The San Juan National Forest has released a Recreation Facility Analysis that describes the vision for the overall recreation program and outlines proposals specific to individual developed recreation sites.
“The goal is to make sure our facilities are environmentally sustainable, provide support to and are supported by local communities, and offer a fiscally responsible cost-benefit ratio for management,” said David Baker, San Juan National Forest Recreation Lead.
The San Juan National Forest operates an extensive developed recreation program, currently operating 40 developed campgrounds, five dispersed camping areas, 12 day-use areas, seven boat ramps, five visitor centers, eight scenic overlooks, three fire lookout towers/cabins, and 46 trailheads. The analysis calls for the majority of these sites to be maintained into the future, however, services at others will undergo changes.
“Many of the San Juan’s developed recreation facilities were built 30 to 50 years ago and require significant deferred maintenance to remain safe and operable,” Baker said. “Other facilities receive no or little use, and no longer serve their original purpose.”
The analysis calls for many upgrades to help bring camping facilities up to date and encourage occupancy by improving campsites, electrical hookups, toilets, water systems, signing, and parking. Cost-saving measures include using partnerships and volunteers to help maintain trailheads and boat ramps.
The major change proposed for the Pagosa Springs Ranger District is to permanently close the Wolf Creek Campground, which has been temporarily closed due to diseased falling trees and flooding. The nearby West Fork Campground will remain open.
The Dolores Ranger District will continue to offer fishing access at the Dolores Fishermen’s Access Area adjacent to the Dolores Cemetery but will not replace the chronically vandalized toilet. The Sage Hen Fishermen’s Access Area will remain open for day-use only. Below the dam, Metaska Picnic Area will continue to offer vehicle access to the river but will not be operated as a formal recreation site.
Some of the changes proposed for the Columbine Ranger District include closing the East Lime Creek Rest Area on U.S. Highway 550 across from the Andrews Lake Recreation Area. In La Plata Canyon, three dispersed camping sites would be closed due to problems with resource damage, vandalism, sanitation, and trespassing on adjacent private lands. Two other dispersed sites would be upgraded. Kroeger and Snowslide campgrounds would also see improvements.
The analysis may be viewed online at this website.
Comments may be submitted by Monday, June 16, 2008 via mail to David Baker, San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, Durango 81301 or fax at 970 375-2331.
For more information, contact David Baker at 970 385-1240.
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