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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 .
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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
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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.
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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.