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The General Management Plan |
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About the General Management Plan Process Steps Toward the Future of the Monument |
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About the General Management Plan Process 
The National Park Service has been directed to develop a General Management Plan (GMP) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) within the next few years. The plan will set forth the basic management philosophy for the Minidoka Internment National Monument. It will provide strategies for addressing issues and achieving identified management objectives for the Monument, thus serving as a “blueprint” to guide protection and management of cultural and natural resources, visitor use and services, educational programs, and administration and operational actions during the next 15 to 20 years. Public participation is vital to the success of this planning effort. The Minidoka Internment National Monument commemorates the stories of Japanese American internment and incarceration during a time of national crisis. In order to tell the stories accurately and to preserve the Monument’s resources, the National Park Service needs active involvement from all interested people. A planning team was established to work closely with the public to develop the plan. The team consists of individuals with expertise in areas such as Japanese American studies, US history, archeology, landscape architecture, education, and park management. Several Japanese Americans, including community activists, scholars, and former internees, are members of the planning team. The planning process involves meeting with the general public, focus groups, museums, organizations, and individuals with a variety of perspectives about the Monument. Through these meetings the National Park Service will develop a responsive plan. |
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Steps Toward the Future of the Monument 
The first step in the planning process was to develop statements that describe the Monument’s purpose, significance, and issues. These statements explain why the monument was established, why the site is important, and the public’s issues and concerns. They shape the long-term actions and activities that will determine how the site will be protected and managed. Public participation in the development of these statements established the foundation for building a successful plan. The third GMP newsletter outlines the statements developed from the NPS initial public scoping workshops held in November 2002. Purpose Statement The purpose of the Minidoka Internment National Monument is to provide opportunities for public education and interpretation of the internment and incarceration of Nikkei (Japanese American citizens and legal resident aliens of Japanese ancestry) during World War II. The monument protects and manages resources related to the Minidoka Relocation Center. |
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Significance Statements These statements outline why Minidoka Internment National Monument is nationally significant. Civil rights The Monument is a compelling venue for engaging in a dialogue concerning the violation of civil rights, the injustice of forced removal and incarceration, and the fragility of democracy in times of crisis. The Monument offers a unique setting to reflect on the internment and incarceration experience and the relationship of this experience to contemporary and future political and social events. People Minidoka Relocation Center dramatically changed the lives of those interned and incarcerated and had a devastating and lasting impact on the Nikkei community. The establishment of the Minidoka Relocation Center during World War II had a profound effect on the social and economic fabric of neighboring southern Idaho communities. Place The setting and location of Minidoka, with its isolation and openness, are characteristics of the War Relocation Authority's site selection criteria. It was a densely populated, hastily constructed, large-scale, temporary facility that was typical of War Relocation Authority camps constructed during World War II. The Monument contains unique historic and archeological resources, some of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. World War II The Monument provides a forum to understand how internees expressed citizenship and patriotism through individual choices. Choices included serving valiantly in the military and draft resistance. Both choices affected families and communities, as well as the individuals who made them. The Minidoka Relocation Center represents of a significant part of World War II history. |
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Interpretive Themes Interpretive themes in a General Management Plan are developed to guide the interpretive program over the next 20 years. They are intentionally broad to encompass a diversity of stories, facts, interpretations, and related events. A Comprehensive Interpretive Plan will be developed to outline the many stories that will be told and how this will be accomplished at the Monument and off-site. Many of your concerns about interpretation and recommendations will be incorporated into this more detailed Comprehensive Interpretive Plan. The following statements are interpretive themes for the General Management Plan. Civil rights The internment and incarceration of American citizens and legal resident aliens of Japanese ancestry was the product of war hysteria, a failure of political leadership, and a long history of race prejudice. Nikkei contributions to national defense and draft resistance both add to an understanding of patriotism, heroism, and civil rights during World War II. Minidoka provides a forum for discussing the redress movement, as well as the protection of civil rights and liberties for all Americans, regardless of gender, race, or national origin. People Internees at Minidoka were confronted with injustice and profound emotional, psychological, and economic hardships, and they responded with distinctive combinations of Japanese and American cultural practices, values, and perseverance. Minidoka is a complex mosaic that pieces together the experience of thousands of internees and their extensive social, cultural, and economic interactions with non-Nikkei communities and organizations before, during, and after the internment and incarceration. Place Internees were forcibly removed from the lush environment of the Pacific Coast and created a community in a desert environment characterized by extreme temperatures and harsh living conditions. Internees transformed undeveloped land into irrigated agricultural fields within the boundaries of the Minidoka Relocation Center; the agricultural character of the Hunt area is the legacy of internee labor during World War II. World War II Minidoka Relocation Center was set within a world at war, characterized by personal sacrifice and hardship experienced by all Americans. |
