From Staff Reports
The University of Wyoming and the National Park Service will prepare an environmental assessment for range of proposed improvements to a research center at the historic AMK Ranch on the east shore of Jackson Lake in Grand Teton National Park.
Planned improvements include replacement of the water and wastewater systems and construction of a new dormitory, according to a statement released by the Grand Teton public affairs office.
The Research Center, which is located about one mile north of Leeks Marina, is within the AMK Ranch Historic District and consists of several structures built primarily between 1927 and 1937. The main function of the Research Center is to promote scientific study within the greater Yellowstone area.
The facility provides housing, laboratory space, transportation, equipment and financial support to enable investigators in the biological, physical and social sciences to access the resources of Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks, the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway and surrounding areas.
Center administrators say the facility’s current domestic water system operates from three wells and an associated 500-gallon pressure tank, which does not provide structural fire protection. Six buildings are served by seven individual septic tanks/leach field systems, and center managers say the existing wastewater system is well beyond its intended lifespan.
The number of researchers using the Center’s campus is increasing and overnight housing is frequently filled to a capacity of 60 individuals. To accommodate a maximum overnight population of 75 people, UW is proposing future construction of a 24-person accessible dormitory. The new dormitory would be accessible for persons with disabilities and compliant with structural fire codes.
Several other improvements are also being considered. The EA will evaluate the impact of addressing other issues such as surface water drainage around the Berol Lodge, lakeshore erosion, and the condition and appearance of the existing breakwater wall located adjacent to the historic boat house.
Public comments will be accepted during a scoping period from January 18 through February 20, 2013.
For information or to submit comments, visit online at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/uw-nps. Comments may also be submitted to Grand Teton National Park, Planning & Environmental Compliance, PO Box 170, Moose, WY 83012.