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Summarized by Kent Larsen
Park Service releases study of Mormon Row
Billings MT Gazette (AP) 16May00 D6
JACKSON, WYOMING -- The U.S. National Park Service has released a
study of the environmental impact of its plan to add visitor
facilities at the historic Mormon Row township in Grand Teton
National Park. The township, officially known as Gros Ventre
Township, was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1896, and abandoned when
the Park Service bought the remaining settlers out to form the
National Park.
Now, the few remaining buildings in the settlement are listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, and the Park Service is trying
to add parking and visitor facilities to the site. The plan includes
interpretive sites that would try to show what life was like for the
community.
The environmental impact study shows that the Park Service's proposal
would have almost no impact on the environment. And most of the 118
letters that the park has received about the site are supportive,
provided the parking and facilities are well-hidden and do not impact
the landscape or harm the rural ambiance.
"The park will begin discussions this year on how to best implement
the plan," said Park Superintendent Jack Neckels.
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