October 29, 2002
Tuesday - 12:30 am

Ketchikan, AK - The US Forest Service announced that the re-construction and installation of the Blue Lake Shelter on the ridgeline behind Deer Mountain was recently completed. This project resulted from years of collaboration between the Ketchikan High School and the US Forest Service.

The old shelter was removed several years ago due to the deteriorated condition of the building. With the help of the then Ketchikan High School Light Construction Class a new shelter was designed and constructed by the dedicated members of Bruce McFadden's class.
Even though the construction of this facility was completed over a year ago, moving the shelter to Blue Lake posed the greatest challenge. Poor weather, deep snow, and difficulties finding a helicopter to move the shelter postponed the project several times.

On October 3rd, with the help of Silver Bay Logging, the shelter was moved from its temporary home at Peninsula Point (Temsco Helicopters) to Blue Lake. Currently, the shelter is available for use on a first come first serve basis to the general public. The structure is nearly complete. The foundation is completed and the windows and doors are installed. The roof still needs to be finished and will be done during the 2003 field season.

Due to the nature of the location of the shelter, the public is advised to use caution when hiking along the Deer Mountain Ridgeline. The Forest Service requests the public to check the local weather before hiking any of the alpine trails. Fog, snow, and freezing conditions move in rapidly and can take even the most experienced hikers by surprise. The trail is marked, but visibility can deteriorate rapidly as storm systems arrive.

Shelter Description:

The new shelter is 12' wide by 14' long and can sleep 3 people comfortably. The cabin is very simple and doesn't have a heat source or restroom facilities. The cabin is located on Blue Lake N55(21.964), W131(34.482) at approximately 3,000 feet in elevation.

For additional information, call Dennis Benson, at (907) 228-4107 or Jerry Ingersoll, District Ranger, at (907) 228-4100.

Source of News Release & Digital Photos:

U.S.D.A.- Forest Service - Tongass National Forest - Ketchikan, AK
Web Site

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