Keane Wonder Mine Aerial Tramway Stabilitzation, Death Valley National Park
Project ID: J8W07090003
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: University of Vermont and State Agriculture College
Fiscal Year: 2009
Initial Funding: $124,985
Total Funding: $124,985
Project Type: Technical Assistance
Project Disciplines: Cultural
National Park: Death Valley NP
Principal Investigator: Porter, Doug
Agreement Technical Representative: Skeirik, Randy
Abstract: The School of Engineering at the University of Vermont (UVM) will participate with staff from the National Park Service (NPS) in a program of assessment, research, training, and initial stabilization of the aerial tramway at the Keane Wonder Mine. The Keane Wonder Mine is one of the most frequently visited and highly interpreted of the historic mining sites in the park. Death Valley National Park (DEVA) desires to repair structural damage to the 1½-mile-long aerial tramway. UVM proposes a team approach to address the condition assessment and repair needs of the tramway, and contiguous structures repairs will be addressed using a field school format that will result in training of park staff and others in the repair techniques to be implemented. These tasks will be conducted in two phases. The first will analyze, recommend, and plan for a stabilization program. The second phase will consist of field school activity to establish methods for stabilization. The park and staff of UVM will jointly participate in both phases.
It is anticipated that this project will include educational and training components, and that university students, NPS staff, and practicing professionals will be directly involved in portions of the work that may include: participation in the field assessment work; collection and collation of existing information pertaining to site geology, soils data, and mine history; participation in the organization of site-collected data and its analysis; and implementation of repairs.
Deliverables:
- KEANE WONDER MINE AERIAL TRAMWAY STABILIZATION (Final Report)