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Proposed Management Zones Management zones categorize areas according to what types of treatments and uses are feasible within that particular zone. They explore a diversity of appropriate visitor experiences, carrying capacities, and resource goals. Management zones focus on the future, rather than what currently exists on a site. As a result, they provide managers with direction about the appropriateness of future proposals. Five management zones are proposed for the Monument. They include:
The first four zones are physical areas within the Monument. The Off-site and Partnership Strategies Zone addresses all activities and features outside the Monument boundaries. Collectively, these management zones provide the basic framework for the preliminary alternatives and proposed actions. 1. Cultural Resources—Historic Features Zone This management zone consists of the Entry Area, the Warehouse Area, and the Administrative and Staff Housing Area. Collectively, these three areas encompass the historically developed portions of the camp that are currently within the Monument boundary. This is where the greatest concentration of cultural features and artifacts can be found. Future Resource Conditions Manage historic structures, objects, and cultural landscape for preservation, restoration, rehabilitation, and/or reconstruction as appropriate. Continued public use, restoration, and/or adaptive use of historic roads, parking, and trails. Visitor Experience See and experience historic elements of this portion of the camp. In the historic entrance area, provide a strong sense of the arrival and transition experience. Provide opportunities for individual contemplation, reflection, as well as programmed interpretation. Provide opportunities for viewing and understanding the physical extent of the historic camp, particularly the residential housing blocks (950 acres). Interpretation and Education The entrance area contains many of the symbols of the internment and incarceration. The lack of freedom and loss of civil liberties is illustrated by the guardhouse, waiting room, sense of remoteness, and the historic locations of the fence and guard tower. The contradiction of loyal citizens being imprisoned is embodied in the Honor Roll. The spirit and cultural traditions of the internees are evident in the Japanese-style garden area. Emphasis is on self-guided and low-key interpretation with some interpretive activities and programs. Type of Facilities Explore the potential for preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and/or reconstruction of historic structures and historic landscape features such as the Honor Roll, garden, walkways, historic roads, and parking, as appropriate. Develop interpretive waysides. Explore the potential for retaining existing roads. 2. Cultural Resources—Historic Open-Space Zone This portion of the Monument was historically left open; it was characterized by sagebrush, native grasses, and a lack of building structures. With the exception of the historic swimming hole, fence line, and footpaths, there are few cultural artifacts in this area. Future Resource Conditions Maintain the open character and feeling that existed during the historic period. Visitor Experience Provide opportunities for individual contemplation and personal reflection. Interpretation and Education Focus on a minimal, low-key approach to interpretation. Type of Facilities Provide limited facilities such as trails, seating, etc. Explore the potential for retaining existing roads. 3. Special Use/Park Development Zone This management zone includes the 3-acre and 9-acre Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) sites, both of which are currently outside existing Monument boundaries. Special-use zones typically include lands and waters outside of park boundaries that are used by other agencies or interests. Park development zones are typically lands where facilities are developed to support visitor needs. The two zones are combined in this situation. This is where visitor facilities would be developed. The 3-acre site currently contains former staff housing buildings, a warehouse, and other historic features, while the 9-acre site is undeveloped. Future Resource Conditions Explore the potential for inclusion of these parcels into the Monument. Explore adaptive re-use alternatives for the three historic structures located within the 3-acre parcel. Preserve the historic integrity of the warehouse. Explore the potential for developing existing open areas within these parcels. Visitor Experience Provide a place for intensive visitor contact and on-site interpretation. Provide a place to observe and interpret the full viewshed of the historically developed areas of the camp, including the extents of the historic residential housing blocks. Interpretation and Education Provide a place where the broader story is interpreted. This includes the history leading up to, during, and after the internment and incarceration at the Minidoka Relocation Center and other camps, as well as the context during World War II for these events. Provide a forum for a diversity of expressions related to the camp, the broader story, and the relevance of these stories today. Type of Facilities Provide visitor education facilities, such as an orientation station, interpretive and educational exhibits, research facilities, library, book sales, classrooms, theater and/or studios. Provide administrative space such as offices, housing, and maintenance. Provide space for curatorial storage. Develop roads, parking, and trails. This management zone is the portion of the Monument that is adjacent to the North Side Canal. The irrigation canal was an important part of the historic camp and is a significant feature of the Monument. Future Resource Conditions Maintain the historic character to the extent possible. Manage vegetation