Plans to Replace Grand Lake Entrance Station Facilities at Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: March 24, 2009

Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) staff are proposing to replace the Grand Lake Entrance Station to correct safety deficiencies and improve visitor service. The present entrance station is located on Trail Ridge Road, 1.3 miles north of the town of Grand Lake, Colorado. It was built in 1960.

Two alternatives for the station replacement are being considered. Alternative 1 is the “No Action” alternative where the current entrance station facilities would remain in place. Alternative 2 is the “Preferred Alternative” where a new entrance station would be constructed to replace the current station.

The Preferred Alternative recommends moving the entrance station 90 feet north of its present location to preserve existing trees and minimize impacts to wetlands. The proposed project would replace the current facilities; including two entrance kiosks and a remittance office, with new facilities. A proper ventilation system, correct lane widths for vehicles, and a modern security system for employee safety would be incorporated as well. In addition, the proposed facilities would be fully compliant with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for both visitors and employees, and a Fast Pass lane would be constructed to allow park access via card or electronic pass. There is currently a Fast Pass lane at the Beaver Meadows Entrance on the east side of the park.

An Environmental Assessment has been prepared that evaluates the consequences of each alternative on the natural and cultural environment and identifies mitigation measures to ensure protection of resources and values throughout construction and implementation of the proposed project. No major impacts are anticipated as a result of this proposal.

We welcome your comments on this Environmental Assessment (EA). Your comments must be received in writing by close of business on April 24, 2009. If you do not have internet access, you can request a printed copy of the EA by calling Larry Gamble at [phone].

If you have Internet access, the preferred method for reviewing the Environmental Assessment and submitting comments is to use the NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website:

https://parkplanning.nps.gov.

From this site, use the drop down menu to select Rocky Mountain National Park. A list of current planning projects will be displayed and you can select the Grand Lake Entrance Station Replacement Environmental Assessment. Review comments can be submitted online.

If you do not have Internet access, you can submit your comments in the following ways:

• By Mail: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
• By Fax: [phone]
• By Express Delivery: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, Colorado 80517
• Hand Delivery: Rocky Mountain National Park Headquarters, 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, or Kawuneeche Visitor Center, 16018 Highway 34, Grand Lake

Before including your address, telephone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, please be aware that your entire comment, including your personal information, may be made publicly available.