National Park Service to hold open house for the proposed demolition of non-historic structures within New River Gorge NP&P

National Park Service

News Release Date: November 18, 2022

Glen Jean, W.Va. — The National Park Service (NPS) invites interested members of the public to attend an open house on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Glen Jean Bank in Glen Jean, W.Va. At the open house, the NPS will provide information regarding its proposal to demolish 16 deteriorating and non-historic excess structures in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The NPS proposal includes removing the hazardous structures, disposing of all associated building debris, and restoring the sites to a condition consistent with their natural surroundings which will provide visitors with additional recreational opportunities.  

Funded by the Great American Outdoors Act, the project to remove unnecessary structures will address deferred maintenance needs and eliminate approximately $800,000 in yearly maintenance and law enforcement costs, allowing staff and financial resources to focus attention on maintaining other facilities and resources that park visitors can enjoy. Many of the buildings and structures came into the possession of the NPS through land acquisition within established park boundaries. Most were not intended for occupation or use and are now abandoned, dilapidated, overgrown safety hazards that are vulnerable to trespassing and vandalism and a burden to maintain.   

The structures/areas to be removed through this project are:  
•    Ajax Mines Grounds (Items to be removed include large pipes, mechanical apparatus, and fences)  
•    Ajax Pump Station Building  
•    Billy Jo Adkins House  
•    Burnwood Maintenance Storage Building  
•    Burnwood Ranger Storage Building  
•    Burnwood Ranger Storage Shed  
•    Clarence Plumley House, Meadow Creek  
•    Dun Glen Boat Storage/Emergency Cache (Constructed by NPS)  
•    Glade Creek Restroom  
•    Glenwood Corp River Road Cabins (Structures have been removed. Next phase work will include remediating old septic systems and revegetating area)  
•    Grandview Resource Stewardship Office  
•    Jonny and Brenda Adkins House  
•    Julian Mark Richmond House  
•    Julian Mark Richmond Shed  
•    Samuel Ames Garage  
•    Samuel Ames House  

The NPS plans to complete its environmental and cultural review process for this project in early 2023 with the goal of implementing the demolitions as early as summer 2023 and working into the fall.  

For those unable to attend the open house, the public materials and additional information will also be made available on the NPS’ planning website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GAOANon-HistoricDemolition.  

Funding for this project is through the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund which is part of a concerted effort to address the extensive maintenance backlog in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, the fund provides up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements in national parks to ensure their preservation and provide opportunities for recreation, education, and enjoyment for current and future visitors.