Bettles Plan.Pdf
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Table of Contents Acknowledgements ...................................................................................................................................1 Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................2 1: The Yukon-Koyukuk Region.............................................................................................................12 Community and Region ............................................................................................................12 Existing Facilities and Programs ..............................................................................................16 2: Market Research..................................................................................................................................19 Residents of Bettles and Surrounding Villages.....................................................................19 Visitors..........................................................................................................................................21 Researchers .................................................................................................................................21 Educational Groups....................................................................................................................22 Estimate of Center Activities...................................................................................................23 3: Comparable Facilities..........................................................................................................................24 Arctic Research Programs........................................................................................................25 Science Learning Facilities ........................................................................................................27 Youth Education and Enrichment...........................................................................................29 Lessons Learned .........................................................................................................................31 4: Facility + Site Description .................................................................................................................32 Description of Facility Spaces..................................................................................................32 Ownership and Site ...................................................................................................................32 5: Program Development.......................................................................................................................35 Program........................................................................................................................................36 Marketing .....................................................................................................................................36 Partnerships.................................................................................................................................37 Governance .................................................................................................................................38 Staffing...........................................................................................................................................38 Funding..........................................................................................................................................38 6: Next Steps ............................................................................................................................................39 Next Steps ...................................................................................................................................39 Action Plan...................................................................................................................................40 References.................................................................................................................................................44 List of Tables Table 1. Facility Expenses.........................................................................................................................8 Table 2. Five Year Operating Projections ............................................................................................9 Table 3. Area Populations (2007).........................................................................................................15 Table 4. Bettles Census Population History......................................................................................15 Table 5. Yukon-Koyukuk School Enrollment ...................................................................................16 Table 6. Action Plan ................................................................................................................................40 List of Figures Figure 1. Bettles Arctic Research and Learning Center – Space Diagram....................................6 Figure 2. Existing Bettles School Layout.............................................................................................32 Figure 3. Bettles Arctic Research and Learning Center – Space Diagram..................................35 Figure 4. Project Development Timeline ...........................................................................................39 List of Maps Map 1. City of Bettles Location............................................................................................................12 Map 2. Yukon-Koyukuk School District Communities...................................................................16 Map 3. Area & Site Map..........................................................................................................................34 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thank You The Bettles Arctic Research and Learning Center Strategic Facility Plan is the result of a team effort from the City of Bettles, Evansville Tribal Council and community residents. This plan is the direct result of their contributions of time and knowledge of their community and their desire for a healthy future. Bettles City Council member: • Rich Thorne • Linda Klaes • Byron Thorne • R.J. Johnson • Tyler Klaes • Teri McMillan Special thanks to: • Rich and Paula Thorne • Rachel Hanft • Jamie Klaes and the rest of the Bettles Lodge staff Two City Council work sessions, one community visit and workshop, and a review session were held to gather public input for this plan. Photos were provided by Agnew::Beck Consulting, LLC unless otherwise noted. Additional assistance with the preparation of this report was provided by Agnew::Beck. Arctic Research and Learning Center : : Strategic Facility Plan ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Introduction On the southern edge of the Brooks Range, the alpine arctic range stretches across the northern part of Alaska. These vast expanses provide an array of field study sites for scientists and researchers working to understand the arctic environment and the impacts of climate change. Bettles is uniquely situated to provide access to field sites to study the sub-alpine and alpine environments of the Brooks Range. The presence of the National Park Service and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, at the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge respectively, creates opportunities for education and the natural sciences. For a variety of reasons, the population of Bettles has decreased in recent years to levels below those to maintain a year-round school. The Bettles School closed its doors in 2002. Schools play a central role in rural Alaska communities. Besides providing for the educational needs of youth they serve as centers of renewal and growth, and are often centers of community life and identity. Education and opportunities for youth in the community and region are very important both for the residents of Bettles and for its role as outpost for researchers. The purpose of the Bettles Arctic Research and Learning Center will combine education and science taking advantage of the geographic location of the community and the resources available through the National Park Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. This plan begins the process of breathing life back into the community and creating an attraction to bring youth to the area to learn about the arctic environment. The project aims to: • Expand local education opportunities by offering short intensive courses for middle- and high-school age youth in math, science and natural history subjects • Stimulate the development of Bettles as a research hub by offering facilities for researchers to use as a base for field operations The goal of these activities is to: • Increase the range and quality of educational options for area youth • Attract outside sources of revenue to the local community to support local economic activity and viability This facility, working in partnership with local leaders, residents, area educators and researchers, will increase the viability of the community and expand opportunities for young people in the region. This is especially true when these students, working alongside adults and researchers, engage in meaningful experience-based learning that expose them to bodies of knowledge and exploration that will lead to career