TOTEM POLES 

Sitka National Historical Park 

Sitka, Alaska 

The totem pole collection at Sitka National 

Historical Park embodies the rich carving 

traditions - past and present - of Southeast 

Alaskan Natives. Started in the early 1900s, 

the collection was one of the significant 

factors for the park's designation as 

a National Monument in 1910. Deterioration 

of the poles' in-ground wood due to fungal 

decay necessitated making new base 

supports for seven poles. As part of the 

project, the carvings on the red cedar poles 

were treated with a borate wood preservative in order to protect them against 

fungal decay and insect damage. This 

treatment has broad potential applicability 

for the preservation of exterior woodwork 

on structures, site features and objects. 

Problem 

Famous as the capital of Russian-America 

and the home of the Tlingit Indians, Sitka 

is located along the southeast coast of 

Alaska. It has a relatively mild, yet very 

moist, climate with more than 95 inches 

of rainfall annually. The famous outdoor 

totem pole collection at the national 

PRESERVATION 

Tech Rotes .• "' '. ~ u.s. Department of the Interior 

<I."'~ ,..... .\ .... E National Park Service 

':I \ - _ ~ Caltural Resources 

4oi~ "'.~ ... 

>lReu 'l ,,, Preservation Assistance DIVIsion 

EXTERIOR 

WOODWORK 

NUMBER 4 

Protecting Woodwork 

Against Decay Using Borate 

Preservatives 

Ron Sheetz 

Division of Conservation 

Harpers Ferry Center 

National Park Service 

Charles Fisher 

Preservation Assistance Division 

National Park Service 

Proper preservation treatments 

and regular maintenance are essential 

for effective protection of exterior 

woodwork. 
Figure 1. Some of the Sitka totem collection shown on display at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition. Totem poles (totems) generally ,serve one of four 

purposes: crest poles give the ancestry of a particular family; history poles record the history of a clan; legend poles illustrate folklore or real life experiences; 

and memorial poles commemorate a particular individual. The first recorded sightings were by European explorers and traders in the late 18th century. 

Detached exterior poles reached their zenith in the late 19th century, standing along the village fronts of the Haida and Tlingit Indians 

of northern British Columbia and extreme southeast Alaska. 

park has suffered from the effects of 

moisture throughout much of the twentieth 

century. The most serious fungal decay 

recently encountered occurred at the base of 

the poles, although fungal growth and 

structural problems, including splits and 

cracks, were prevalent on the above-ground 

carvings as well. 

Replicating poles at Sitka for outdoor 

display is a treatment practiced at the park as 

early as the 1930s. However, re-carving 

inevitably results in the loss of the original 

craftsmanship as well as the original artistic expression. Today, the National Park 

Service strives to extend the life of the 

totems for outdoor display as long as possible. Older original totems that have survived 

have been relocated indoors for exhibit 

or storage because of their significance and 

condition. The older replicas and the more 

recently carved new totems are being maintained and conserved for outdoor display. 

Past Treatments 

Of the seven standing poles that were identified as in most serious need of preservation 

work, it is now believed that one (Yaadaas 

Crest Pole) dates to the 19th century and 

was part of the original collection assembled 

by the District of Alaska territorial governor 

John Brady and displayed at the 1904 

Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis 

(see figure 1). This totem will be exhibited 

indoors. The other six poles are early 

replicas of ones in the park collection that 

were too deteriorated for outside display. 

Five of the replica poles had been carved 

during the 1930s by Alaskan Natives 

employed by the Civilian Conservation 

Corps. The remaining pole (Raven/Shark) 

is a 1978 reproduction of an original pole 

carved for the 1964 New York World's 

Fair, which was moved indoors in 1978 due 

2 

to deterioration. All 7 poles were hollowed 

out on the back side at varying lengths 

above ground. Four poles (Waasgo Legend, 

Lakich'inei, Yaadaas Crest and Raven/Shark) 

were mounted with steel bolts onto 

separate supporting posts that were set into 

the ground (see figure 2). The Mosquito 

Legend, Trader Legend and Frog Raven 

replicas, carved by the Civilian Conservation Corps, have concave backs (above 

ground only), with the full butt section of the 

carved poles extending into the ground -

the original method for erecting totems. 

