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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMuseum development Plan_ ATTACHMENT CENTRAL IDAHO INTERPRETIVE MUSEUM AND VISITOR CENTER DEVELOPMENT PLAN Prepared by: Zabala Giltzow Albanese, Chartered Architects & Planners and Planmakers Planning & Urban Development Introduction This report has been prepared to provide a development program for the Central Idaho Interpretive Museum and Visitors Center. The museum board of directors initiated the planning effort and commissioned Zabala Giltzow Albanese Charted and Planmakers to assess the museum's operation and future direction, specifically in the areas o f+sifa. planning o 0 0 or' sTid costs. The plan identifies the museum objectives and guides future operations, management, and site development of the facility. The plan will operate as a reference manual to assist the museum in its development and is intended to be the overall 'road map' for planning and operating the facility. ` oco'cztedKbmaefiye acre -woo ed site n Central IT o e=mirseirrrtavouldrgaw iouriffthe '= nn' ucleusof at un mber of-histdnc -log-buildings These tructures represent a proud symbol of Idaho's forests and provide a complex to interpret the state's forestry history. The museum would preserve Idaho's forestry heritage and be dedicated to educational purposes. The museum is unique in its scope and coverage of Idaho's mountainous expanse of forests. A museum's greatest asset is its ability to educate. The proposed museum and visitors center would tell the story of Idaho's forests. Interpretive exhibits and displays would introduce visitors to forestry ecology, firefighting and The museum would honor Idaho's foresters and firefighters who helped develop the state. A statewide Forestry Museum would provide the opportunity to bring into focus for the first time the history of forestry in Idaho, preserving for present and future generation the historical, social and scientific advance of one of Idaho's primary resources. Location Ohe nuiseumRa tvisit ter_iss tes irithe_center of M ' i1�i a11� ^located,in r. cents Ri on`the-south=shaeorPayette Lake; Otiniles,n rtfi�6LBo IVicCall' ; 'average elevation is 5,027 feet above sea level. McCall is a year-round destination fe ort town surrounded by Payette and Boise National forests, with the Salmon River Mountains to the east and Brundage Ski Mountain to the west. Ponderosa State Park is located nearby on Payette Lake. McCall's 1990 population is 2005 full -tune residents with 12-000:: summer residents. Valley County has a population of 6,109. McCall's climate is mostly sunny with July highs averaging 80.6 F and the low 45.0 F. The January's high is 28.8 F and a low of 8.2 F. Annual rainfall is 26.75 inches and annual average snowfall is 60 . inches. Annual weather statistics are provided in the appendix. 1 Access The McCall site is accessible by car year-round, being approximately two hours from Boise. The facility is well located, directly on State Highway 55 which provides north - south access. The average annual daily traffic volumes is 1,620 vehicles per. day at the northern city limits and 3,060 vehicles per day at the southern city limits. The annual traffic figures are listed in the appendix The Idaho Transportation Department plans to relocate Highway 55 around McCall in 15-9.7 to reduce traffic congestion. US.95 is located 12 miles to the west of the city. The area is aLso served by the McCall Municipal Airport, one mile from downtown, which has local charter service available. Central Idaho Interpretive Museum and Visitors Center Purpose The purpose of the Museum and Visitors Center is to maintain exhibits and collections that pertain to the history of -forestry . in Idaho. It will become the museums' obligation to assume responsibility for the collections, which are to be held in trust for the benefit of the state's citizens. Striving to increase an understanding of and appreciation for Idaho's forestry history, the museum will collect and perpetually care for significant items, preserving them for public education and enjoyment. In addition to documenting Idaho's historic forestry practices, the museum will periodically sponsor scholarly symposiums and publications dealing with forestry. The museum will serve to attract interest, entertain , and arouse curiosity, leading to questions and promoting learning. Serving as a permanent non-profit organization, essentially educational in purpose, and overseen by a profession staff and board of directors, the museum will work towards becoming one of the state's key visitor attractions. Objectives The objectives of this museum and interpretive center are as follows: To develop a strategy for development and operations. To provide one -stop visitor information. To acquire forestry related objects for display. To identify fiscal budgets needed in areas of