within the Canal’s zone of influence. Preserve the historic swimming hole. Visitor Experience Maintain the visual and/or physical connection to the canal and swimming hole. Define the southern boundary of the historic camp. Provide a connection to the natural environment and a sense of solitude. Interpretation and Education Provide a focal point for diverse activities, both active and passive. Provide a connection to the rich agricultural history of the area. Explore opportunities for interpreting the historic fence, which defined the boundary of the historic camp in this area. Explore opportunities for interpreting the swimming hole site. Type of Facilities Develop trails. Restore the historic fence. Develop viewpoints and wayside exhibits. Explore potential for restoration of the swimming hole. 5. Off-site and Partnership Strategies Zone This “zone” is not physically located within the Monument, rather it consists of strategies that address the management of all activities outside the Monument boundaries. This includes partnerships and outreach efforts as well as physical features such as parking, views, and artifacts that are located outside Monument boundaries. Future Resource Conditions Establish partnerships with individuals and their families associated with Minidoka, including former internees, WRA staff, historic neighbors, etc. Establish partnerships with individuals, groups, and organizations that further the understanding of Minidoka and the larger internment and incarceration experience. Collect and preserve oral histories and personal experiences through partnerships. Manage physical artifacts and objects from the historic period following NPS scope of collections. This collection would be managed in partnerships with others. Connect to associated sites, such as Manzanar National Historic Site, Eagledale Ferry Dock on Bainbridge Island, other camps, etc. Visitor Experience Provide an understanding and emotional connection to Minidoka and the broader sites, stories, and lessons of internment and incarceration without having to physically visit the Monument. Interpretation and Education Utilize a variety of media. Enhance the programs of other sites, such as those at schools, museums, etc. Assist in developing links and networks with others to create, coordinate, and facilitate educational programs including educational curriculums. Type of Facilities Provide a wide variety of facilities, including enhanced exhibits and programs at other sites, publications, newsletters, web sites, videos, and other media. |
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Common to All Alternatives The “Common to All Alternatives” are issues that must be addressed in all preliminary alternatives for the Monument. Although each alternative is required to address these “Common to All” issues, the way they do so may vary considerably. Cultural Resources Protect cultural resources. Care for the collection and curation of artifacts and memorabilia per NPS professional standards. Support and conduct oral history programs at multiple locations to collect the stories of the internees, their families, and people associated with the Minidoka Relocation Center. Natural Resources Protect threatened and endangered species and significant natural resources. Visitor Use and Facilities Address on-site and off-site activities. Increase awareness of the Monument’s existence and its educational opportunities. Education and Interpretation Develop educational and outreach programs. Connect the Monument site and its history to related sites and programs. Place emphasis on the people who were interned and incarcerated. Relate to modern-day events. Land Protection and Boundaries Prohibit hunting, trapping, grazing, and mineral extraction within the Monument. Adjust the Monument boundaries in order to add the 3- and 9-acre Bureau of Reclamation sites within and adjacent to the Monument and the remainder of the root cellar feature. Operations and Management Follow all federal, Department of Interior, and National Park Service laws, policies, and procedures. Develop a business plan to help guide future activities associated with the Monument. Provide law enforcement and site maintenance within available funds. Parking, Access and Circulation Maintain existing rights-of-way. Partnership and Outreach Build partnerships to enhance public understanding and engagement of internees and their families. Assume that federal financial resources are finite and partnership opportunities need to be maximized. |
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Preliminary Alternatives The planning team developed four draft-alternative concepts for the Monument. All four alternatives responded to the question: “What range of resource conditions and visitor experiences do we want to provide, in what proportion, and where?” The approach of each alternative varies, from a No-Action approach, which only provides for incremental change, to approaches that propose new on-site facilities, off-site facilities, and boundary expansions. These four alternative concepts are simply the starting point for discussions. The preferred alternative and proposed actions of the National Park Service may combine elements of one or more alternatives, or an entirely new alternative may be created to address public concerns. You can help us shape and refine these preliminary alternatives and preferred alternative. Your comments are important, and they will help ensure that everyone’s valuable input and points of view are considered. Alternative A—No Action. Alternative B—Emphasis on outreach, resource protection and a minimum of new development. Alternative C—Emphasis on cultural resource protection through rehabilitation, restoration and reconstruction. Alternative D—Emphasis on on-site education and interpretation through new facilities and interactive media. Alternative A Alternative A is the No-Action alternative and would involve a continuation of existing courses of action and policies. No significant changes would be proposed in park operations, staffing, visitor services, and facilities. While the historic resources of the site would continue to be protected, no additional site work would be expected under this alternative. The No-Action alternative does assume that incremental changes will occur in order to maintain existing features within the Monument. The No-Action alternative is a baseline from which to measure changes and to make comparisons. Alternative