defining 

elements and retain high interpretive value. In general, adaptive re-use of these areas is acceptable 

provided the proposed use is compatible with the historic use of the room and as long as the design and 

materials needed for restoration are reflective of the original structure. Areas identified as primary space 

have a high interpretive value and NPS (or its partner) will have access for interpretation purposes. The 

following rooms and/or areas of the West Bunkhouse were identified as primary spaces: 

Ground floor: Locker room; wash-up/sink area; office; west staff bunk room; staff area corridor; back 

porch. 

First floor: Entryway; west side dining hall; and Kitchen/Pantry area. 

Second floor: Lounge area; bunkrooms 1, 2, and 3 on the east end; and the hallway/corridor. 

Third floor: Head of the stairway and the hallway/corridor. 

Interpretation: Open to the public after interior modification, in cooperation and consultation with 

prospective partner. After adaptive re-uses to support partnership have been determined, develop an 

interpretive panel for the interior that links the building, via text and images, to the historic use of the 

structure. Include interpretation of the Japanese cooks. Part of a self-guided walking tour and guided tour 

with concessioner. 

New Schoolhouse 
21

Stabilization: Restore classrooms after maintenance activity is removed from building. Install chalk 

boards, refinish floors. 

Interpretation: Possible future classroom for visiting school groups and/or interpretive exhibit space. Part 

of self-guided walking tour. Acknowledge the location of the handball court/hockey rink in future 

interpretive material.

Small scale features: Re-establish cribwall/utilidor between New School and West Bunkhouse.

Recreation Hall

Stabilization: Cyclic maintenance. Install sprinkler system. ADA compliant hardening of walkways to 

outhouses.

Partnerships: Completed lease agreement with Wrangell Mountain Center to manage the building for 

community events, interpretive programs, and classroom purposes.

Interpretation: Opened to the public in 2003. Part of a self-guided walking tour. Two interpretive panels 

were installed in 2004. 

Small scale features: Hose house was rehabilitated and will be utilized to provide storage for fire 

suppression supplies (backpack pumps or extinguishers).

Old Schoolhouse 

Stabilization: Cyclic maintenance. Utilize boardwalk behind building to connect this building with the 

shuttle turnaround, thus providing a continuous visitor orientation space. Porch behind building would be 

extended and roofed. Benches installed to provide covered visitor space. Existing outhouse “expanded” to 

provide men’s and women’s vault toilets. 

Interpretation: Convert the Blackburn School into a staffed, contact station offering backcountry 

information, orientation, and safety messages. Possible space dedicated to concessioner who offers guided 

tours through Kennecott NHL. Install interpretive panels that introduce each of the landmark’s themes 

and that interpret the Blackburn School building history. Update the Scope of Sales and develop displays 

for Alaska Geographic sales. Part of a self-guided walking tour. Possible future use as winter caretaker 

office. 

Dairy Barn 

Stabilization: Cyclic maintenance. Future use as shop/break room and this area will be utilized for 

employee parking. Enclosure for generator, construct material shed and security shed. 

2.7.4 Residential A Zone

Vegetation: The following vegetation clearing will be done around all historic structures on NPS lands in 

this zone, for fire and windfall protection and for access to the buildings: 

 Clear all spruce trees within 30’ of all structures. 

 Clear all woody vegetation within 5’ of all structures. 

 Limbing of spruce trees up to 50’ from the buildings. Consideration will be given to the effects on 

thinning/limbing on adjacent landowners and maintaining privacy/vegetation screening. 
22

Elsewhere in this zone, selective thinning will occur in order to open views of the Kennicott Glacier 

and/or mill building. Specific locations include: 

 Selectively clear mill building view sites on the Silk Stocking trail approaching the National 

Creek bridge. 

 Selectively clear specific view positions along the historic wagon road on south side of National 

Creek to frame views of historic structures and glacier and mountains beyond. See description 

under Circulation and Access. 

Encourage and/or allow vegetable and flower gardens present in 1938, including vegetable beds and 

flower boxes, based on historical documentation and precedent. Consider re-establishment of foundation 

plantings, and grass between cottages as reflective of the period. Invasive and high water demanding 

species will be avoided. Area will continue to be monitored for invasive plants and populations of such 

will be controlled and removed. Disturbed area revegetation would be considered as needed utilizing 

native herbaceous vegetation seed collected from the surrounding area. 

Circulation/Access: The old wagon road from the Company Store through the landslide at the south 

slope of National Creek will be cleared and maintained for pedestrian use only. The landslide will be bypassed or a trail constructed through it

East Bunkhouse:

Stabilization: Re-siding and painting, with salvaged materials and new, “shadow” reconstruction of 

lower-level windows and doors (openings are framed but do not contain actual doors or windows). 

Replace roof and stabilize. Re-grading around building. This building is critical to maintain in place for 

National Creek stability.

Interpretation: Manage and interpret as a bunkhouse. Controlled access proposed. Part of a self-guided 

walking tour. 

National Creek Bunkhouse:

Stabilization: Work to include interior reinforcement to help stabilize the structure, re-roofing to extend 

the life of the ruin structure. Manage as a ruin as part of the Kennecott streetscape.

