Foundation wants to explore Park Service management of former campPreserving the site of the Heart Mountain Relocation Camp could be left in the hands of America's longest-lasting instutition — the federal government.For years, the private, non-profit Heart Mountain, Wyoming Foundation has been leading the charge to preserve and commemorate the site. Now, the foundation thinks it's time to explore the possibility of having the National Park Service take the lead.

The foundation is asking Wyoming's Congressional delegation to authorize a special resource study for the site, where more than 11,000 Japanese-Americans were held during World War II.

A study would, among other things, make a recommendation as to whether the site should become a National Historic Site, managed by the National Park Service.

Foundation president Dave Reetz said the group isn't necessarily advocating Park Service management; they just want to examine all the options.

A special resource study, he said, asks for a great deal of public input — from interested community members, to former internees, to present-day adjoining land owners.

“We would be remiss as an organization in not having this done,” he said.

The Park County Commission, the Powell Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Park County Travel Council, the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce, the Wyoming Business Council, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Norm Mineta and former U.S. Senator Al Simpson have joined with the foundation in requesting the study — which must be authorized by Congress.

In asking Wyoming's congressional delegation to endorse a study, Park County commissioners wrote, “Not only is this place an important part of our history, it has the ability to provide another economic resource and stimulus to our region and state that is so critical.”

At the commission's May 12 meeting, Commissioner Bucky Hall said he supported the foundation's effort, but he also asked if it was what the group really wanted.

“Do you want to give up control to the National Park Service?” he asked.

“How long do you think we're going to live?” asked Pat Wolfe, foundation treasurer, in response.

“You may live to see that nightmare,” said Hall, with a chuckle. “They may close it when you don't want it closed.”

Reetz stressed that a study would only make recommendations.

“It doesn't require action,” he said.

A 2001 report compiled by the U.S. Department of the Interior suggested that the 74 remaining acres of Bureau of Reclamation land at the Heart Mountain site be transferred to Park Service control.

The relocation camp was built on some 20,000 acres, 4,600 of that Bureau of Reclamation acreage. After the camp was dissolved in 1945, the majority of the property was transferred to private ownership.

Today, only 124 acres of the camp remain — 74 belonging to the Bureau of Reclamation. The remaining 50 acres — where the learning center (currently under construction) sits — are owned by the Heart Mountain, Wyoming Foundation.

The 7,000 square-foot first phase of the Heart Mountain Interpretive Learning Center is in its final stages. Reetz said the group plans to open bidding on the last 4,000 square feet in mid-September. The interior work and design has not yet been completed.

Scheduled for a grand opening next summer, the learning center will house interactive exhibits, historic replicas and documents, as well as a theater.

Reetz said the group has raised $2.6 million of the estimated $5.5 million needed.

The foundation plans to seek some federal funds recently made available. In the 2009 budget, Congress set aside $1 million for preserving Japanese-American confinement sites.

While there will be multiple groups competing for a relatively small pot, Reetz said the foundation is well prepared to receive some of the money. He said the group has already completed a number of archaelogical, structural and historic studies.

The federal grant money will be divvied up in August, said Reetz. A chunk going to Heart Mountain would make a fitting touch to a “Celebration Day” the organization has planned for Aug. 15.

Reetz said a big part of the event will involve asking folks from across the United States and the Big Horn Basin to bring in artifacts from the relocation camp.