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
San Juan National Forest

In 1905 the San Juan and Montezuma Forest Reserves were created by proclamation of President T. Roosevelt primarily to conserve resources of water, timber, and grazing lands. Headquarters for both Reserves were initially in Durango in a small one-room office located above a saloon. The Supervisor of the San Juan was moved to Monte Vista in 1906 and two years later the Rio Grande National Forest was created from a combination of lands from the San Juan east of the Continental Divide and portions of the Cochetopah National Forest. Headquarters of the Montezuma was located in Mancos and that of the San Juan moved back to Durango. In 1911 the Durango National Forest was created by President W. Taft out of what was then a portion of the San Juan called San Juan West. Durango became the headquarters of this forest and that of the San Juan was moved again, this time to Pagosa Springs. However, by 1920 the Durango and San Juan were again consolidated with headquarters returning to Durango. The headquarters of the Montezuma was moved from Mancos to Cortez in 1940. In 1945 the Treasure and Blanco Districts were consolidated and renamed the Pagosa District. In 1947 the Montezuma and San Juan were consolidated, with the exception of the Norwood Ranger District which became a part of the Uncompahgre. The Engineer and Animas Districts were consolidated for one year in 1954, and the Animas and Columbine Districts were consolidated in 1967.

Grazing was an important dimension to Forest administration from its inception. In 1908 sheep outnumbered cattle by only about 19 percent, but by 1950 there were almost 80 percent more sheep grazed on the forest than cattle. Sawmills supplied residents and the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in the early days of the Forest. Large amounts of wood were used to make charcoal for the mining industry in the Silverton District. Eighty-five percent of the timber was used locally until about 1915.

Table 17 lists the administrative sites evaluated on this Forest and Figure 129 shows the relative location of these sites.

Table 17. Summary of Site Recommendations for San Juan National Forest.

Site Na me Const. Date Site No. Field Eligibility Recommendations
Animas (District Office) Sup.'s warehouse 1936 5LP3867 not significant under A or C
Aspen Ranger (Guard) Station 1920s-1940 5MT12554 significant under A, C
Bayfield Ranger Station 1937-1955 5LP3869 not significant under A or C
Benchmark Fire Lookout 1969 5DL1793 @ not significant under A or C
Devil Mountain Fire Lookout 1955 5AA1859 @ significant under G
Dolores District Office (Ranger Station) 1938-1940 5MT12041 significant under A, C
Dunton Guard Station 1938-1939 5DL1790 not significant under A or C
Durango Ranger's Residence - 8th Ave. 1938-1940 5LP3872 not significant under A or C
Durango Sup.'s Residence - 7th Ave. 1938-1939 5LP3871 not significant under A or C
Eight Mile Fire Lookout 1942-1963 5AA1756 @ officially not eligible (1993)
Glade Guard Station 1905-1936 5DL1792 significant under criteria A and C
Granite Peak Guard Station ca. 1915 5HN508 significant under criteria A and C
Jersey Jim Fire Lookout 1963 5MT12555 @ not significant under A or C
Lower Mancos (Supervisor's) Warehouse 1936-1937 5MT12552 not significant under A or C
Mancos Ranger's Residence 1937-1940 5MT12553 not significant under A or C
McCormick Cabin 1932-1935 5ML287 significant under A and C
Pagosa Ranger's Residence No. 1 1937-1940 5AA1855 significant under criteria A and C
Pagosa Ranger's Residence No. 2 1938 5AA1856 not significant under A or C
Piedra Guard station 1920s-1931 5HN506 not significant under A or C
Rico Guard Station 1939-1941 5DL1791 not significant under A or C
Silver Falls Guard Station 1932-1935 5HN507 significant under criteria A and C
Square Top Guard Station 1935 5AA1857 not significant under A or C
Treasure Guard Station 1935 5AA1858 not significant under A or C
Trimble Work Center 1935-1956 5LP3868 not significant under A or C
Turkey Springs Guard Station 1920s-1929 5AA1755 significant under criteria A and C
Vallecito Guard Station (Work Center) 1940-1941 5LP3870 not significant under A or C

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


Figure 129. Sites Evaluated in the San Juan National Forest. GS=Guard Station; LO=Fire Lookout; RR=Ranger's Residence; RS=Ranger Station; SW=Superivor's Warehouse; WC=Work Center. (click on image for a PDF version)



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 130
Animas Supervisor's Warehouse
San Juan National Forest
San Juan National Forest historical files
Durango, Colorado
Date Unknown
5LP3867 Animas (District Office) Supervisor's Warehouse
Animas Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
GarageN/A1936unknownArt Deco

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5LP3867 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, better examples of USFS art deco design and brick supervisor's warehouse construction remain in Colorado.

