RMNP is proposing to build a new cabin in Chasm Meadows as a replacement for the one destroyed in 2003

By Kyle Patterson (NPS spokesperson)

Special to the Estes Park Trail-Gazette

Rocky Mountain National Park staff is proposing to replace the Chasm Meadows Patrol Cabin, which was destroyed by an avalanche in the spring of 2003. Park staff erected a temporary patrol cabin at the same location in the fall of 2003 so that backcountry management functions would continue without interruption. The original cabin was constructed in 1931, and was located east and down slope from Chasm Lake, which lies at the base of Longs Peak. Chasm Meadows is above tree line at an elevation of 11,400 feet.

The National Park Service (NPS) considers the Chasm Meadows Patrol Cabin an essential facility for managing this area of the Park. The cabin and its environs are located within recommended wilderness. The Longs Peak area is one of the most popular destinations in the national park. During the busy summer season as many as 1,200 visitors a day can be found hiking and climbing in the mountains that surround Chasm Meadows. The east face of Longs Peak, which is known as “The Diamond,” is a world-class technical rock climbing area.

In the past five years, NPS personnel have conducted hundreds of operations, including medical assists and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, in the Longs Peak area. The availability of rescue equipment at the Chasm Meadows Patrol Cabin reduces the response time and logistical challenges for many of these incidents. During SAR operations the cabin serves as a central staging area and operations base.

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The restored NPS cabin in the original location below the east face of the Ship's Prow above the Chasm Meadows

The NPS has prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) that examines three alternatives for the Chasm Meadows Patrol Cabin and the environmental consequences of each. The no-action alternative proposes to leave the temporary cabin in place until it is no longer feasible to maintain, at which time it would be removed and the area restored to natural conditions. The second action alternative proposes the replacement of the Chasm Meadows Patrol Cabin in the same vicinity, but outside of known avalanche paths. The replacement cabin would contain about 280 sq. ft. and would be constructed of Faswall blocks. This is an environmentally friendly building system that uses waste wood by-products mixed with cement that can withstand the hurricane force winds that sometimes occur in the Rocky Mountains. The exterior of the building would be faced with rock, which would provide an appearance similar to the historic cabin before it was destroyed.

Park staff welcomes comments on this Environmental Assessment. Comments must be received in writing by close of business on March 31, 2008. If you have Internet access, the preferred method for reviewing the EA and submitting comments is to use the National Park Service Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website: http://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 Chasm Meadows Patrol Cabin 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:

• Mail: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, CO 80517

• Fax: (970) 586-1397

• Express Delivery: Superintendent, Rocky Mountain National Park, 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, CO 80517

• Hand Delivery: Rocky Mountain National Park Headquarters, 1000 Highway 36, Estes Park, or to Kawuneeche Visitor Center, Rocky Mountain National Park, 16018 Highway 34, Grand Lake, CO.

Before including address, telephone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in the comment, Park officials want people to be aware that their entire comment - including personal identifying information - may be made publicly available at any time. While someone may request that any personal information be withheld from public review, Park officials cannot guarantee that they can do so.

All public comments will be carefully reviewed, and a determination will be made whether to approve a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or additional NEPA compliance is required. The Director, Intermountain Region of the National Park Service, will make the final decision.

If you would like to receive a printed copy of the EA or have questions about this proposal, please call (970) 586-1320.

(The remains of the original cabin (mostly cement) are still scattered throughout the pristine meadows below Chasm Lake.  Will these be cleaned-up before a new cabin is built?)