The Site Summit Nike Hercules Missile System stands atop the 4,000-foot Mount Gordon Lyon, overlooking the Anchorage Bowl. The station once served as the first line of defense against the Soviet-pact powers during the Cold War, and is slowly decaying.
Rather than letting the piece of history be devoured by nature, the U.S. Army Garrison, Alaska is looking into what can be done to preserve the facility. As part of its efforts, the garrison has prepared an environmental assessment and is seeking public input as to the future management of the site.
A public meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. tonight at the Anchorage Marriott Downtown, 820 W. 7th Avenue. During the meeting, there will be a period for public comment, and a presentation of the draft version of the environmental assessment will be given at 6:30 p.m. The public comment period is open until July 13.
According to Carrie McEnteer, USAGAK National Environmental Policy Act Coordinator, Site Summit's history, human health and safety concerns and vandalism issues associated with trespassing were all considered as part of the study.
“The environmental assessment evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with four proposed management alternatives,” she said. “The preferred alternative to implement a management strategy that includes selective retention and securing of structures that are critical to the historical understanding of Site Summit and demolition of other unused structures.”
Past efforts to preserve the site include its listing on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1996. The Army formed a task force in 1999 to explore management options, leading to a recommendation that the site be preserved for public historical and recreational uses. Work to stabilize the battery buildings was also undertaken in 2000.
Now the Army is proposing four alternative site management plans and is asking for input to aid in determining the future of the site.
The first alternative calls for no action to be taken, leaving the derelict station as it stands. Other options include partial or complete demolition of the unused structures, bunkers and clamshell radar units.
The preferred alternative set forth in the assessment calls for selective retention of structures that are critical to the historical understanding of Site Summit.
“Limited guided tours of the site could be conducted if the preferred alternative is how the Army decides to move forward,” McEnteer said. “Some of the older and unsafe structures would be demolished, but the legacy and historic significance of the site will be preserved.”
Community leaders and historic preservation groups are joining the fight to keep Site Summit as a part of the local landscape.
Friends of the Nike Site Summit formed to preserve the post as a monument to Cold War veterans and as an educational tool for future generations.
“The Nike Site offers an unprecedented chance in a unique setting to tell the story of the Cold War,” FNSS Director Ralph Tingey wrote in a letter commenting on the environmental assessment. “Its proximity to Anchorage means a large cross section of the public could visit the site if preserved. It would serve as a place where future generations can learn about the mission of the military in Alaska during the 1950s and 1960s.”
James Barnett, president of the Cook Inlet Historical Society, suggested Site Summit be named as an affiliated park under the National Park Service Program.
“That way the site would remain under Army ownership, but use the National Park Service expertise to manage it for public use,” he said.
Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich sent a letter to the Army Garrison, highlighting Site Summit as a key piece of Anchorage's history and the importance of maintaining its historical integrity.
“I hope the U.S. Army will consider the alternative that will allow for some public use and at least a partial restoration of the facilities,” Begich wrote. “The municipality is happy to work with the Army to determine a workable management approach for the Nike Site Summit lands and facilities.”
McEnteer said the Army welcomed the input and encourages others to continue to send in comments until the July 13 deadline.
“Every comment will be reviewed,” she said. “After the close of the comment period, we will review each of them to see if they offer any useful changes to the environmental assessment. After that, the Army historical division will take over and decide how to proceed.”
A copy of the draft environmental assessment is available for review at the Chugiak-Eagle River Branch Library in Eagle River or online at www.usarak.army.mil/conservation/NEPA_FRA.htm.
To submit a written comment on the environmental assessment, send a letter to Carrie McEnteer, ATTN:IMPC-FWA-PWE, 1060 Gaffney Rd. No. 4500, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703-4500, or e-mail it to carrie.mcenteer@us.army.mil.