Architectural Plans. San Juan National Forest Proposed Warehouse Remodel (R. Michael Bell and Associates) Durango Warehouse Improvement Map (C6509).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 131
Aspen Ranger Station
View to the Southwest
USFS R2 files
Durango, Colorado
Photo W.O. 423683, taken October 1942
5MT12554 Aspen Ranger (Guard) Station
Mancos Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
DwellingN/A1938-40CCCRustic
BarnN/A1920sUnknownBungalow

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5MT12554 is significant under Criteria A and C. It is associated with the development and administration of the San Juan and Montezuma National Forests. Though not the best preserved guard station in Colorado, it is one of the best on the San Juan, and it retains its integrity as a rural CCC-era USFS guard station. The original fence and gate add to the integrity of setting.

Architectural Plans. Centennial Ranger Station Office Building (F6605), Aspen Ranger Station Improvement Map (F5522).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 132
Bayfield Ranger Station
Site in Bayfield
San Juan National Forest historical files
Durango, Colorado
Photo W.O. 374217, taken September 1938
5LP3869 Bayfield Ranger Station
Pine Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
ResidenceN/A1937CCCRustic
Barn conversion
1955Unknown
GarageN/A1937CCCRustic
OfficeN/A1937CCCRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5LP3869 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, each of its historical buildings have been modified, some heavily. One building has been moved and the site has several intrusive new buildings that have altered the original design. Though still recognizable as a CCC-era ranger station, more intact examples exist on the Forest.

Architectural Plans. Encampment Ranger Station Office Building (F5691), Norwood Garage/Shop (F5607), Tensleep Barn/Garage (F5491), Bayfield dwelling (B300), Station Fire Plan (site plan).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 133
Benchmark Lookout Tower
View to the East
Roll 45, Neg. 10
June 1994
5DL1793 Benchmark Fire Lookout
Dolores Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Fire LookoutN/A1969USFSPrefabricated

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5DL1793 is not significant under Criteria A or C. The tower is not old enough to be considered eligible. Better examples of post-CCC-era lookout design and construction exist in Colorado.

Architectural Plans. CL-100 Series Plans, Bench Mark Mountain Lookout Site Plan.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 134
Devil Mountain Lookout Tower
View to the Northeast
Roll 50, Neg. 19
June 1994
5AA1859 Devil Mountain Fire Lookout
Pine Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Fire LookoutN/A1955USFSPrefabricated

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5AA1859 is significant under Criterion G. The Lookout was utilized by the USFS for fire suppression and is representative of the Service's historic mission of protection and conservation, The tower and its site, though not old enough to be considered eligible, is the best of the remaining examples of post-CCC-era lookout design and construction known to exist on the National Forests of Colorado.

Architectural Plans. CL-100 Series Plans, 1994 NPS Field Sketch.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 135
The Forest Service group of
buildings at Dolores, Colorado
USFS R2 Files
W.O. 393440
Photo by Higgins, April 1940
5MT12041 Dolores District Office (Ranger Station)
Dolores Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Dwelling No. 1N/A1938CCC F-53-CPueblo
Dwelling No. 2N/A1940CCC F-53-CPueblo
OfficeN/A1938CCC F-53-CPueblo
Garage/ShopN/A1940CCC F-53-CPueblo

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5MT12041 is significant under Criteria A and C. The complex contains four Pueblo Style administration buildings designed by the Region's first architect, S.A. Axtens, and was built by the CCC. It is one of the largest and most intact Pueblo Style Ranger Stations in Colorado. Its buildings are associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, contain unique detailing, and represent a mastery of Pueblo Syle design.

