Project Update:
Planning for the Future of the Eagle River Nature Center

• Site Planning - Design and Construction; Bill Evans and Lucy Baranko


• Management - Chugach State Park and Eagle River Nature Center


• Chugach State Park - Park Plan - Monica Alvarez and Amanda Hults

• This project is meant to promote educational programs compatible with the mission of the Eagle River Nature Center while furthering the educational and interpretative opportunities available to the park visitors. We also want to develop new facilities within the Chugach State Park boundaries while promoting the preservation, protection of the historical natural and recreational resources within Chugach State Park. Provide for the daily operation of the Nature Center and provide a base for future growth to meet demand.

• Provide Safe and Adequate Parking to reduce pedestrian/vehicle/ traffic conflicts and provide non-interrupted access for our neighbors to their homes and driveways. (Keeping in mind our design vehicle will be a school bus, 53’ recreational vehicle, pick-ups and passenger cars)
  
  
• Trail Access for various visitor groups i.e. backcountry hikers, skiers, program participants, school groups and self-guided visitors.



• Provide full Accessible Program and trail system meeting ADA and barrier free requirements



• Maintain the character/atmosphere of the existing Nature Center



• Maintain and enhance existing Interpretive Programs



• Address Inadequate Space and space conflicts for visitors, volunteers and staff.



• Develop a visitor center Maintenance Facility which will be screen visually and audibly from neighbors, Nature Center area and entrance area/ parking.

• 2005 Friends of Eagle River Nature Center was awarded a 25-year contract from Alaska State Parks to continue operating the ERNC


• 2006: Friends was awarded a grant from HUD (Housing and Urban Development) to produce a Site Master Development Plan for the Eagle River Nature Center


• December 2007- November 2008: Gather Information

• Friends and Alaska State Parks embarked on a project to identify and evaluate the Center’s shortcomings and needs. Hundreds of visitor survey’s were collected, vehicular and pedestrian counts were collected and the organization operation where examined. Analysis Results Report prepared by Peter Holck PhD 2009 (available to the public)

• Fall 2009: Prepare and Evaluate Alternative Nature Center Locations

• Describe possible locations that meet the criteria for the Nature Center based on community interests. Describe each location and how it might impact or alter the surrounding areas. Gather public comments, evaluate identified concerns, and update plans.

• Winter 2009: Post Public Comments and Prepare Draft Master Site Development Plan Concepts

• The planning team and advisory board create a draft master site development plan concepts that reflects resource values and public and agency goals. The agencies review the first draft and address the community’s concerns based on comments received by the community.

• Winter 2010: Public Review of Draft Master Site Development Plan

• Hold a second series of public forums to allow community members the opportunity to comment on the master site development plan and to identify concerns to be evaluated and updated by the design team. 
• The following dates are for the Presentation of Site Concepts-
• January 25th- Friends of Eagle River Nature Center Board of Directors Meeting
• February 8th – Chugach State Park Citizens Advisory Board Review
• February 11th- Friends of Eagle River Nature Center & Neighbors Meeting
• February 25th – Community Open House at Eagle River Nature Center;
• April 2nd – Public Comment for Site Concepts Closed

•  Spring - Summer 2010: Prepare Final Plan

• Review agency and public comments and revise the plan as needed. Prepare the plan for publication.

•  December 2010:  Approve Plan

• The Director of the Alaska State Parks approves and signs the plan.

• Adopt and Implement Plan

• The Site Master Development Plan guides management decisions for the future.

1. Scope of project
2. Location map
3. Site location descriptions