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Outline

Friends of Nike Site Summit ●Preserve ●Educate ●Support

What is Site Summit? Site Summit is an abandoned Nike Hercules missile site located in the Chugach Mountains east of Anchorage, on Army land. It operated from 1959 to 1979 to protect Elmendorf AFB, Fort Richardson, and Anchorage from potential attack by Soviet bombers.

It consists of two geographically separate areas approximately 5,000 feet apart in the Chugach Mountains, adjacent to Chugach State Park and Alpenglow Ski Area.

Integrated Fire Control (IFC) or Battery Control Area

Launch Area

Who are we? Friends of Nike Site Summit (FNSS) is a citizens group dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of Site Summit. We are comprised of historians, outdoor enthusiasts, long time Anchorage residents, and veterans. FNSS is an affiliate of the Alaska Association for Historic Preservation (AAHP), a state nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of Alaska’s historic buildings and sites.

Why preserve Site Summit? Site Summit represents the Cold War, the longest and costliest war in modern history. Encompassing the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Cuban Missile Crisis, there are more veterans of the Cold War than World War I and World War II combined. Site Summit is one of the most intact sites of its kind anywhere in the nation. Site Summit’s location adjacent to Chugach State Park and Alpenglow Ski Area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation, heritage tourism, and ecotourism.

The Cold War, 1946-1989 Site Summit’s location and integrity offers an incredible opportunity for educating the public about the Cold War. The site is easily accessible by road and hiking trail. No other Nike Hercules missile site in the nation still has both the IFC Area and Launch Area still intact.

Memorial to our Cold War Veterans Few Cold War memorials exist, and there are none in Alaska. As a front line of defense during the Cold War, Alaska should acknowledge the millions of men and women that dedicated their lives to the defense of our nation throughout this War. Preserving and Interpreting Site Summit for the education of the public about the Cold War will be creating just such a memorial.

Recreational Opportunities Chugach State Park is the third largest state park in the United States, with hiking, skiing, rafting, wildlife viewing, and climbing opportunities throughout its 495,000 acres. Alpenglow Ski Area – first called GI Slope, Alpenglow was constructed between 1942 and 1947 by members of the Anchorage Ski Club.

Northern Gateway to Chugach State Park The popularity of Chugach State Park continues to grow. Arctic Valley offers a northern alternative to the popular south Anchorage park access trails. Site Summit will increase the appeal of Arctic Valley and add to the outdoor recreation opportunities for Anchorage residents and visitors.

What are the issues? Army Support, Access and Money

Army Support U.S. Army Garrison Alaska (USAG-AK) supports the preservation and interpretation of Site Summit. It views Site Summit as a valuable part of an Arctic Valley recreation area for families living on Fort Richardson. USAG-AK has expressed interest in exploring the National Historic Landmark potential of Site Summit.

Access U.S. Army Garrison Alaska (USAG-AK) has agreed in principal to controlled access to Site Summit for the purpose of guided tours. The IFC Area is located within the firing fan of the firing range at the base of Mt. Gordon Lyon.  Ensuring the safety of visitors to Site Summit is a top concern.

Money No firm estimates of the cost of preservation and interpretation of Site Summit exist. A March 2000 estimate for complete rehabilitation of Site Summit put the cost at approximately $8 million. Complete rehabilitation would be too costly to pursue A combination of site stabilization and moderate rehabilitation is more realistic.

We are not alone! FNSS is not alone in its desire to see Site Summit preserved and interpreted. Supporters include the Chugiak-Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, the Alaska Office of History and Archaeology, the National Park Service, the Anchorage Ski Club, and the Nike Historical Society.

Broad Based Support There is broad based support for the preservation of Site Summit. At no time since preservation efforts began in the early 1990s has there been so much support. We encourage and welcome your support in this endeavor.