Management of Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park

Fort Abercrombie became a park unit of the State Park System in 1969. 182 acres of state land was set aside to be managed by the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation for the enjoyment and preservation of the area's unique historical and natural features. In 1970 Ft. Abercrombie was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 1985, the park was designated a National Historic Landmark. (from the Fort Abercrombie web site)
The policy of ASP has been to manage Fort Abercrombie primarily as an important historic military site, to the best of my knowledge.

Miller Point has been the focal point of historical preservation and interpretation. The 1973 and 2006 management plans identify this area as one of concern related to safety and access. With this concern in mind, creating convenient and safe parking and access for local and out-of-town visitors seems reasonable.  Many visitors cannot climb (or have their wheelchair pushed up) the steep gravel road from the RV overflow parking area to the point.  Residents and tourists with disabilities, of advanced age, or any other condition preventing access deserve improvements designed to enhance their visit to Miller Point.

 I've been at Miller Point at times during the off-season when  local visitors had great difficulty finding parking and maneuvering around the current inadequate parking area next to the museum.  Two CAB members, as well as other local residents, shared with me their experiences of bringing an elderly relative or visitor to the military museum and having difficulty with  parking and turning around at the point.  All stressed that their relatives/visitors could not have walked up the road.

The Purpose of Alaska State Parks as defined in Alaska Statutes

There is no doubt that the Miller Point project fully satisfies the purpose of Alaska State Parks as mandated by the Alaska State Legislature.

Alaska Statutes

Title 41. Public Resources

Chapter 21. Parks and Recreational Facilities

Section 10. Purpose.

AS 41.21.010. Purpose.

It is the purpose of AS 41.21.010 - 41.21.040 to foster the growth and development of a system of parks and recreational facilities and opportunities in the state, for the general health, welfare, education, and enjoyment of its citizens and for the attraction of visitors to the state.

Kodiak State Parks Citizens Advisory Board: hard-working volunteers

Section II Part B of KSP CAB by-laws
B. Representation: The Board membership shall be chosen to ensure the representation of the broad public interests and users so as to prevent domination of the Board by a single viewpoint. All Board members carry the responsibility to represent the public interest and shall not consider themselves merely advocates of a group.


In my conversations with members of the CAB over the years and, especially, in recent weeks, I am convinced that the current and past boards have taken their responsibilities seriously and acted in the best interests of this historical site.  They read the relevant documents and dialogue with members of the community. They understand and follow Alaska Statutes as they define the purpose of Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park and Alaska State Parks located in the Kodiak district. They adhere to the requirements set forth in the CAB by-laws. The board membership represents a true cross-section of the community.
Whether or not one agrees with board decisions, they deserve respect for committing the time and energy to our parks.  Recent criticism of the CAB is, in my opinion, undeserved and appears to be petty and vindictive.
In addition, the board is ADVISORY - State Parks is under no obligation or requirement to follow the recommendations of the CAB.