A wide range of treatments was undertaken over the years to prolong the life of the 

poles. Some of the poles in the original 

collection may have had serious problems 

with base deterioration even in 1905 

with "advanced decay" being reported by 

1938. Rotted sections were cut out and 

recarved pieces attached in some areas 

during the 1930s. Exposed surfaces were 

treated with creosote in 1938. Between 1938 

and 1940, some poles were repaired and 

others recarved completely. Yellow cedar 

logs, used as mounting posts, were treated 

with Avenarious Carbolineum® (highly 

refined penetrating creosote oil). Aboveground poles were treated with Permatox® 

(sodium pentachlorophenate) concentrate 

and coal tar, repainted and then treated with 

Perma Seal® varnish. By 1965, poles 

were being treated with pentachlorophenol. 

In 1972-73, the poles were taken down, most 

of the paint removed, then immersed in 

sodium fluoride and copper sulfate as 

a protective measure and the bases treated 

with "penta grease." Between 1976 and 

1984, the poles were treated with 

a wax-mineral oil-varnish mixture (scheduled for reapplication every 3 years) and the 

poles were sprayed annually with 10 % 

pentachlorophenol solution from 1976 to 

1980. Since the wax-mineral oil-varnish 

mixture was not really effective, this treatment was discontinued by 1985. 

TWO METHODS FOR SUPPORTING TOTEMS 

A B 

Hollowed Back of --1Hr Totem Pole 

Totem with 

Continuous Pole 

into Ground 

: ~ ''- .' 

Totem Pole - All 

Above Grade 

-#H1!=:!:;-.- Support PUs, -~1iIiIFigure 2. Two methods existed for securing the 

totems in place. Each of the 3 totems 

replicated by the Civilian Conservation Corps 

consisted of one continuous pole which extended 

into the ground (A). The other 4 totems did not 

extend into the ground but, rather, were attached 

to a separate supporting post (B). Due to the 

deteriorated wood below grade, all 7 totems are 

being re-erected using separate support posts 

(B). Drawing: Timothy Buehner. 
Condition Survey 

In 1991, a 3-day Totem Preservation 

Conference was held in Sitka to evaluate 

preservation approaches and a condition 

survey made of the collection. The survey 

included 30 carved poles and carved house 

poles at the park; some were on display 

and others were in storage (see figure 3). 

The 7 poles determined to be in the 

most advanced state of decay shared several 

characteristics. They were all displayed 

outside and, in consequence, their bases 

were decayed. In several cases, the moisture 

content of the wood to 6" above ground was 

an high as 47 % and fungal decay on the 

surface was clearly evident. Damage to the 

bases had occurred directly above ground 

and below grade to a depth of 18". 

Although less serious than the damage to 

the bases, fungal decay also had occurred at 

other locations. At the top of the poles, 

the open end grain and cracks in the wood 

created perfect conditions for water 

retention (see figure 4). Some of the poles 

were flat at the top, permitting water 

ponding. Fungal decay also was evident on 

the horizontal surfaces of the carvings 

throughout the length of the poles, in 

crevices created by carvings, and in the 

cracks and splits in the wood where organic 

debris tended to accumulate and retain 

moisture. One pole had an 8 foot-long 

vertical split at the base. Finally, decay was 

evident in the concave backs of the poles 

that abutted supporting posts (see figure 5). 

Solution 

New support posts for the poles needed 

to be installed, including three that had been 

replaced in earlier work projects. Of greater 

concern, however, was choosing an 

appropriate method oftreating the carvings 

along the pole to reduce water penetration 

and fungal decay. Three treatment goals 

were identified 

• To provide effective protection for 

above-ground wood while minimizing hazards to both applicators 

and the environment. 