development and operations. To develop plans for fund raising. To stimulate interest in forest industry history. To promote an understanding and appreciation of well -managed forests and their resources. To inform the public about the progress and significance of the forest industry To encourage the conservation of natural resources. Mission Statement eserve; mauitam ands: 'rate the-inuse`um as a memorial to -forest industry° pioneers;' _fa _,Wjserveraslan i` ahorseinutatron cen fbriegi- E apt .o:: Thy museum will collect; conserve; research; ex7ubit and interpret a collection of forest related objects and illustrate forestry activities. The facility will tell the story of man's interrelationship with the forests of Idaho reoc,-u 1ofril nac7ity vill,b for strrecology , ii awn emphasts:on e� _ tor-y f area crest uidu tiwood` .p oductruTd1 ryW°'"°�" ei d' Ali letof4S1 I A- and :the as wil are d = _ d, �. Regional Context Few museums operate successfully on their own They are components of their host community and success or failure can often be traced to the strength of these linkages. Because of this it is the intention of the museum and visitors center to maintain a close and continuous relationship with the City of McCall, the Payette National Forest, McCall Area Chamber of Commerce, SITPA, Ponderosa State Park, McCall Arts and Humanities Council and the McCall Donnelly School District. The museum will coordinate with the Long Valley Preservation Society to maintain a harmonious and mutually supportive role of each other's plans and activities. The museum will also establish a network with other similar forestry facilities to exchange information and help promote the facilities activities. Other forestry museums located in the western U.S. and Canada are listed in the appendix. McCall and S1TPA History Tom McCall came to this area in 1891 from Montour with his wife Lou and five children. He bought a 160 acre homestead with a log cabin from a man name Deivers. The cabin was situated where the Texaoo station now stands. He built a large hotel, where the Standard station now stands, and hired a surveyor to lay out the townsite. The hotel accommodated the many miners travelling from Warren, Big Creek, Edwardsburg and the Salmon River. McCall built a second home near the old mill site and a third and final home by the Jordan Motel behind Paul's grocery. It is still located there. Other settlers followed McCall, and by 1906 the town had a hotel, church, hall and a store. At first the town was more of a resort than a city. The beauty of the place with its 132 mountain lakes, and even more streams, made it a fishing paradise. In 1896 the Warren Dredge Co. opened a sawmill on Payette Lake. Carl Brown, who was a college graduate from the East, bought an interest in a lumber mill from a Bert Mills in 1913. H.R. Hoff and son were the other owners. the mill was located on the east side of the lake on the present site of Mill Park. Hoff also operated a flour mill a few blocks north of the mill. Later the Hoff interests moved to Horseshoe Bend. The mill burned down in 1939. The Browns quickly rebuilt a modern better equipped mill. This mill with a payroll of about 300 was the mainstay of the town right up until the 1980's. Carl Brown went into the political world in 1916 and gradually his son Warren took over the logging operations and the mill. Lumber was produced in mills on Payette Lake for 80 years - until Boise Cascade closed the last one in 1977. In 1914 the railroad came to McCall. This was an important event in the county as the Union Pacific track made commercial logging in the area become profitable. According to Neal you could get everything you wanted shipped in. 'You could order from Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Wards catalogues but you had to pay for 100 pounds of freight, even if you only ordered five pounds. The freight office was across the tracks by the lake. You had to walk over there with the passenger agent if you wanted your package. They never did have a freight agent.' In 1938 a movie was filmed in McCall. This was one of the most interesting and exciting things that ever happened to this little town up until then. The movie was 'North West 3 Passage' starring Spencer Tracy with Robert Young and Walter Brennan. It was about Roger's Ranger's, a novel by Kenneth Roberts. The movie set, with its rustic forts, on the lovely Payette Lake, has been integrated into a stunning vacation home by J.R. Simplot, Idaho's own world class industrialist The house that was built for Spencer Tracy to use during the filming is still there near the Simplot estate. Ponderosa State Park The village of McCall bought the peninsula on which the Ponderosa State Park is now located in the 1920's. When the community found it could not afford the land, a group of McCall residents, including Billie Boydstun, lobbied the state legislature to get the peninsula dedicated as a state park The state acquired the peninsula in the late 1920's and it became the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Department in 1965. The park opened in 1969 'with its present layout except for some minor improvements. Stands of trees, set aside for the Brown Tie and Lumber Co., were never harvested. Thanks to the foresight of the Brown family that wonderful growth of five hundred year old ponderosa has been preserved for future generations. Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association From 1904 to 1907 a cooperative was formed when the Boise Lumber Company, Barber Lumber Company, A.W. Cook Timber Company and Payette Lumber and Manufacturing Company pooled their woodsmen together in an effort to fighting forest fires. During these first three years fire suppression only, was the cooperative objective. In the spring of '1908 cooperative forest protection in the Association's district was organized under a'gentlemen's agreement,' largely through the combined efforts of field work of the employees of the State of Idaho, Barber Lumber Company, Payette Lumber & Manufacturing Company, A.W. Cook Timber Company, Boise Lumber Company and the Boise and Payette National Forests. i In that same year, crews from both the Payette Lumber Company and the Payette National Forest worked together to suppress a Pine in Idaho. The cooperative carried on from 1908- 191 l but through the successful joint ventures and discussions, the Forest Rangers and the Lumber companies quickly recognized the benefits of a cooperative effort and a more 'official' organization was deemed expedient The Southern Idaho Coo• - ative Fire Protective Association,ltheghinftf'VlundYintte- ration ayas�"rgrani edkiit"1 'This association consisted of the State Of Idaho, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the timber companies, with their main objective to protect the most important areas of the timbered and potential timber land of Adams, Boise, Elmore, Idaho and Valley counties, laying outside and adjacent to the Boise, Idaho, Payette and Weiser National Forests. In 1919 the name of the Association was changed to the Southern Idaho Timber Protective. Association (SII'PA), its principal subscribers being the State of Idaho, Boise Payette Lumber Company(suceessors to the Payette Lumber & Manufacturing Company and the Barber Lumber Company) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Through the increased interest and aid furnished by the Department of Agriculture the Association's Districts expanded to include potential timber lands and watersheds in Ada, Adams, Boise, Camas, Gem, Idaho, Valley and Washington counties. It also allowed for an increased scope and efficiency of the Association's activities in the protection of watersheds of the Boise, Payette, Little Salmon and Weiser rivers, lying adjacent to the outer boundaries of the Boise, Payette, Idaho and Weiser National Forests. i SITPA protected forested lands by budding roads and trails, installing telephone lines and buying and maintaining equipment In 1914 the Association built three lookouts at a time when few existed. By 1927 their number had increased to six; only three are still standing: Brundage Lookout, north of McCall; No Business Lookout, southwest of McCall; East Mountain Lookout, southeast of Cascade. At the present time SITPA protects approximately 450,000 acres and through the use of lookouts and aircraft patrol is able to detect any fires. But fire protection is not the Associations only concern. The timber stands are constantly being threatened by various insect pests that can be, and occasionally are, very destructive. The Association continually studying the forest enemies in order to anticipate, and when possible, check any serious outbreak. The Association was also the main overseer in the 30's for the Civilian Conservation Corps construction of roads, lookout and the McCall Headquarters which SITPA now occupies. Situated on a small rise near the south shore of Payette Lake, the SITPA complex in McCall is bordered by mature, coniferous trees. It is located on five acres of corner property, bordered by Highway 55, or Lake Street, and State street, in a resort/residential area near downtown McCall. The district consists of eight contributing buildings, which were finished in 1937 and constructed in McCall because the area was undergoing development and was attracting an increasing number of tourists. SITPA and the Forest Service officials reasoned that with more use the fire incidence would be greater, and that it would be wise to expand the STTPA's administration and its operations to the region. Three of the eight buildings -a residence, also known as 'the Statehouse,' a garage and the gas pumphouse- were constructed of logs and were intended to serve as a showcase for local workmanship