Helicopter work at Erie Mine Bunkhouse brings noise to Kennicott Valley

Helicopter flights between McCarthy and the Erie Mine Bunkhouse are bringing periods of added aircraft noise to the Kennicott Valley this month as National Park Service crews prepare the historic structure for possible additional stabilization work.

The Park Service said the weather-dependent flights will move personnel, equipment and materials to the remote site. Crews will clear fallen rock from around the bunkhouse and cache some materials for possible work next season. The agency did not provide a final flight date.

The operation is a narrow follow-up to Alaska News' Sept. 15 report on the continuing Root Glacier trail reroute, which also previewed the flights. The trail's original glacier access remains closed, and hikers continue using the marked reroute.

Park officials asked visitors to stay outside active work areas and avoid abandoned mine openings or closed historic structures. Pilots should watch for helicopter traffic between McCarthy and Erie Mine.