• To utilize a treatment as 

" reversible" as possible in the 

event unforeseen problems or the 

availibility in the future of improved 

preservation treatments. 

• To minimize changes in the appearance of the wood. 

Aft~r investigation of various possible techniques, the decision was made to apply 

a borate preservative followed by a water 

repellent coating. 

Borates 

The prime advantage of using borate 

preservatives rather than other preservatives 

SITKA NA TIONAL HISTORICAL PARK 

CARVED POLE ~Tl"' CN SURVEY Shee t z/Levitan 

Pole Nam e : Yaadaas Crest Po l e Da te : June 1991 

Location : On Trail # 1 I d p. lltl fyi n q ft: ~ITK 5203 

Iil'l,------moisture content 112% 

fills 

decay/accumu lations of organic ma t erial in de p resions. a .... l can be comple t ely buried 

I"A-- -'t----l .uge weathering check! about 2" wide 

_ _ "r-_ _ O·'Y.'." log/ scarfed at rear/awkward transition 

, ---', __ - .'1"" 102 fingers 

numerous plaster and wood fills in wea t he ring checks t hroughou t lengt h of pol e 

Pole is attached to s upport post. 

Old fills (probably plaster) found t hroughou t lengt h of pole. 

Batten s 3~ x5 " are lag bolted t o t he r e ar ed ges of pole. 

Organic ma t eri a l pil ed up in cont ac t with base. promo t i ng f ungal growt h/decay . 

Some adz marks remain, most exteri or surfaces appea r " skinned". 

With the exception of the body of lower figu re , t he qual ity of t he carving 

is good. Pole shows considerable age in degree of wea t hering a nd checking . 

Pole may predate CCC era. Wood patches, body of lowe r figu re . joining of 

upper 2 f i gures and skinning of the surface are probabl y CCC work. 

Remnants of black, red and green paint throughou t (p r obably da t e to CCC ~ 

- - -- cable damage 

!ti\----hole approx. 2" dia. 

r---~.ooa patch 

kc----<""'ns1ve checking on horizontal surfaces 

has been patched! patch is loose 

decay 

Nilll--f----wo"d patch! out of plan e approx. 1" 

~ _ __ mo1stu'e cont ent 40% 

mold present on some s h aded s urfaces 

lower portion of pole (up t o approx . 78" from g r ade line ) has been pieced 

together! numerous plugged holes (probably cove r bolt heads) 

Figure 3. A condition survey of each of the 7 totem poles identified a variety of problems, including 

fungal decay, cracks and splits, and high moisture levels. 

is that they are effective against brown 

rot and white rot fungi and most wooddestroying insects while being relatively safe 

for both users and the environment. Borate 

is a generic term for boron compounds 

containing the element oxygen. Boron is 

very toxic to most decay fungi and insects 

that commonly damage wood, including 

carpenter ants, most wood-destroying 

beetles and termites. While it penetrates wet 

wood better than dry wood and is used 

more commonly as a preservative for 

unseasoned wood , commercially available 

mixtures of borate and ethylene glycol 

provide protection even for seasoned wood. 

Aided by the ethylene glycol (a thick 

liquid alcohol), the borate solution diffuses 

into the wood, with greater penetration 

ofthe outer areas and also into moist areas. 

The ethylene glycol used in commercial 

preparations will evaporate in a short 

time. Thus the mixture will wet and briefly 

darken freshly treated wood. However, 

this discoloration will usually diminish 

within a few days. After the glycol volatizes, 

the treatment will not affect subsequent 

painting, staining or the gluing of wood 

(appropriate glues must be used). In 

addition, borate compounds are not 

corrosive to most metal fasteners, although 

aluminum and galvanized metal may be 

affected. Borate penetration of wood can be 

3 
Figure 4. Organic debris had collected in the splits and cracks, contributing to moisture retention and 

fungal growth. 

readily detected by use of an applied color 

test for boron, but it does require slicing 

off a section of the wood. The work with the 

totem poles involved removing an underground butt section, treating it with borate 

and water repellent, and placing it outdoors 

to serve as a test. 

