USFS Logo Administering the National Forests of Colorado:
An Assessment of the Architectural and Cultural Significance of Historical Administrative Properties
NPS Logo

INVENTORY AND RESULTS OF EVALUATION
Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests

The Gunnison and Uncompahgre National Forests were established in 1905. Summer range protection and watershed protection were of primary importance in establishing the Reserves. Prior to the establishment of the Reserves timber production was also important in support of mining activities. Battlement Mesa, later known as Grand Mesa, was established as a Reserve in 1892. The Reserve became the Grand Mesa National Forest in 1924. The many small lakes on Grand Mesa were popular fishing properties for local residents. In the 1890s commercial fishing in some lakes was attempted. By the end of the century a private guest ranch was established, with fishing rights to some of the lakes. The Forest Service controlled all fishing rights in the area by the 1930s. Grazing fees and leases on National Forest Lands were generally resented, but by 1911 when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld regulated grazing and timber management of the National Forests, this open hostility subsided. In 1973, the three forests — Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison — were administratively consolidated, with the Supervisor's Office located in Delta (Reini 1931; Shoemaker 1944; Mehls 1982; Kerr 1981).

Tables 9, 10, and 11 list administrative sites evaluated in these Forests and Figures 57 and 58 show the relative location of these sites.

Table 9. Summary of Site Recommendations for Grand Mesa National Forest.

Site Name Const. Date Site No. Field Eligibility Recommendations
Cold Springs Work Center (Ranger Station) 1935-1937 5ME6254 significant under A, C
Collbran District Office (Ranger Station) 1937 5ME5002 significant under A, C
Hightower Ranger Station 1929 5ME6477 not significant under A or C
Lands End Observatory 1937 5ME4936 significant under A, C
Leon Peak Lookout 1911 5ME864 significant under A, C
Mesa Lakes Ranger Station 1940-1941 5ME7369 significant under A, C
Ward Lake Ranger (Guard) Station 1903-1941 5DT99 significant under A, C

Table 10. Summary of Site Recommendations for Uncompahgre National Forest.

Site Name Const. Date Site No. Field Eligibility Recommendations
Jackson Ranger Station 1936 5GN2126 * officially eligible (1992)
Lone Cone Guard Station 1940 5SM1299 not significant under A or C
Norwood Ranger Station 1936-1937 5SM2748 not significant under A or C
Sunshine CCC Toilet 1936 5SM2508 * officially eligible (1993)

* Not examined as part of this project. Status determination by State of Colorado.


Figure 57. Sites Evaluated in the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre National Forests. GS=Guard Station; LO=Fire Lookout; RS=Ranger Station. (click on image for a PDF version)

Table 11. Summary of Site Recommendations for Gunnison National Forest.

Site Name Const. Date Site No. Field Eligibility Recommendations
Alpine Guard (Ranger Station) 1907-1937 5GN1735 significant under A, C
Cement Creek Guard (Ranger) Station 1920-1946 5GN2554 not significant under A or C
Crested Butte Ranger Station 1940-1941 5GN2555 significant under A, C
Dorchester Guard (Ranger) Station 1920s 5GN1314 significant under A, C
Fairview Peak Lookout 1907 5GN2129 significant under A, C
Gunnison Supervisor's Warehouse 1936 5GN2553 not significant under A or C
Long Branch Ranger Station 1924-1935 5SH1471 not significant under A or C
Sapinero Ranger Station 1912-1919 5GN2098 not significant under A or C
Taylor (Cebolla) Ranger District Office 1963 5GN2552 @ significant under G

@ Re-evaluate when building(s) meet the 50-year age criterion.


