Glacier Park Chalet Repair To Go Public

Glacier National Park’s plans for repairing two backcountry chalets are about to go public again.

The environmental assessments were recently revised and now will be up for another review, first in Kalispell Tuesday and then in Helena on Thursday.

One concern is the increased time needed for helicopter flights ferrying sand and construction materials to Sperry and Granite Park chalets. It’s estimated at between 16 hours and 348 hours, depending on the type and size of helicopter used.

A state grizzly bear specialist said it was unlikely the helicopter activity would bother bruins as long as there is a consistent flight schedule along a consistent and high flight corridor.

Kate Kendall, a National Biological Service researcher at the park, agreed the flights would displace bears for a time. “If they have refuges to go to without disturbances, including other helicopter flights, it’ll be less stressful,” she said.

Some trails also may be closed to accommodate bear movements.

The revised assessment also addresses the visual impact of the composting toilet building at Granite, a portion of which will be visible to hikers on the Highline Trail. Plans call for a rock veneer exterior to match the 80-year-old chalet building.

Until bids on the project are received, the cost of the chalets’ repairs, including health and safety improvements, are only estimates. Changes in the revised assessment are projected to cost an additional $400,000, raising total project cost to $4.6 million.

Superintendent David Mihalic said the intent remains the same: provide the public with traditional chalet services, except elimination of linen service, and replace flush toilets with composting toilets.

“We feel we need to go back to the public so that they are fully aware of what this project will entail,” he said.