Architectural Plans, Dolores Dwelling No. 1 (F6029), Dwelling No. 1 (F5946), Dolores Dwelling No. 2 (F6755). Dolores Administration Building (F5701), Dolores Garage (F5708), Improvement Plan (F6620).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 136
Dunton Guard Station
View to the Northwest
Roll 44, Neg. 10
June 1994
5DL1790 Dunton Guard Station
Dolores Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
OfficeN/A1938-39CCC F-53-CRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5DL1790 is not significant tinder Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, the office building on this typical rural guard station has suffered heavy losses of integrity of design and construction. Several better examples of both rural guard stations and this building plan exist in the Forest and throughout Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Centennial Ranger Station Office Building (F6605), Dunton Guard Station Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 137
Forest Service Residence No. 2
located in Durango, Colorado
USFS R2 files
W.O. 412112
Photo taken September 1941
5LP3872 Durango Ranger's Residence (8th Avenue)
Animas Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Dwelling No. 3N/A1938-40CCC F-53-CPueblo
Garage No. 3N/A1938-40CCC F-53-CPueblo

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5LP3872 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, the complex is not the most representative nor the most intact example of a USFS Ranger's Residence. The dwelling has suffered heavy losses of integrity of design and construction. Better examples of exist in the Forest and in Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Durango Dwelling No, 3 (F6936), Pagosa Springs 2 Car Garage (F6824), Durango Dwelling No. 3 Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 138
Supervisor's Residence provided
by the FS in Durango
San Juan National Forest historical files
Durango, Colorado
W.O. 412113 Photo by Higgins
September 1941
5LP3871 Durango Supervisor's Residence (7th Avenue)
Animas Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Dwelling No. 1N/A1938-39CCC F-53-CPueblo
Garage No. 1N/A1938-39CCC F-53-CPueblo

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5LP3871 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, the complex is not the most representative or most intact example of a USFS Supervisor's Residence. The dwelling has suffered heavy losses of integrity of design and construction. Better examples of exist in Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Huerfano (Durango Dwelling No. 1) Ranger Station dwelling (F6617), Pagosa Springs 2-Car Garage (F6824), Durango Dwelling No. 1 Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 139
Eight Mile Lookout Tower
View to the North
Roll 47, Neg. 15
June 1994
5AA1756 Eight Mile Fire Lookout
Pagosa Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Fire LookoutN/A1963UnknownPrefabricated
OuthouseN/A1942UnknownRustic

Statement of Significance. Site 5AA1756 was determined officially ineligible in 1993. The current fire tower is not old enough to be considered historic, Better examples of post-CCC-era lookout design and construction exist in Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Cabin plan (B194), Tower plan (M565), Eight Mile Mesa Lookout Improvement Map (C7751).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 140
Glade Ranger Station
Dwelling
San Juan National Forest historical files
W.O. 406773
Undated
5DL1792 Glade Guard Station
Dolores Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
DwellingN/A1916W.E. RittenhouseBungalow
GarageN/A1935CCC F-28-CBungalow
BarnN/A1905-15UnknownPioneer
WoodshedN/Aca. 1936UnknownPioneer
ToiletN/Aca. 1936UnknownPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5DL1792 is significant under Criteria A and C. It is associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest. It was one of the oldest administrative sites remaining on the San Juan. Its buildings represent several era's of Region 2 design and construction, as well as the craftsmanship of the CCC.

Architectural Plans. San Juan Dwelling Plan (A-3), Buford Dwelling remodel plan (F5706), Glade Ranger Station Improvement Map (D5454).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 141
Granite Peak Guard Station
View to the Southeast
Roll 58, Neg. 14
July 1994
5HN508 Granite Peak Guard Station
Pine Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Log CabinN/Aca. 1915UnknownRocky Mtn Cabin

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5HN508 is significant under Criteria A and C. It is associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest. Its cabin exemplifies a method of construction associated with early high country settlement, that of the Rocky Mountain Cabin Style. The cabin is also significant in its representation of the pre-design era of Forest Service administrative development.

Architectural Plans. 1994 NPS Field Sketches.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 142
Jersey Jim Lookout Tower
View to the Southwest
Roll 42 Neg 23
June 1994
5MT12555 Jersey Jim Fire Lookout
Mancos Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Fire LookoutN/A1963USFSNone

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5MT12555 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though the site does represent the Forest Service's mission of protection and conservation, the current fire tower and cab have been completely rebuilt, and retain no integrity of materials.

