Galena Overlook was renamed the Bethine and Frank Church Overlook last summer in honor of the efforts by the former Idaho Senator and his widow to preserve Idaho's treasured wild lands.
Now, the roadside vista point on Highway 75, 1 mile north of the summit of Galena Pass, could get a facelift with a redesign of the site's facilities and parking area.
The project, proposed by the Sawtooth National Forest, would include the removal of the overlook's toilets, potable water system and water lines, which are more than a mile long, and closure of the sewer lagoons. The Forest Service also wants to improve access and retain or enhance parking availability at the site, which is the most visited in the SNRA.
The Forest Service is requesting public comment by Feb. 16. If approved, construction would begin in the summer of 2008.
Tom Streit, landscape architect for the SNRA, said the current facilities, which were originally built in 1964, are difficult to maintain.
"Constant exposure to extremely harsh winter conditions have taken their toll on the building and associated facilities," Streit said. "In addition, the current site does not readily accommodate people with physical handicaps. The flush toilets and potable water facilities are very difficult to maintain. Frequent temperatures that fall below freezing limit full operation to a few months during the summer season."
Reconstruction of the site will "focus on interpretive opportunities and explore architectural materials and designs requiring less intensive maintenance," according to a Sawtooth National Forest press release.
The project will also provide an opportunity for the Idaho Transportation Department to improve the safety for users accessing the site from Highway 75.
"Before any decisions are made to go forward, or forego this proposal, we are sincerely interested in learning if the public has any concerns or suggestions," Streit said.
A fact sheet that provides additional, specific project information is available by contacting the SNRA's offices north of Ketchum at (208) 727-5000, or in Stanley at (208) 774-3000.
Written comments, which are requested, can be mailed to: Sawtooth National Recreation Area, 5 North Fork Canyon Road, Ketchum, ID 83340. Comments can also be submitted electronically to: tstreit@fs.fed.us. Questions may be directed to Tom Streit at 208-727-5000.
Bethine Church, widow of the late Idaho Sen. Frank Church, was all smiles during a ceremony last summer that formally changed the name of the Galena Overlook to the Bethine and Frank Church Overlook. Photo by Willy Cook
