GLEN JEAN, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The National Park Service (NPS) will host a second public meeting to discuss the Proposed Demolition of Historic Structures Environmental Assessment (EA) in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at the New River Convention Center in Oak Hill. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the meeting starts at 6:00 p.m.
The NPS will present three alternatives for the management of 19 historic structures and one non-historic addition, all of which have been evaluated for demolition.
These options include a “No Action” alternative, full demolition of all excess structures, and partial demolition with the retention of select buildings with potential for reuse.
Public comments will be welcomed, with each speaker limited to five minutes.
Three Proposed Alternatives:
Alternative A: No Action
Under this alternative, the historic structures would remain in place, unoccupied, and continue to deteriorate.
Safety hazards from the dilapidated buildings would persist, and vegetation would grow unchecked around and through the structures.
Some structures, such as the Dun Glen Building/Ranger Station, would remain in minimal use for storage but would receive only limited maintenance.
Over time, the structures could collapse on their own, and fencing might be needed to secure the sites.
Alternative B: Demolish All Proposed Excess Historic Structures (NPS Preferred)
This option involves demolishing all 19 historic structures and one non-historic addition, removing overgrown vegetation, and using heavy equipment to complete the demolition.
Some historic elements, like foundations, may be left in place to minimize ground disturbance, and any hazardous materials like asbestos and lead-based paint would be handled according to NPS policies.
After demolition, the sites would be restored and replanted with native vegetation. To protect local wildlife, demolition would take place in winter, with revegetation in the spring.
Alternative C: Retain Proposed Excess Historic Structures with High Potential for Reuse
In this alternative, 16 of the 19 structures would be demolished, while three buildings in the Thurmond Historic District—considered to have high reuse potential—would be preserved.
These include the Dun Glen Ark, the Thurmond Ice House, and the Marilyn Brown House.
These structures represent significant elements of the area’s railroad and whitewater industries and could be repurposed for interpretation or visitor access.
The demolition and restoration process for the other structures would mirror the steps outlined in Alternative B.
The EA will be available for public comment from October 7 to November 8, 2024, with comments accepted online.