There are some disadvantages. Borate 

compounds are not effective in controlling 

mildew fungi or soft-rot fungi. Borates 

are water soluble and may leach out of the 

surface when exposed to frequent wetting. 

Borates also are not as effective for 

applications on wood that will be used 

below grade, unless formulated with 

a co-biocide and protected from leaching. 

For above-grade, unpainted wood, subject 

to frequent wetting, a stain, paint or 

water repellent coating is desirable after 

treatment with borate preservatives. (The 

fact that borates are water soluble does 

provide for "reversibility" if there are 

unforeseen problems in the future.) During 

applications, care must be taken to protect 

nearby vegetation since borates are 

non-selective herbicides and are toxic to 

plants. Finally, the borate solution does not 

penetrate when applied to painted surfaces. 

Water Repellent 

It was decided that a water repellent with 

a mildewcide additive should be applied, 

after treating the totems with a borate wood 

preservative. A commercially available 

oil based water repellent was selected. 

According to the manufacturer, the paraffin 

oil penetrates the wood to form a water 

4 

sealant while the soybean oil, reacts with 

oxygen and hardens to bond with surface 

fibers of the wood. The selected water 

repellent included in the mixture the mildewcide Busan lOO9®, which is classified as 

a low-toxic chemical and has an odor 

that will dissipate in about a week's time. 

Application of a water repellent was 

considered necessary since frequent wetting 

of the poles would result in the borates 

leaching out of the unpainted wood . The 

mildewcide was used to reduce staining 

from mildew growth on the carvings. Like 

most water repellents, this one also caused 

some darkening of the wood . This was 

considered but some darkening was deemed 

acceptable, particularly since it will 

lighten over time. Since the effectiveness 

of most water repellents diminishes with 

age, reapplications to the totem poles will 

probably be needed approximately every 

3 years. Samples to be taken from the test 

log in the future will help determine when 

reapplication of the borates may be needed. 

Pole Preservation Procedures 

The weather and work conditions necessitated that the project be done in two 

phases. Four poles were done in the first 

phase. Using a large crane and other 

equipment, the 1 to 2 ton totems were cut off 

at the decayed bases and removed to 

a covered area . The poles were then 

cleaned, using brushes to apply denatured 

alcohol in water in a 50/50 mixture. This 

was done to remove lichen, moss, and mold 

that was widespread at the top and at the 

Figure 5. Deterioration occurred between the 

support post and the hollowed back of the totem. 

Coal tar had been applied in the past to the 

hollowed back of this totem to deter fungal 

decay. 

base. Support posts were detached by 

removing the 112" all-thread steel rods that 

had connected the posts to the carved poles 

(see figure 6). The totem poles then were 

cleaned with water using natural bristle 

brushes and a garden hose with a spray 

attachment. Since the red cedar poles had 

Figure 6. Three of the 7 totems had support 

posts. The steel bolts connecting the su pport 

posts to the totem had rusted and often needed to 

be chiseled out of the support post. Note the 

hollowed back of the totem which extended 

nearly the entire length while the support post 

extended only about half way. 
A 

been exposed to rain, the use of water to 

clean them didn't present any problems. 

Small pockets of decayed wood were 

removed from the totems. These usually 

occurred near the base and where the totem 

poles abutted the support posts at the back. 

Most of these pockets were small enough 

that patching with new wood was not 

warranted. All the totems had checks and 

splits, some as wide as one inch. Over 

the years, many had been filled with 

a variety of materials, including Plaster of 

Paris, wood shims, and wood filler 

compounds. Others were untreated but had 

collected organic matter. These filler 

materials had not moved with the old wood 

as it expanded and contracted. Thus, much 

of the filler material had separated from 

the wood, allowing retention of moisture 

that seeped in behind it. Each fIJled crack or 

split was first documented and, in most 

cases, the filler was removed, using 

compressed air, brushes, spatulas, and 

other small implements. 