Interpretation: Manage and interpret as a ruin. No interior access proposed. Part of a self-guided walking 

tour. Modify existing windows on the lower level so that visitors can see inside. 

South Silk Stocking Cottage: 

Stabilization: Cyclic maintenance. 

Interpretation: Part of a self-guided walking tour, incorporating educational materials regarding respect 

for private property.

North Silk Stocking Cottage:

Stabilization: Cyclic maintenance. Remove sauna above cottage. 
23

Interpretation: Part of a self-guided walking tour, incorporating educational materials regarding respect 

for private property.

2.7.5 Residential B Zone

Vegetation: The following vegetation clearing would be done around most historic structures on NPS 

lands in this zone, for fire and windfall protection and for building access: 

 Clear all spruce trees within 30’ of all structures. 

 Clear all woody vegetation within 5’ of all structures. 

 Limbing of spruce trees up to 50’ from the buildings. Consideration will be given to the effects on 

thinning/limbing on adjacent landowners and maintaining privacy/vegetation screening. 

In cooperation with private landowners, clear woody vegetation along the rail corridor north of the Mill 

building to end-of-rail to reestablish conditions reflective of historic period and improve glacier views. 

Encourage and/or allow vegetable and flower gardens present in 1938, vegetable beds, flower boxes. 

Invasive and high water demanding species will be avoided. Area will continue to be monitored for 

invasive plants and populations of such will be removed. Disturbed area revegetation would be 

considered as needed utilizing native herbaceous vegetation seed collected from the surrounding area. 

Circulation/Access: Maintain historic access routes for pedestrian and local vehicle use.

Kennecott Cottage 39C, Lot 88 

What has been done: Previous owners did interior work. Interpretive panel installed. New roof installed.

Proposed Actions (structural): Work to include lead paint mitigation, re-establish trim and cabinetry

details, repairs to interior paneling, floors and ceiling, new electrical wiring and lights, interior and 

exterior painting, doors and window repairs. Reconstruct outhouse and boardwalk in the back.

Interpretation: Opened to the public in 2006. One interpretive panel installed in 2007. Manage as an 

historic period residence and as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Vegetation: Re-establishment of historical vegetation - this may be a lawn and garden.

Kennecott Cottage 13C, Lot 80 

What has been done: This cottage on the east side of the railroad bed, was acquired by NPS in 2005. 

Nothing has been done.

Proposed Actions (structural): Manage as ruin.

Interpretation: Manage and interpret as a ruin. No interior access proposed. Part of a self-guided walking 

tour. 

Vegetation: Selective thinning that allows views of boardwalk, cottage, and railroad bed without allowing 

for entry to this unsafe area.

Kennecott Cottage 39B, Lot 87 

What has been done: Acquired by NPS in 2011. Collapsed under snow load, winter 2012. 
24

Proposed Actions (structural): Consolidate collapsed material and manage as ruin. 

Interpretation: Part of a self-guided walking tour. 

Vegetation: Clearing for fire protection as identified above. 

2.7.6 Other 

Jumbo Transfer Station 

What has been done: 2008 work included volunteer effort for emergency foundation 

and roof repairs, improvements to stop animal access into the building. 

Proposed Actions (structural): Future work to include reroofing, wall and floor repairs, 

structural repairs.

Jumbo Mine Aerial Tramway

What has been done: 2003 documentation. 

Proposed Actions (structural): Stabilization of the NPS-owned lower portion of the 

tramway system. Stabilization to include replacement of deteriorated structural 

members on tram towers, capping of column members with metal to prevent further 

deterioration, and bracing and reaffixing missing connections. 

Vegetation: Brush removal would occur around NPS owned towers. The portion of the 

tramway visible from the tram terminus will be brushed to that the tramway system is 

evident. This action is dependent on possible NPS acquisition of Lot 65 above the tram 

terminus. 

Mudhole Smith cabin

What has been done: Vegetation clearing for fire protection. 

Proposed Actions (structural): Replace sill logs, remove non-historic interior flooring, 

cap the chimney hole to prevent rain and snow from getting in, and maintain the roof 

and door window openings. 

Interpretation: Interpretive site with exhibit regarding aviation history in the area.

Jumbo Mine/Root Glacier outhouse 

A vault toilet would be installed near the junction of the Root Glacier trail and the 

Jumbo Mine trail. The intent is to take pressure off the more remote (and unserviceable) 

Jumbo Creek outhouse. 

The existing Jumbo Creek outhouse will be re-built and re-located. The interior of the 

new outhouse will be constructed of materials that are easier to clean.
25

Cemetery 

NPS would consider developing a map of the cemetery that would be part of a selfguided tour. Proposed activities at the cemetery include fence 

maintenance/reconstruction; brushing of native vegetation in order to define cemetery 

plots; and maintenance of grave markers. To date no invasive plants have been 

documented in the cemetery but it will continue to be monitored for them and if found, 

they will be removed. Non-invasive, non-native plants do grow in the cemetery and will 

not be removed as they may be a part of historic plantings. A cultural landscape report 

has been prepared for the cemetery which includes recommended treatments. These 

proposed actions are consistent with the cultural landscape report recommendations. 

The final cultural landscape report for the cemetery will be made available for public 

review and will be appended to this document.