The final inspection took place on June 16. An entirely new observation deck and shelter are still fresh with the smell of sealant. Anan Wildlife Observatory is almost ready for visitors at the start of the permit season on July 5.

Even though the observatory is ready, plans are not flush to open the popular bear-viewing site, U.S. Forest Service staffers say. One thing blocks the way before people can arrive.

The public toilets.

"We are having complications with getting our toilets pumped," said Tory Houser, program manager with the Forest Service in Wrangell. "It is really, really challen...