Figure 58. Sites Evaluated in the Gunnison National Forests. LO=Fire Lookout; RS=Ranger Station; SW=Supervisor's Warehouse. (click on image for a PDF version)



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 59
Cold Springs Work Center
View to the North
Roll 33, Neg. 12
August 1993
5ME6254 Cold Springs Work Center
Grand Junction Ranger District
Grand Mesa National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
DwellingGM35351937CCC F-48-CRustic
BunkhouseGM35361937CCC F-48-CRustic
Shop/BarnGM35381935CCC F-48-CRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5ME6254 is significant under criteria A and C. The complex is associated with the development and administration of the Grand Mesa National Forest and the work of the CCC. It is one of the best preserved and most representative rural CCC era ranger stations in Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Cold Springs dwelling (F5687), Beulah administration building (F5288), bunkhouse (F8970). Cold Springs Ranger Station Improvement Map (C-6513), Site Development Plan.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 60
(Collbran) Ranger Station
and Personal Residence
USFS R2 Files
# 56812
August 1940
5ME5002 Collbran District Office
Collbran Ranger District
Grand Mesa National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Admin. Bldg.GM35101937USFS & ERARustic
DwellingGM35111937USFS & ERARustic
GarageGM35121937USFS & WPARustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5ME5002 is significant under criteria A and C. It is associated with the development and administration of the Grand Mesa National Forest and with the work of the New Deal. Its classic layout and well preserved buildings make it the best remaining example of a CCC-era urban ranger station in Colorado. Its construction by the ERA reflects that agency's influence upon the USFS, as well as the craftsmanship of ERA construction.

Architectural Plans. Collbran dwelling (E5953), Hot Sulphur administration building (F5882), Collbran equipment shed (F6951), Improvement Map (F5890).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 61
Hightower Ranger Station
View to the East
Roll 29, Neg. 20
August 1993
5ME6477 Hightower Ranger Station
Collbran Ranger District
Grand Mesa National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
ShedGM35181929Ivan AndersonBungalow

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5ME6477 is not significant under criteria A or C. Only one building of the original five associated with this site is extant. This remaining equipment shed is not particularly representative of the Rustic-styled architecture of the USFS, nor of the administrative development of the Forest Service within Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Non-existent.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 62
Land's End Shelterhouse
and Observatory
USFS R2 Files
W.O. 451675
Photo by Higgins, June 1948
5ME4936 Land's End Observatory
Grand Junction Ranger District
Grand Mesa National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Shelter HouseGM35261937WPARustic
LatrineGM35571937WPARustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5ME4936 is significant under criteria A and C. The site is a very well preserved example of the USFS recreational development of the Grand Mesa National Forest. Its unique observatory and latrine are definitive representations of the USFS Rustic Style of recreational architecture developed during the Depression. Their exteriors and interiors are thoroughly detailed and remain intact. Custom Forest Service furniture designed for the observatory is preserved on site.

Architectural Plans. Land's End shelter house (F5281).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 63
Leon Peak Lookout
View to the Northeast
Roll 31, Neg. 25
August 1993
5ME864 Leon Peak Lookout
Collbran Ranger District
Grand Mesa National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
LookoutN/A1911Clay WithersteenPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5ME864 is significant under criteria A and C. The lookout was utilized by the Grand Mesa National Forest for fire suppression and is representative of the USFS's early mission of protection and conservation. It is the only extant log "Cupola Cabin" type structure in Colorado, and one of the oldest in the nation. The mortise and tenon construction method is unique among the remaining USFS lookouts in Colorado. Though deteriorated, the log structure is intact, as is some of its metal siding. It was the only manned fire lookout ever built on the Grand Mesa National Forest.

Architectural Plans. Non-existent.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 64
Mesa Lakes Ranger Station
Photo by Higgins
USFS R2 Files
W.O. 430923
June 1944
5ME7369 Mesa Lakes Ranger Station
Collbran Ranger District
Grand Mesa National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
AdministrationGM35141940CCC F-67-CRustic
DwellingGM35151940CCC F-67-CRustic
GarageGM35171941CCCRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5ME7369 is significant under criteria A and C. The site is associated with the recreational and administrative development of the Grand Mesa National Forest and is a very well preserved example of CCC construction. The site displays classic USFS layout characteristics and is one of the best examples of a CCC-era rural ranger station in Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Brush Creek administration building (F6798), Porcupine dwelling (F6049), Wapiti garage (F5802), Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 65
Ward Lake Ranger Station
View to the Southwest
Roll 31, Neg. 19
August 1993
5DT99 Ward Lake Ranger Station
Grand Junction Ranger District
Grand Mesa National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Admin. Bldg.GM35251941CCC F-67-CRustic
DwellingGM35211926unknownPioneer
StorageGM3519ca. 1903unknownPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5DT99 is significant under criteria A and C. It is associated with the recreational and administrative development of the Grand Mesa National Forest and with the work of the CCC. Architecturally, the complex represents several eras of USFS design that reflect the evolution of the USFS Rustic Style philosophy of harmony, simplicity, and use of the land.

