Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Facility Improvements

The Forest Services proposes to update infrastructure and create recreation opportunities at the Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area that can accommodate projected future visitor use while protecting the unique characteristics and outstanding beauty of the area. The project is needed to continue to provide quality opportunities for all visitors to enjoy the Recreation Area, to provide new recreation and interpretation experiences that emphasize the areas outstanding scenery and wildlife resources even as the glacier recedes out of view of the existing Visitor Center, to meet the demand of the visitor industry and support the economy of Southeast Alaska, and to protect the area from environmental impacts associated with increased visitation. The Forest Service released a draft environmental impact statement in March 2022 and received about 400 public comments. In response, a supplemental draft environmental impact statement was prepared that analyzes three additional action alternatives, with a focus on alternative locations for the proposed Welcome Center and parking areas. It was available for review and public comment from January 6, 2023 until February 21, 2023. There was an open house at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on January 24, 2023. The video that played at the open house (12 minutes) is available at: https://vimeo.com/794307215. There was a webinar on January 26, 2023. The webinar recording (2 hours) is available at: https://vimeo.com/794299287.

Location Summary

Mendenhall Glacier Recreation Area is located 12 miles from downtown Juneau, in Mendenhall Valley.

District: Juneau Ranger District

Project Documents

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