B This alternative emphasizes the extensive use of outreach and partnerships to assist the Monument staff in telling the Minidoka story to the American people. This alternative would focus on providing off-site facilities for education and interpretation with a minimum of new development at the Monument itself. Cultural resources and historic features would be protected, and a minimum of restoration would occur. Budget and staffing expenditures would be focused off-site. Monument staff would work with partners and network with other sites related to the Minidoka story and history to develop curriculum about the internment and incarceration of Nikkei during World War II. Additionally, the Monument would assist in the implementation of educational programs nationwide. Alternative C Alternative C would preserve, restore, and rehabilitate certain historic features within the Monument and consider reconstruction where accurate documentation can be provided. All reconstruction must be essential for public understanding and appreciation of the site. Preservation of the historic setting is emphasized to give the visitor a glimpse of what the camp environment was like. This alternative promotes a visitor experience at the Monument where wayside exhibits and interpretive walkways give the visitor an understanding of the site within a protected setting. There is a minimum of new development. This alternative would recommend a name change to Minidoka National Historic Site, to be more reflective of its historic value. Much of the visitor orientation and interpretation for the Monument would be accomplished on-site, but there would also be some off-site development at locations convenient to Interstate 84. A visitor interpretive center and maintenance area would be developed at the Monument by adaptively reusing the existing camp warehouse, camp administrative housing, and other historic buildings. Budget and staffing would support both on-site and off-site interpretive and educational programs and facilities. An additional boundary change would be needed to add a barracks block site to the Monument for interpretive purposes. Alternative D The emphasis of this alternative is to provide on-site visitor education and interpretation through the development of new facilities and media. The adjacent 9-acre Bureau of Reclamation property would be added to the Monument and utilized to develop new facilities for a new Monument visitor center, administrative services, education and research functions, along with a new memorial and garden. The same level of cultural restoration and possible reconstruction of historic site elements that is proposed for Alternative C could also be included in Alternative D. An additional boundary change would be needed to add a barracks block site to the Monument for interpretive purposes. Most monument staff would be located on-site to manage resources and provide for visitor understanding and appreciation of the Monument. Off-site educational programs would complement on-site programs through partnerships. |
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A review of all of the aspects considered for each Alternative above can be viewed in the Alternatives Matrix: |
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Public Involvement Opportunities 
Informal Discussions with Groups and Organizations Throughout the entire planning process, team members will meet with interested individuals, groups, agencies, and organizations in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere. The purpose of these informal discussions is to engage participants to gather and generate ideas, and to inform the public of the plan’s progress in a relaxed setting. Public Workshops As a follow-up to numerous informal meetings, public workshops will take place in selected Pacific Northwest locations that have been suggested by members of the Japanese American community and the general public. These workshops will provide an opportunity for the National Park Service to inform the public of the plan’s progress and will feature the development of specific components of the plan. These meetings will focus on listening to recommendations from all interested parties in the context of facilitated work groups. Announcements regarding the dates and places for these workshops will be widely advertised through local media. Please refer to the workshop schedule for venue information about a workshop near you. Newsletters and Website Newsletters will be distributed throughout the planning process; check this website periodically for the most up-to-date information. |
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Timeline for Participation in the Planning Process 
1. Gather Data/Establish Desired Future or Goals √ Establish purpose of Monument √ Participate in public workshops √ Identify Monument’s significance, issues, primary stories √ Submit comment sheet from newsletter Winter 2002 2. Suggest Draft Alternatives √ Suggest range of alternatives to meet goals, address issues, express primary stories √ Participate in public workshops √ Submit comment sheet from newsletter Spring 2003 3. Develop Draft GMP/EIS • Analyze environmental impacts for each alternative • Attend public workshops • Review draft GMP/EIS • Develop concept plans for Monument • Submit comments • Distribute draft GMP/EIS for public review/comment Summer 2004 4. Revise Draft and Publish Final GMP/EIS • Develop final GMP/EIS based on public response • Distribute final GMP/EIS to the public Winter 2004 5. Begin Implementation • Work with individuals, organizations, agencies, and communities on partnership activities • Work on partnership activities • Request funds for capital improvements Ongoing |
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Minidoka Internment National Monument |
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For more information, please contact: |
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Park Headquarters PO Box 570 Hagerman, Idaho 83332-0570 208 837-4793 |
Neil King, Superintendent National Park Service Minidoka Internment National Monument PO Box 570 Hagerman, Idaho 83332-0570 208 837-4793 |
Anna Tamura, Landscape Architect National Park Service Columbia Cascades Support Office 909 First Avenue Seattle, Washington 98104-1060 206 220-4157 |
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The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. |
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