using Idaho timber. The remaining five buildings are used for machine repair, storage and garages. They were constructed of board and batten The CCC crews worked on the buildings. Idaho was second only to California in its allocation of CCC funding; much of the CCC labor was used in forested areas and the state, with its large wooded acreage, qualified for a substantial portion of this labor. Henry Shellworth was still secretary of SITPA when he was appointed as Governor Ross's liaison between his office and the CCC office in Washington. This local connection and the fact that CCC workers generally performed the same chores as the SITPA employees meant that it was natural that the CCC crews would work for SITPA, and eventually assist in constructing the McCall headquarters. The Statehouse was used for many social functions during the late 30's thru 50's including State entertaining of dignitaries, the entertaining of the Stars of Northwest and other events in McCall's history. The house with its spacious lawns sweeping down to Highway 55 , have been a landmark well known to visitor and residents alike. The Statehouse is architecturally significant because it represents Fmnish construction techniques. These techniques include the use of scribed logs, full -dovetail notches and log partitions framed into outside walls in a way that matches the building's corners. Local Famish craftsmen, Gust Lapinoja and John Heilddla, cut and shaped the logs for the house and the woodwork. 5 The log buildings are also architecturally significant as examples of the Rustic style. This style received a major impetus through the efforts of both the National Park Service and railroad companies -the former wanted the architecture in the parks to harmonize with the environment, and the latter supported these efforts because the parks would be an inducement for travel. Characteristic of the Rustic style included the use of indigenous building materials, the lack of applied ornament, unobtrusive and harmonious design and the compatibility of massing, texture, color and scale with the environment. Typical of the Rustic style structures, SITPA's buildings represent a self-conscious attempt to evoke a simple, utilitarian approach to construction, so that although visitors were in comfortable buildings, they sensed that the great outdoors was just beyond. Through the use of this style, S1TPA's buildings were successful in expressing the organization's interests. Their structures represent early coordinated efforts to suppress fires, as well as the contributions of the CCC, which left an indelible legacy in Idaho's timber domain. the buildings achieve furthersignificance through its association with the techniques used by Fmns who immigrated to the lk,4vg Valley in the late 1890's and as examples of the Rustic style. The Smoke Jumpers Begun as an experiment in 1939, the smoke jumpers helped to guard forests from fire in the Western United States and Alaska.In 1988 the new headquarters for the United States Forest Service's famous smoke jumpers was completed.. The smoke jumpers have a proud record. They are usually on their way to a fire within minutes. They parachute in from forest service DC3s and 13eech-99 aircraft. McCall smoke jumpers have never had a parachute -related death The new facility boasts a ready room where smoke jumpers wait to be assigned to fires, a training center, a dispatch office and meeting rooms. 'There is a parachute loft and rigging area and a retardant loading base. Museum Collections The museum's assets include the handsome five -acre forested site and three historic SITPA log buildings, including the Statehouse, Garage and Pump House. These buildings themselves are a display. Other buildings include the Machine Shop, Carpenter Shop, Oil House, Tool House, Vehicle Garage and Caretaker House. The buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Floor plans of these buildings are identified in the appendix. Though collections for the museum have not been officially undertaken a number of artifacts have been pledged to the museum. These include a Murry Corliss engine from the former McCall mill, to be reinstalled by the McCall Rotary Club, SITPA furniture, furnishings and photographs donated by SITPA, historic photographs and artifacts from the Payette National Forest, a hose cart and 1940 Grace Firer Truck from the City of McCall and the 1938, 72 foot steel tower Cold Mountain Fire Lookout from the U.S.F.S. To expand the collections, a major effort will be undertaken to secure suitable forestry related objects, (e.g. logging equipment, machinery and artifacts) through other museums, private individuals and businesses around the state. Enhancing the museum's collection well continue over time, with items researched, documented and appropriately conserved. 