Small cracks and splits were similarly 

cleaned. Borates and water repellents would 

be used to retard water penetration 

and provide protection from insects and 

fungal decay. Large splits and cracks were 

handled differently because of a possible 

loss of structural integrity. They were fIlled 

with a flexible epoxy, fumed silica and 

micro-balloon mix, and then covered with 

an oil stain to blend with the adjacent 

old wood. The water repellent coating was 

then applied over the oil stain. In some 

instances where wood had been inlaid and 

recarved during earlier repairs, reattachment of these patches was done using 

an epoxy adhesive. (Future repairs with 

adhesives would require removal of the 

B 

water repellent coating using a solvent since 

most adhesives do not bind to wood coated 

with a water repellent. Most exterior 

adhesives, however, will bind to wood 

treated with borates). 

Following repairs, the poles were first 

treated with a commercially available borate 

preservative. It was purchased as a concentrate and diluted with warm water in 

a 1:1 mixture in accordance with label 

instructions. With the pole on its back, 

supported by cribbing and padding, the ends 

were treated with a brush application of 

the preservative as well as with any end 

grain exposed by carvings. The preservative 

was then sprayed onto the rest of the pole 

using a 2-gallon garden sprayer (see 

figure 7). This was followed by a second 

coat, spraying slowly to ensure all cracks 

and crevices received ample coverage. The 

poles were sprayed until thoroughly wet 

and rotated with a chain hoist as needed. 

Near the surface, where wood was oversaturated with the preservatives, boron salts 

fluoresced on the surface after the glycol 

and water evaporated. The florescence was 

removed by wiping with a wet brush. 

After waiting several days for the surface 

to dry from the application of the wood 

preservative, the water repellent and 

mildewcide mix then was sprayed onto the 

pole, again using a garden sprayer to 

apply the mix and a brush to spread it. 

Support Posts 

Each of the totems needed to be fitted with 

a new support post. The support system 

selected consisted of a yellow cedar log, 

each engineered to size, that extended above 

and below grade. The yellow cedar log 

was shaped to fit against the concave back 

of the totem and bolted to it with fiberglass 

all-thread rods, thereby providing lateral 

support. Yellow cedar was chosen for the 

replacement bases. Yellow cedar was 

readily available in the required sizes and 

has a decay resistance similar to red cedar. 

Pressure-treated logs meeting project 

requirements were not commercially 

available in the Sitka area. Since the greatest 

deterioration would be at and below grade, 

a preservative treatment that could be 

applied in the field was necessary to facilitate future reapplications. Since major 

deterioration had occurred in the red cedar 

bases from the ground to 18" below grade, 

some additional protection was needed 

in the corresponding area of the new yellow 

cedar support posts. 

After careful study, the decision was 

made to apply to the bases of the support 

posts a preservative in paste form that 

consisted of copper naphthenate and borax. 

This method had been developed to 

treat the groundline of utility poles. Copper 

naphthenate protects the outer layers 

of wood and is not readily leachable. The 

borate is not fixed and will move with 

the moisture in the wood, throughout the 

cross-section. A prepared bandage, consisting of the paste, applied to a polyethylenebacked wrap (bandage), was stapled to 

the support post so that it covered the post 

from of 3" above ground to 18" below 

the ground. It was anticipated that the 

copper naphthenate might migrate up the 

base about 6" above the bandage, giving 

a greenish color visible on the support base. 

This discoloration was not considered 

objectionable in the case of the support 

poles, since most of them at Sitka are 

already greenish in color at the base from 

Figure 7. Borates were applied to the totem using a garden sprayer and brushes. This was followed by an application of a water repellent with mildewcide. 

Photo A is during application and photo B shows totems while drying. 

5 
Figure 8. Due to the heavy weight of the totems, they were usually attached to their fitted support post and re-erected at the site. 

mold and mildew. The utilization of 

a wrap or bandage was considered the most 

effective application method and, in 

addition, it would retard the borate from 

leaching out of the wood. It is anticipated 

that the wraps will be inspected in 10 years 

to assess their condition and possible 

replacement. (This would only require 

removal of the dirt around the bases to 

a depth of approximately 20" so that a new 

wrap could be applied, if needed.) 

