Administering the National Forests of Colorado: An Assessment of the Architectural and Cultural Significance of Historical Administrative Properties (Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests)

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

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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Dwelling	GM3535	1937	CCC F-48-C	Rustic
Bunkhouse	GM3536	1937	CCC F-48-C	Rustic
Shop/Barn	GM3538	1935	CCC F-48-C	Rustic
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Admin. Bldg.	GM3510	1937	USFS & ERA	Rustic
Dwelling	GM3511	1937	USFS & ERA	Rustic
Garage	GM3512	1937	USFS & WPA	Rustic
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Shed	GM3518	1929	Ivan Anderson	Bungalow
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Shelter House	GM3526	1937	WPA	Rustic
Latrine	GM3557	1937	WPA	Rustic
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Lookout	N/A	1911	Clay Withersteen	Pioneer
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Administration	GM3514	1940	CCC F-67-C	Rustic
Dwelling	GM3515	1940	CCC F-67-C	Rustic
Garage	GM3517	1941	CCC	Rustic
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Admin. Bldg.	GM3525	1941	CCC F-67-C	Rustic
Dwelling	GM3521	1926	unknown	Pioneer
Storage	GM3519	ca. 1903	unknown	Pioneer
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Bunkhouse	GM3508	1940	CCC F-53-C	Rustic
Garage	GM3541	1940	CCC F-53-C	Rustic
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Administration	GM3539	1937	CCC F-48-C	Rustic
Garage	GM3540	1936	CCC F-48-C	Rustic
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Dwelling	GM3545	1920	George Vernon	Pioneer
Storage Barn	GM3546	1907	Benson/Doran	Pioneer
Barn	N/A	1937	CCC F-27-C	Pioneer
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Wood Cabin	GM3580	1920	unknown	Pioneer
Storage Shed	N/A	ca. 1940	unknown	Pioneer
Log Barn	N/A	ca. 1940	unknown	Pioneer
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Administration	GM3587	1940	CCC F-71-C	Rustic
Dwelling	GM3571	1940	CCC F-71-C	Rustic
Shop/Barn	GM3563	1941	CCC F-71-C	Rustic
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Log Cabin	GM3581	1920s	unknown	Rocky 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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Lookout	N/A	1907	unknown	Pioneer
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Garage	GM3502	1936	USFS	Rustic
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Admin. Bldg.	GM3575	1924	unknown	Bungalow
Garage	GM3533	1935	unknown	Rustic
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Dwelling	GM3576	1912	Unknown	Bungalow
Barn	GM3564	1919	Unknown	Bungalow
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 Name	Bldg. No.	Date	Builder	Style
Office	GM3586	1963	unknown	Modern
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.

<<< Previous

<<< Contents>>>

Next >>>

colorado-nf/inventory3.htm
Last Updated: 15-Jan-2008