6 Market McCall is noted as a traveler destination known for its outdoor recreation and visitor accommodations. The interpretive center's log buildings present an excellent appearance and are an appropriate repository to interpret Idaho's forestry history. Likewise, the appeal of a park ble forested grounds reinforces Idaho's wooded characteristics. The target market are local and secondary residents and tourist, Patronage from travelers who visit the McCall area will be significant The peak patronage of the McCall area is July and August with visitors comprising approximately 55% of total. McCall experiences a slow period from November through April despite skiing at Brundage Mountain and the Winter Carnival. Spring and fall user characteristics are expected to be somewhat different, mainly because of the higher proportion of local residents and school tours. Additional patronage would come through developing a program for school children and arranging school visits. Most visitors are arriving from the south. Boise residents will make up a sizeable proportion of the museum's visitors. This market deserves particular attention because it is easily accessible and has proven interest in area. The flow of traffic on Highway 55 immediately adjacent to the property presents another marketing opportunity. The importance of highway signs as a method of informing the traveling public suggests an important role for signage. The best marketing opportunity is that the facility is perceived as good quality attraction, rated highly as a museum and is providing value for the money. It is anticipated that the interpretive center and museum will have over 40,000 visitors annually. Ponderosa State Park hosted 59,595 day use visitors in 1991 and 91,301 day use visitors in 1992 To increase patronage of the facility requires the preparation of a marketing plan and allocating a marketing budget. This can be achieved through advertising, promotions, brochure printing and occasional newspaper, radio and TV spots. Magazine stories can also be used to increase awareness museums uniqueness and to portray the facility as an enjoyable, entertaining and educational facility. Cooperative advertising and joint -ventures can also be achieved with other facilities and the Idaho Travel Council. At a minimum, a 4' by 9', three or four panel brochure should be designed and distributed. Several opportunities are available to receive non paid media fors of advertising for museum. Contact selected magazines and newspaper travel editors regarding editorial coverage. Special event days, particularly in the spring and fall as well as liaisons with schools can be established. Economic Benefits The interpretive center will make an important contribution to the economic well being of the state, and McCall serving as a visitor attraction that will draw tourists whose direct spending is multiplied, or re -spent, two and one-half times. This indirect economic impact creates both additional jobs and tax revenues. Educational and Cultural Benefits The educational and cultural benefits of the facility are numerous. Raising awareness of Idaho's forestry heritage can give our citizens and visitors insight into the important role played by Idaho's forestry economy both historically and for the future. Enriching the quality of life, the museum will be an educational asset for the citizens of Idaho, displaying and explaining the important role forestry has played in the state. The facility will serve as an forestry center, providing an opportunity to educate the public about industry activities and techniques through exhibits, audio-visual presentations, lectures, and special events. blewise, the museum will provide educational opportunities for the state's schools. The facility will become a regular resource for the state's students, providing them with exhibits, programs and research materials. DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Conceptual Site Plan Based on the objectives of the interpretive museum and visitors center a conceptual site plan has been prepared outlining existing buildings, a new museum building, parkin areas and pathways. The elements of the facilityare identified as g possible. are buildings, we have prepared a conceptual site plan. Statehouse -TuThai dsome b U g .villavailab%for self gnidattours arthe.193 og ide -structure features natiiiMtVoods ,uu'""s�ses rock ueplae es and.furni a wood e uilcIin ,ism condition, regmnng minimum alterations and will open as part of the rust phase. TelSiateliouse_wrll aLs .beT se .for�spec__sal rec p ons _ _�xe�veriLss: Visitor Center e 193 tlire� a siunytl bull a ormerly_the SITPACrarage ll be habre ; - t the Visitor` - nter:.