Submitted by SJI National Historical Park
The National Park Service is proposing to improve the facilities at the American Camp visitor center site within San Juan Island National Historical Park. The proposed project entails the replacement of the 39-year-old “temporary” visitor center with a new facility that would highlight the rich cultural history of the area as well as the spectacular natural setting of American Camp. In addition, the visitor center entrance road would be relocated just north of its existing intersection with Cattle Point Road. Park operational facilities, including administrative campsites and a maintenance storage area, would also be expanded.
The new visitor center would include space for visitor orientation, gift store sales, seating for an updated audiovisual program and fully accessible exhibits and public restrooms. It would also include office and storage space for interpretive staff. Site improvements would include an outdoor interpretive plaza, demonstration space, gathering space, accessible pathways, more efficient parking and replacement of the septic system and picnic sites.
The purpose of this proposed project is to replace the antiquated trailer with new and permanent facilities that would greatly enhance public health and safety, as well as the visitor experience and understanding of the cultural and natural setting of American Camp and its regional context, to provide additional park operational facilities and to improve the safety of the entrance road and the visitor arrival experience.
An Environmental Assessment is now available for public review and comment. The EA examines two alternatives: a no-action alternative (alternative 1), and the proposed action (alternative 2) to improve the facilities at the American Camp visitor center site.
Two public site visits are scheduled for Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, 1 p.m. at the American Camp Visitor Center. The comment period on the proposed project will end on Dec. 8. Staff encourages people to join us for a site visit and review the EA and comment online via the Planning, Environment and Public Comment website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/SAJHVisitorCenterEA.