Architectural Plans. Cabin plan (B194), Tower plan (M565), Jersey Jim Lookout Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 143
Ranger's Office and Garage Building
Located in Mancos, Colorado
USFS R2 files
W.O. 412115
September 1941
5MT12552 Lower Mancos (Supervisor's) Warehouse
Mancos Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
WarehouseN/A1936-37UnknownRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5MT12552 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, this site and its warehouse building have lost integrity of design, feeling, materials, and craftsmanship as a Forest Service administrative site, The garage has been gutted and converted for use as a local visitor center. Better examples of supervisors' warehouses exist within the Forest.

Architectural Plans, Mancos Combination Building/Storage Building (M535/B6), Mancos Truck Garage Alteration for a Ranger's Office (F7345). Combination Building Improvement Map (C6618).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 144
Mancos Ranger's Residence
Mancos, Colorado
USFS R2 files
5MT12553
undated
5MT12553 Mancos Ranger's Residence
Mancos Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
DwellingN/A1938-40CCC F-53-CPueblo
GarageN/A1937-40CCC F-53-CPueblo

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5MT12553 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, the buildings on this typical urban rangers residence have suffered moderate losses of integrity of design and materials. Several better examples of both urban ranger stations and this building plan exist in the Forest and throughout Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Huerfano Ranger Station Dwelling (F6617), Pagosa Springs Garage (F6824), Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 145
McCormick Cabin
View to the Northwest. Outhouse to the right.
Roll 50, Neg. 32
July 1994
5ML287 McCormick Cabin
Pagosa Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
CabinN/A1932-35UnknownRocky Mountain
Cabin



ToiletN/A1932-35UnknownPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5ML287 is significant under Criteria A and C. It is associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, and also with the establishment of the Colorado Telephone Company phone line that ran in the valley. Its very well preserved Rocky Mountain Cabin Style cabin and associated toilet exemplify high altitude pioneer construction methods.

Architectural Plans. 1993 Field Sketches, San Juan National Forest.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 146
East Side of Ranger's Dwelling &
Garage. Pagosa Springs, Colorado
USFS R2 Files
W.O. 432695
Photo by Higgins, October 1944
5AA1855 Pagosa Ranger's Residence No. 1
Pagosa Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Dwelling No. 1N/A1937-38ERASpanish Colonial
Garage No. 1N/A1939-40UnknownSpanish Colonial

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5AA1855 is significant under Criteria A and C. The complex is associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest. It contains the only Spanish Colonial Style USFS administration buildings known to exist within Colorado. The site's location and layout are typical of CCC-era ranger's residences.

Architectural Plans. Pagosa Springs Dwelling and Garage (F5903), Pagosa Springs Dwelling No. 1 Plot Plan.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 147
Pagosa Springs District
Ranger Residence No. 2
USFS R2 Files
W.O. 393433
Photo by Higgins, April 1940
5AA1856 Pagosa Ranger's Residence No. 2
Pagosa Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Dwelling No. 2N/A1938UnknownPueblo
Garage No. 2N/A1938UnknownPueblo

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5AA1856 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, the dwelling on this typical urban rangers residence has suffered moderate losses of integrity of design and materials. Several better examples of both urban ranger stations and this building plan exist in the Forest and throughout Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Huerfano Ranger Station Dwelling (F6617), Pagosa Springs Dwelling No. 2 Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 148
Piedra Guard Station
View to the Southwest
Roll 48, Neg. 25
June 1994
5HN506 Piedra Guard Station
Pagosa Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
GarageN/A1930-31John BairdRustic
StorageN/Aca. 1920sUnknownPioneer
Wood HouseN/Aca. 1920sUnknownPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5HN506 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, the three remaining utility buildings do not convey the character of a ranger station. Several better examples of rural ranger stations exist in the Forest and throughout Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Piedra Guard Station Plot Plan (C6245).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 149
Rico Guard Station
View to the Northwest
Roll 44 Neg 33
June 1994
5DL1791 Rico Guard Station
Dolores Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
DwellingN/A1939-41CCC F-53-CRustic
OfficeN/A1939-41CCC F-53-CRustic
BarnN/A1939-41CCC F-53-CRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5DL1791 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, the three remaining utility buildings do not convey the character of a ranger station. Several better examples of rural ranger stations exist in the Forest and throughout Colorado.