- i art irnprovetl east entrance; the centeL VilLlidiiseirfintOrduititirf gdeskrand fficesiori.the USFS2(and +c 'all Area l f CommeiceAs :part o7 the` �Phaselvde—w oprnentavor km a Mr.flWw�ill-cunt,71-r lilbi'fis_o"n=forestry-dri 71ifePetightiii r The exhibits would feature historic displays , photographs, and artifacts capturing working conditions and lifestyles of Idaho loggers and firefighteis and contributions of forestry in Idaho. The exhibits tell a story and bring history to life through proper interpretation. A conference room will occupy the third floor. Building modifications would include adding a new stairwell and new mechanical systems. `The f asi e�� tfie� 'visitor _center is.Wdissemuiateuifom fiion;about the_areas ' 4-t pctrons ands vicer-;:It wilrb:Eitocked_with _withYma broth s _ ps _ _ ; direr--�'� es; a.ndas wide seliaiii ii ttravel i ei a ue. IcCall Area Chamber of Commerce personnel will —respond to specificteeds grid present a warm greeting to visitors. They will be assisted by Forest Service personnel who will provide Chest i as.tree:perriWfire permits; nati6A.a y: crest map and general -information -maw: YThoyisitor _eenter.i.rbuld-beopen 'lliesdax ' v t"hrou"glfSunday from 9-00 a.m:=to-5:00 p m � Space=will-aLso be -scheduled -for -meetings -' and -workshops . 8 Pumphouse This small 1937 round log building will provide visitor information during the summer season. Modification will include opening the east windows to form an information counter. Adjacent to the building will be an information kiosk to assist visitors with knowledge of area attractions. Machine Shop This building will be rehabilitated to house the historic Murry Corliss engine from the McCall mill and rest rooms. New Museum Building As part of Phase III, a new 5,000 square foot museum building is proposed. The museum would include exhibit areas, a small theater, gift shop and rest rooms. An administration area and ticket office would let staff oversee the displays and allow for revenue generation. Another space would allow for the rotation of temporary exhibits such as art displays. The new museum building will allow a more complete portion of the forestry story to be told and will improve operations. Il would also provide the museum the flexibility to address its theme with larger rooms and a controlled environment Another advantage would be a more controlled and visible entrance as pedestrian flow from the parking lot would be funnelled towards the entrance foyer. The museum would be a treasure trove of rare artifacts, exhibits, photographs and models that reflect the history of forestry and firefighting. Dioramas could depict the elements of forestry. Various permanent displays such as early hand, animal and machine logging, recreating the interior of lookout, and an exhibit on fire protection would be presented. The story of logging would demonstrate various components, including harvesting, felling, skidding, yarding, sorting, transportation and milling. Photos of transportation with pieces of equipment depicting the movement of logs by rail and road and a logging truck evolution from early to mid -twentieth could be available. Other potential exhibits include looking at how loggers lived at a logging camp. Another exlubit would clearly explain the life cycle of our forests and include a Tree Room illustrating the varieties of trees in the northwest.. A visually interesting time line would depict Idaho's forestry advancements. Another exhibit would interpret the marvelous log buildings built for the SITPA site. A small informative exhibit would encourage people to visit the Long Valley Museum, Smokejumper's Museum and Ponderosa State Park. Most displays would be permanent and accompanied by a few rotating and traveling exhibits that would provide change and stimulate new interest. Exhibits would be designed to help the museum come to life by developing interesting stories and presenting the lifestyles of its people. The storyline will embrace artifacts, photographs, models, sounds and oral history. A number of exhibits could include an audio visual program with a TV screen to add an element of action and sound to the interpretation. Other visitor orientation programs would be developed to be shown in the theater. Historic photographs and film footage on the early days of logging would be utilized to develop a short audio visual program to help orient museum visitors. Special emphasis would be given to the museum's gift shop since proceeds from such specialty stores have have become more vital in providing valuable income. As an 10 educational retailer, innovative merchandising concepts displayed in a gallery like setting would support sales of wood products, wood related arts and crafts, books, cards, and souvenirs. Some of the merchandise would be an adaptation of a forestry theme with these products created or generated by the museum. The museum shop would be operated with both professionals and volunteers, and serve as an extension of the museum. Adjacent to the museum would be an outdoor classroom area. The outdoor space would be used for educational programs and as an assembly area for tours. The concept design for the new museum involves a single story, timber building. At this point we have outlined the shell and allocated approximate intended spaces. This is intentionally not a detailed building design as this should be developed in concert with museum management. Museum Interpretation Interpretation of the museum story requires considerable attention. Interpretation programs and facilities should aim to stimulate the visitor's interest and curiosity in the facilities natural and historical resources so that they will have a meaningful and enjoyable experience. 