Architectural Plans. Ward Lake administration building (F7462), dwelling (C4008), Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 66
Lone Cone Guard Station
View to the Southeast
Roll 36, Neg. 17
June 1994
5SM1299 Lone Cone Guard Station
Norwood Ranger District
Uncompahgre National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
BunkhouseGM35081940CCC F-53-CRustic
GarageGM35411940CCC F-53-CRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5SM1299 is not significant under criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the Uncompahgre National Forest, this site's buildings have heavily modified and no longer retain their integrity of design, function, or construction.

Architectural Plans. Centennial combination building plan (B-150), Lone Cone Guard Station Improvement Plan.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 67
Norwood Ranger Station
View to the South Southwest
Roll 35, Neg. 1
June 1994
5SM2748 Norwood Ranger Station
Norwood Ranger District
Uncompahgre National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
AdministrationGM35391937CCC F-48-CRustic
GarageGM35401936CCC F-48-CRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5SM2748 is not significant under criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the Uncompahgre National Forest, the complex is not particularly unique among CCC-era administrative sites. All buildings have been heavily modified, and the site has lost integrity of design and feeling as a complex of three buildings. Better examples of ranger stations exist in Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Dwelling (F5745; F5295), Hot Sulphur administration building (F5882), Fox Park garage (F5315), Site Development Plan. Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 68
Alpine Ranger Station
Photo by H.H. French
Taylor/Cebolla District files, Gunnison
W.O. 166792
Photo taken in 1923
5GN1735 Alpine Guard Station
Cebolla Ranger District
Gunnison National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
DwellingGM35451920George VernonPioneer
Storage BarnGM35461907Benson/DoranPioneer
BarnN/A1937CCC F-27-CPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5GN1735 is significant under criteria A and C. The station is associated with the development and administration of the Gunnison National Forest and it has well preserved examples of pre-CCC and CCC-era construction that represent a variety of early 20th century Pioneer (pre-design) log construction techniques, using local salvaged materials. This is a good, typical example of a rural ranger station.

Architectural Plans. Alpine Ranger (Guard) Station Site and Improvement Maps.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 69
Cement Creek Guard Station
View to the East
Roll 38, Neg. 30
June 1994
5GN2554 Cement Creek Guard Station
Taylor Ranger District
Gunnison National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Wood CabinGM35801920unknownPioneer
Storage ShedN/Aca. 1940unknownPioneer
Log BarnN/Aca. 1940unknownPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5GN2554 is not significant under criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the Gunnison National Forest and the work of the CCC in the area, the site has no remaining integrity as a pre-design-era ranger station, It is not particularly distinctive within the history of the Forest and is not typical of Ranger Station site layouts of any era. However, its cabin and storage building may have been former CCC Camp buildings and should be evaluated under criterion C; architecture of the CCC.

Architectural Plans. 1994 NPS Field Sketches.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 70
Crested Butte Ranger Station
View to the Northwest
Roll 38, Neg. 37
June 1994
5GN2555 Crested Butte Ranger Station
Taylor Ranger District
Gunnison National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
AdministrationGM35871940CCC F-71-CRustic
DwellingGM35711940CCC F-71-CRustic
Shop/BarnGM35631941CCC F-71-CRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5GN2555 is significant under criteria A and C. The site is associated with the development and administration of the Gunnison National Forest and with the craftsmanship of the CCC. Though some integrity of feeling and workmanship has been covered with siding, the original materials are most likely intact. The site retains its integrity of location, setting, design, and association as a typical USFS urban Ranger Station.