Architectural Plans. Rico Combination Building (F7267), Dwelling (F7269), Barn/Garage (F5802), Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 150
Front View of Silver Falls
Ranger Station
San Juan National Forest Files
Durango, Colorado
W.O. 332896, by S.R. Zeger, August 1936
5HN507 Silver Falls Guard Station
Pagosa Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
CabinN/A1932-35John BairdRocky Mtn Cabin
ToiletN/AJohn Baird1932-35Pioneer
ShedN/A1932-35John BairdPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5HN507 is significant under Criteria A and C. It is associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest. Its very well preserved Rocky Mountain Cabin Style cabin and associated buildings exemplify pioneer construction methods and early USFS administrative design and site layout. It is the only ranger constructed log building of this plan remaining on the Forest.

Architectural Plans. Cabin plan based upon USFS Construction and Maintenance Handbook A Series design, 1994 NPS Field Sketches.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 151
Square Top Guard Station
USFS R2 Files
W.O. 315592
Photo by A.L. Alley, taken December 1935
5AA1857 Square Top Guard Station
Pagosa Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
OfficeN/A1935CCC F-29-CBungalow
BarnN/A1935UnknownPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5AA1857 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, this typical pre-CCC design was built at many stations throughout the Region. Several better examples of pre and CCC-era rural guard stations exist on the Forest.

Architectural Plans. Administration Building (A-5), Square Top Ranger Station Plot Plan (C6188).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 152
Treasure Guard Station
near Pagosa Springs, Colorado
USFS R2 Files
W.O. 41468
taken November 1941
5AA1858 Treasure Guard Station
Pagosa Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
OfficeN/A1935ACCC F-29-CBungalow
ToiletN/Aca. 1935AUnknownPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5AA1858 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, this typical pre-CCC design was built at many stations throughout the Region. Several better examples of pre-CCC and CCC-era rural guard stations exist on the Forest.

Architectural Plans. Administration Building (A-5), Treasure Guard Station (site plan).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 153
Trimble Work Center
View to the Northwest
Roll 44, Neg. 9
June 1994
5LP3868 Trimble Work Center
Animas Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
Work CenterN/A1935UnknownRustic
Storage BldgN/A1956UnknownCCC Temporary
Tack ShedN/A1935UnknownRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5LP3868 is not significant under Criteria A or C. This utilitarian work center is not significantly associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest, and it is atypical in location, site layout, and function of CCC-era administrative sites. Its buildings are nondescript in their style and construction, and all have lost integrity of original design.

Architectural Plans. Reder Combination Office Building (F5317), Horseshed (F5616), Trimble Work Center Improvement Map.



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 154
Turkey Springs Guard Station
View to the Northwest
Roll 50, Neg. 7
July 1994
5AA1755 Turkey Springs Guard Station
Pagosa Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
CabinN/A1929John BairdBungalow
ToiletN/A1920sUnknownPioneer

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5AA1755 is significant under Criteria A and C. It is associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forest. It has a well preserved example of pre-CCC-era ranger-built guard building. The site retains all the elements associated with guard stations.

Architectural Plans. Cabin based upon USFS Construction and Maintenance Handbook A-Series design, Turkey Springs Ranger Station Plot Plan (C61 19).



SITE SUMMARY
Figure 155
Vallecito Guard Station
From the Road Passing this Station
USFS R2 Files
W.O. 412109
Photo taken September 1941
5LP3870 Vallecito Guard Station (Work Center)
Pagosa Ranger District
San Juan National Forest
Building NameBldg. No.DateBuilderStyle
OfficeN/A1940-41CCC F-74-CRustic
Oil HouseN/A1940-41CCC F-74-CRustic

Statement of Significance. It is recommended that site 5LP3870 is not significant under Criteria A or C. Though associated with the development and administration of the San Juan National Forests, the site is not the best preserved guard station in Colorado. Better examples of rural stations, and the office's design, remain within the state.

Architectural Plans. Centennial Ranger Station Office Building (F6605), Vallecito Warehouse-Shop Site Plan.



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