April 17, 2018 - 10:13 AM
MISSOULA, Mont. - The National Park Service is recommending rebuilding the Sperry Chalet dormitory at its original site in Glacier National Park, with its original rock walls and a few upgrades.
The Missoulian reports the park service released its environmental assessment on the project Tuesday, calling for construction to take place over the next two summers if financing and the weather allow.
The century-old backcountry chalet was gutted by a wildfire last summer.
The park service says the proposed design would restore the chalet dormitory to reflect its "period of significance" from 1914 to 1949, but with some upgrades including seismic bracing and fire-resistant materials.
Officials want to retain the visitor experiences of sharing family-style meals at the dining hall and overnight lodging in the dormitory, while providing a remote backcountry wilderness experience.
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Information from: Missoulian, http://www.missoulian.com
News from © The Associated Press, 2018