Architectural Plans, Centennial Administration building (F6605), Lovell dwelling, reversed (F6032), Crested Butte shop (F7243), Planting Plan, Site Development Plan.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 71
Dorchester Guard Station
USFS R2 Files
W.O. 460172
1936
5GN1314 Dorchester Guard Station
Taylor Ranger District
Gunnison National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Log CabinGM35811920sunknownRocky Mtn Cabin

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5GN1314 is significant under criteria A and C. Its cabin exemplifies a style associated with early mining activity and towns in Gunnison County, including the town of Dorchester. The cabin is typical of the Rocky Mountain Cabin Style with its massing, pioneer construction and porch roof. If the Ranger Station was constructed by the USFS it is also significant in its representation of the pre-design era of Forest Service administrative development.

Architectural Plans. USFS 1987 Field Sketches, Dorchester Guard Station Improvement Map (C6611).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 72
Fairview Peak Lookout
View to the Southwest
Roll 57, Neg. 29
July 1994
5GN2129 Fairview Peak Lookout
Taylor Ranger District
Gunnison National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
LookoutN/A1907unknownPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5GN2129 is significant under criteria A and C. The Fairview Peak Lookout was utilized by the USFS for fire suppression and is representative of the Forest Service's early mission of protection and conservation. It is architecturally representative of the pre-design era when lookouts were built primarily by rangers or citizens using locally available materials. It is one of three extant stone lookouts remaining in Colorado's National Forests, and it is the only one on the Gunnison.

Architectural Plans. 1994 NPS Field Sketch.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 73
Gunnison Garage
View to the Northeast
Roll 40, Neg. 6
June 1994
5GN2553 Gunnison Supervisor's Warehouse
Taylor River Ranger District
Gunnison National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
GarageGM35021936USFSRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5GN2553 is significant under criteria A and C. Though associated with the development and administration of the Gunnison National Forest the site is not the best preserved sample of its type in Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Gunnison garage (F5884), Gunnison Garage Site Development Plan.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 74
The Long Branch Ranger Station
Building Group Located Near Sargents, Colo.
USFS R2 Files
W.O. 388150
October 1939
5SH1471 Long Branch Ranger Station
Cebolla Ranger District
Gunnison National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Admin. Bldg.GM35751924unknownBungalow
GarageGM35331935unknownRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5SH1471 is not significant under criteria A or C. Four of the original six buildings associated with the complex are not extant. The site has lost its integrity of feeling and design. The remaining buildings are not architecturally unique. nor do they represent the makeup of a typical Forest Service administrative site.

Architectural Plans. Long Branch Ranger Station Site Development Plan.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 75
Sapinero Ranger Station
View to the Northwest
Roll 39, Neg. 30
June 1994
5GN2098 Sapinero Ranger Station
Taylor Ranger District
Gunnison National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
DwellingGM35761912UnknownBungalow
BarnGM35641919UnknownBungalow

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5GN2098 is not significant under criteria A or C. Both buildings have been heavily modified and are in an advanced state of deterioration. They no longer retain integrity of design, feeling, or method of construction. Better examples of ranger stations exist on the forest and in Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Plan Y dwelling, Sapinero Guard Station Plot Plan.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 76
Taylor/Cebolla Office
View to the Northeast
Roll 40, Neg. 1
June 1994
5GN2552 Taylor/Cebolla Office
Taylor Ranger District
Gunnison National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
OfficeGM35861963unknownModern

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5GN2552 is significant under criterion G. Its office building with fallout shelter is representative of how the Forest Service, as a civilian Federal agency, prepared for resource management in the event of a thermonuclear war. The building is also an excellent example of Federal architecture of the Cold War.

Architectural Plans. Gunnison Office Building and Site Plans on file at Taylor/Cebolla Office, Gunnison.



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