Upon securing the support post to the 

totem, the entire unit was re-erected (see 

figure 8). The prepared bandage was 

fastened to the support post before the last 

20" of fill dirt was added (see figure 9). 

Environmental and 

Health Considerations 

The National Park Service favors an 

integrated pest management program (!PM) 

approach to pest management. This 

program maximizes the use of natural 

controls, when possible, while minimizing 

chemical treatments. Where chemicals are 

deemed necessary, it requires that chemicals 

may be used: (a) only after sufficient 

monitoring has shown that an injurious level 

of damage can be expected, if chemicals 

are not applied and, (b) when the least toxic 

chemicals are used. (Prior approval for 

use of chemical preservatives and pesticides 

may be necessary in organizations that 

have designated integrated pest management 

coordinators). 

With the decision to keep the poles 

uncovered and displayed outdoors, experience had shown that effective chemical 

preservatives were needed in order to provide 

more long-term protection of the carvings. 

6 

Figure 9. After securing the support post in the ground, a wood preservative in a "bandage" form 

was attached to the su pport post before dirt was filled to grade level. 

Since exposed end-grains in the carvings 

and cracks and splits in the wood were 

commonplace, the unpainted poles could not 

be adequately protected by using water 

repellents alone. Clear repellents would need 

to be applied on a regular basis and the 

thoroughness of coverage would be difficult 

to establish over a long term, thus the 

need in the case of the totems of both a wood 

preservative and a water repellent. 

Historically, the poles were painted only 

in selected areas and not in their entirety. 

No historic paint documentation existed and 

application of paint as a protective coating 

over the entire pole was not considered. 

The borate application was selected as the 

most effective wood preservative for the 

totem pole, minimizing changes in 

appearance, as well as carrying the least 

safety risks. 

In addition to the health precautions 

provided by manufacturer, nearby vegetation 

needs to be protected from contact during 

field re-application because borates are 

nonselective herbicides. This is accomplished by spreading a trap around the base 

of the totem to collect the run-off from 

both the borates and the water repellents 

with mildewcide. 
Evaluation To Date 

Research has indicated that borate preservatives can be effective in controlling most 

fungal decay and insect damage to aboveground wood . The type of wood involved, 

depth of penetration of the preservative, 

and site conditions may influence its 

effectiveness. It can be applied to seasoned 

unpainted wood in the field or under shop 

conditions using brushes, garden sprayers, 

or a dip trough. 

Selected for use on various totem poles 

at Sitka because of its purported effectiveness 

and relative safety, borate treatment has 

potentially broad applications to wooden 

structures and outdoor artifacts. Log 

buildings, window sills, and above-ground 

outdoor wooden objects subject to decay 

or insect damage are just some of the 

potential applications. There are commercially available borate preservatives 

designed for topical applications to seasoned 

or partially seasoned wood such as that 

which was applied to the poles at Sitka. 

Careful monitoring of the carvings on the 

poles along with the test log will help 

document the long-term value of borate 

preservatives when applied to unpainted 

wood in this moist environment. Successful 

results will depend in part on regular 

maintenance of the poles, particularly in 

removing collected organic debris and 

in periodically reapplying a water repellent 

coating (see figure 10). 

FOR FEATURE READING: 

For an extensive technical and historical 

review of borates for wood protection , 

consult the proceedings of the First 

International Conference on Wood Protection with Diffusible Preservatives. (Available from the Forest Products Society 

(Telephone 608-231-1361). 

Barnes, H .M. ; Amburgey, T.L. ; Williams, 

L. H.; Morrell, J.J. 1989. "Borates as Wood 

Preserving Compounds: The Status of 

Research in the United States." In: 

Proceedings 0/ the International Research 

Group on Wood Preservation - Working 

Group III: Preservatives and Methods 

o/Treatment; 1989 March 31; Stockholm, 

Sweden: IRG Secretariat; Document 

No: IRG/WP/3 542. 

