Construction and rehabilitation of buildings, roads, and other
structures in the park are always carefully planned to minimize
damage to park resources. New projects generally are limited to
the existing disturbed "footprint". Before a project gets
underway, the area is assessed for archeological sites, other
cultural resources, and for sensitive habitats that might
support rare plants or animals. After any construction, the
surrounding area is revegetated using plant material previously
gathered from the area. The park has its own greenhouse so that
local seed can be grown into plants to restore disturbed areas.
In alpine areas, tundra sod is removed, stored and then replaced
after a project is completed. Some disturbances are of long
standing, and are difficult, if not impossible, to erase. For
instance, the Moraine Park area once encompassed a small
village. Hay field cultivation, and even a past golf course, are
evident to the discerning eye. Water projects that pre-date the
park, such as the Grand Ditch,