'Therefore, some interpretation should be entertaining, not just static exhibits, but working displays or working models. An exhibit plan should be prepared following a story line with major and secondary themes. It is imperative that interpretation work begin early and that this work be completed by a curator. Outdoor Equipment Displays Interspersed throughout the central plaza are stand alone displays which indude machinery, equipment and wood products reflecting the forestry industry. The covered collections . could included a large steam and gas powered equipment depicting an impressive era in logging. Located in logical progression, the visitor could stroll around the outdoor exhibits that trace the history of man and machines in the forest The outdoor exhibits would also include large cedar and spruce logs. Forester's Walk, The Forester's Walk is located in the forested south end of the site. It includes a loop path and picnic areas. Interpretive stations and an orientation map are located at each trail head. Interpretive signs are located along the walk and enhance peoples understanding of the forest as an ecosystem and wildlife habitat New plantings will be of native species. Fire Tower Lookout The former Cold Mountain Fire Lookout represents an important aspect of the Forest Service. Donated by the U.S.F.S., the 1938 72-foot steel tower would be installed and re- painted. The tower would be fenced and not be open to the public. An interpretive sign telling the story of the lookout and its function will be located at the base to the tower. An exhibit in the museum would connect the role to the tower with the fire -fighting. Carpentry Shop This building will be used to fabricate exhibits and conserve the collections inventory. The budding will also provide museum storage. 11 Caretakers' House/Security This house would be rented as a revenue property to tenants who would also provide security/night watch responsibility. Since the grounds cannot be made entry -proof , the security focus should be to deter easy access. An alarm system should be extended to all buildings housing merchandise or parts of the museum collection. Parking Area The parking lot is a gravel surface area containing twenty stalls for automobiles and nine stalls for bus /recreation vehicles. Stalls are 9' by 20' for cars and 12' a 40' for buses. The bus /recreational stalls are designed for pull -through use. The parking lot focuses pedestrian traffic towards the museum entrance. Short term spaces are dedicated near the visitor center. Bicycle parking is also provide. Special event parking would be shared with the adjacent Masonic Hall One third of the lot is designated for snow storage in the winter. Traffic improvements are proposed on Lake Street and State Street intersection to improve turning movements. A left turning lane would be constructed on State Street and a merge lane would be constructed on Lake Street. Signage Attractive monument roadside signs will be placed on Lake Street and at the facilities entrance off of State Street.The placement of roadside sings at the entrance easily readable and informative Management and Operations The Central Idaho Interpretive Museum & Visitors Center (CIM&VC) is incorporated as a non-profit corporation and managed by a Board of Directors. The directors are elected by regular members and serve for a term of office for three years. Dues for membership include regular and associated members. A memorandum of understanding exists between the State of Idaho Department of Lands Ind. CIM&VC governing that the museum be operational in five years. The City of McCall hold tittle to the property. This plan should become the basis for directional development and operations throughout the 1990's. Successful implementation of the plan, will require continue involvement and commitment of the board of directors The interpretive museum would be managed by an director who would oversee the museum, a curator, who would develop exhibits and interpretation and take care of the collections, and secretarial and janitorial/grounds help. Part time summer staff would be hired to run programs and work on special projects. A committee structure would be used to deal with topics of concern, such as collections, operations and fund raising. A