Project Overview
PND helped reimagine one of Southeast Alaska’s most breathtaking wildlife destinations―the Anan Wildlife Observatory near Wrangell, Alaska. Nestled deep in the Tongass National Forest, this world-class bear-viewing site was operating with aging infrastructure, limited capacity, safety concerns, and lack of accessibility. Visitors eager for a close look at the region’s famed black and brown bears were met with outdated platforms and trails that struggled to handle increasing foot traffic. PND designed a transformative upgrade that seamlessly blends innovative engineering with the rugged beauty of the Alaska wilderness. PND provided structural detailing to ensure that every element of redesign prioritized life safety, accessibility, and an immersive visitor experience with limited impacts to the delicate natural environment.
PND’s expertise in remote and environmentally sensitive construction was key to this project’s success. The team designed a cantilevered observation deck secured with rock-anchored foundations to expand viewing capacity with minimal environmental impact. PND designed an aluminum low-impact spiral staircase for unique site access to lower viewing areas closer to Anan Creek. The lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum construction materials provide a robust design for withstanding the traditionally wet and rainy elements. By combining technical innovation with a deep understanding of regional challenges, PND played a pivotal role in modernizing the Anan Wildlife Observatory, designing structures that incorporated the natural setting and met U.S. Forest Service (USFS) goals for a modernized facility.
Our Role
- Structural Engineering: designed durable, low-impact structures, including a cantilevered observation deck anchored into bedrock and aluminum spiral staircase for improved access to wildlife viewing opportunities
- Construction Support: provided office support to ensure contractor questions during construction were addressed promptly and with simple solutions due to the remote site location; the team coordinated with USFS to address unforeseen field challenges, ensuring efficient execution within tight seasonal work windows
- Geotechnical Engineering: provided a geologic analysis of the exposed bedrock site foundation
Unspoiled Wilderness and Uninterrupted Views via Infinity Deck
PND’s expertise in remote construction played a crucial role in overcoming logistical challenges at the Anan Wildlife Observatory. PND’s construction administration and support services assisted the contractor during construction to reduce delays. Given the project’s remote location and tight seasonal work windows, PND worked closely with USFS to provide engineering support as needed to maintain the construction schedule while minimizing disruptions to both visitors and wildlife. Strategic planning allowed for efficient installation of key structural elements, ensuring safety and longevity without compromising the natural environment.
This project highlights PND’s ability to merge innovative engineering with environmental stewardship. PND’s structural design needed to resist the harsh temperate rainforest environment and dynamic pedestrian traffic, while allowing minimal maintenance requests for a remote site with limited staff. During design, USFS was concerned with potential rock failure below the observation deck; PND evaluated the rock and developed foundation designs to alleviate the client’s concerns. PND designed resilient, low-impact infrastructure to preserve the immersive wildlife-viewing experience while enhancing safety and accessibility at a premier wildlife destination, demonstrating our commitment to delivering high-quality, durable solutions that balance human access with habitat preservation.
Feet
height of rock face below cantilevered observation deck
Story
aluminum staircase with access to river elevation landings
Visitors
in July and August 2023, the highest visitation on record