Figure 10. Application of a water repellent to the totems will probably be needed approximately every 

3 years. This can easily be done in place. The support post's "bandage" wrap located just below 

grade, will need to be inspected in about 10 years. 

Curtis, A. B. , Jr. ; Williams, Lonnie H. 1990. 

"Borates Offer Effective Protection with 

Less Hazard to the Environment." Technology Update, Southern Region, U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. 

Utilization Report R8-UR 6. 

Quarles, William, "Borates Provide Least 

Toxic Wood Protection," The IPM 

Practitioner. 

Williams, Lonnie H. 1990. "Diffusion 

Treatment of Domestic and Tropical 

Hardwood Lumber for Long-Term 

Protection 

from Decay Fungi and Insects." In : 

Proceedings 47355. First International 

Conference on Wood Protection with 

Diffusible Preservatives. 1990 November 

27-30; Nashville, TN. 

7 
PROJECT DATA Preservation Team: Supplies: 

Waasgo Legend Pole 

Mosquito Legend Pole 

Lekich' Inei Pole 

Trader Legend Pole 

Harpers Ferry Center 

National Park Service 

Harper Ferry, West Virginia 

Borate Preservative: 

Bora-Care 

Nisus Corporation 

Knoxville, Tennessee 

Williamsport Training Center 

National Park Service 

Williamsport, Maryland 

Water Repellent: 

X-100 Natural Seal Clear 

Totem Poles (phase D)-in progress: American Building Restoration 

Yaadaas Crest Pole 

Frog Raven Pole 

Raven/Shark Pole 

Alaska Regional Office 

National Park Service 

Anchorage, Alaska 

Chemicals, Inc. 

Franklin, Wisconsin 

Owner: 

National Park Service 

Sitka National Historical Park 

National Park Service 

Base Bandage: 

CuRap-20 

CuRap with bandage maker 

ISK Biotech Corporation 

Memphis, Tennessee 

Sitka National Historical Park 

Sitka, Alaska 

Project Dates: 

SUmmers of 1992 and 1993 

Sitka, Alaska 

This PRESERVATION TECH NOTE was prepared by the National 

Park Service. Charles E. Fisher, Preservation Assistance Division, National 

Park Service, serves as the Technical Editor of the series. Special 

thanks go to Alan Levitan, Harpers Ferry Center; the National Park Service, 

Alaska Regional Office; and the staff at Sitka National Historical Park. 

Thanks also go to Lonnie Williams, USDA-Forest Service, Southern 

Forest Experiment Station; Bill Sites of the USDA-Forest Service, Forest 

Pest Management; and Terry Amburgey, Mississippi State University, 

Forest Products Utilization Laboratory, for sharing their knowledge on 

wood treatments and preservatives. Additional thanks go to Ward JandI, 

Kay Weeks, Carol Gould and Dalhia Hernandez of the Preservation 

Assistance Division, National Park Service. Unless otherwise noted, all 

illustrations are courtesy of the Division of Conservation, Harpers Ferry 

Center, National Park Service. 

Preservation Tech Notes are designed to provide practical information 

on practices and innovative techniques for successfully maintaining 

8 

and preserving cultural resources. All techniques and practices described 

herein conform to established National Park Service policies, procedures 

and standards. This Tech Note was prepared pursuant to the National 

Historic Preservation Act as amended, which directs the Secretary 

of the Interior to develop and make available to government agencies 

and individuals information concerning professional methods and 

techniques for the preservation of historic properties. 

Comments on the usefulness of the information are welcomed and should 

be addressed to PRESERVATION TECH NOTES, Preservation 

Assistance Division-424, National Park Service, P.O. Box 37127, 

Washington, DC 20013-7127. 

ISSN: 0741-9023 PTN 39 

024-005-01131 -5 

October 1993