volunteer auxiliary staff would help manage the gift shop, guide visitors during operating hours and host special events. Museum staff and volunteers or groups would help with research, exhibit preparation, and education. Volunteer docents would helpwith interpretive talks on the ground on a regular basis. Maintenance assistance would come form the Qty of McCall for snow removal and the USFS. 12 The USFS and the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce would provide staffing and support to the Visitor Center. The McCall Arts & Humanities Council will undertake and manage an exhibition program in the visual arts area of the facility. To further strengthen the museum's operation a statewide community organization would be formed to support the to : useum and its activities. Individual, family, and business memberships be involved and to continue patronizing the facility. The museum would also establish a network with other sunrlar facilities to exchange information and help promote the facility's activities. The museum would operate year-round and be open six days a week on a normal operating schedule. It is anticipated that the museum would attract approximately 40,000 visitors during its fast year with those numbers increasing annually. A $2.00 admission fee woulck :< be charged for the museum and community membership will help to assure family and local,'' repeat usd. A donation box would also encourage financial support. Revenue Projections It would be the museum's goal to eventually become financially self-supporting with admissions, gift shop revenue, rental fees, and an endowment to support the annual cost of operations. Periodic financial support would be sought to support special exhibits oorn� programs. Foundations, institutions, commissions and agencies would be encouragao support special programs and exhibits. A major revenue stream for the museum will come form admission fees. With an estimated annual attendance of 40,000, a $2 admission fee ($1 for seniors and children) would generate approximately $70,000. This amount would grow annually with increased patronage. Revenue for the visitor center would come from leases from the USFS and the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce. Public membership in the museum would also genera annual income for the facility. a membership drive would be conducted to support the museum. Membership fees (mdividual, family, corporate, etc.) would provide members with dates of special events, information and discounts. Special events such as tours, lectures and entertainment would further support the museum. Special emphasis would be given to the museum's gift shop. Proceeds from such specialty stores have become more vital in providing valuable income. As an educational retailer, innovative merchandising concepts displayed in a gallery like setting would support sales , of forestry related products. s. A _ Once the costs of rehabilitating the buildings, improving the grounds and developing a new museum have been met, an endowment fund would be established to provide for the collection's care and to support annual operating and maintenance costs. The endowment would rely on the help of individual and corporate donors. A $500,000 permanent endowment would produce $40,000 in annual interest when invesed in conservative, long- term yields at approximately 8% interest. 13 The public benefits of the museum allow it to encourage funding from all sources. Support would be requested for the forestry industry, corporations, business and the public to assist improving the site and developing exhibits and programs. Flinduig will be requested from the Idaho Forest Products Commission and the Intermountain Forest Industry Association. The goodwill of the museum would also persuade others to contribute time, materials, or funds to adapt the buildings and site and to help fabricate special exhibits. An example of this is the Rotary Club's effort to reassemble the Murry Corliss engine at the site. 1.1 APPENDIX Bibliography Economic Planning Group of Canada, Development Program for the British Columb h Forest Museum, Duncun, B.C. November 1983 Idaho Departrnent of Parks and Recreation, Pondemsa State Park General Development Plan, Boise, Idaho 1993. Ingraham, Beverly, Looking Back Sketches of Early Days in Idaho's High Country, Maverick Publications, Bend, Oregon, 1992. Kresek, Ray, Fern Lookouts of the Northwes4 Ye Galleon Press, Fairfield, Washington 1984. McCall Ranger District, Two 3 ring binders of Historic Photographs, McCall, Idaho. National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places Southem Idaho Timber Protective Association Buildings, 1989. _ O'Reilly, Betty, The Magic of McCall Footsteps Across a Century 1890-1990, Better Books, McCall, Idaho, 1989. Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association, Annual Report, For the Year 1937.