Since its construction on expansive soils in 1957, the Quarry Visitor Center has experienced continuing problems with foundation movement. In July 2006, the building was closed due to serious hazards to life and safety caused by the foundation movement. The National Park Service (NPS) is exploring ways to re-open the famous cliff face of dinosaur bones as quickly as possible.

NPS Photos

1. Door frames, walls, and floors warped from extreme foundation movement.

2. Tilting walls of the rotunda wing weakened supports to ceiling and roof.

3. The east glass wall of the exhibit hall broke free of the foundation.

The Quarry Visitor Center will remain closed until a long term solutions stabilizes the foundation and the building is safe to enter.

The first critical step in the process is completing compliance and allowing the public the opportunity to review and comment on the alternatives.

The National Park Service (NPS) is making available for public review the Draft Environmental Impact Statement / Assessment of Effects for the Quarry Visitor Center Treatment Project (DEIS) for Dinosaur National Monument. This DEIS for the treatment of the Quarry Visitor Center evaluates five alternatives designed to address the structural shortcomings associated with the Quarry Visitor Center. The DEIS is available for review on the park planning web site http://parkplanning.nps.gov (search for Dinosaur NM). Hard copies of the DEIS will be available for review at the Superintendent’s Office, Dinosaur National Monument and at the county public libraries in Vernal, Utah and Craig, Colorado. Public comments will be accepted until August 10, 2007.