Construction to replace the antiquated buildings that currently make up the White River National Forest Aspen-Sopris Ranger Station in Carbondale begins next week, according to a U.S. Forest Service news release.

The first phase of construction includes the installation of fencing and the job trailer, arrival of equipment, and abatement for removing interior material within the building such as sheetrock.   

“With construction activity beginning, the public should stay out of the fenced area for their safety,” Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Kevin Warner said in the release. “Crews will be following the standard procedures for abating potential hazardous materials such as asbestos when removing older buildings.”

Sidewalk access around the construction site will be blocked off on both Main Street and Weant Boulevard once the fencing is installed, the release states.

U.S. Forest Service officials have debated what to do with the buildings, constructed in the 1930s to house a Forest Service ranger, since 2018. Officials concluded that the buildings no longer meet the needs of the Ranger District.

The construction effort, however, has been met with local opposition. Replacing the buildings, clustered on Main Street at Sopris Park, includes removal of some trees ranging 60-100 years old.

The White River National Forest awarded a $6.3 million construction contract to Grand Junction-based Dare-Case Contracting Services LLC to revamp the property in September 2023. The three original buildings in which the district currently works out of will be demolished, along with two mature spruce trees. But the Christmas Tree — known as the Community Tree — will be protected.

The abatement process is expected to take about a month, with building demolition expected to begin in February.  New construction is scheduled to begin in March and should be completed in early 2025.  The Aspen-Sopris Ranger Station will be closed to the public until the new building is completed. The nearest Forest Service location open to the public is the Supervisor’s Office in Glenwood Springs, 900 Grand Ave., (970) 945-2521. Operating hours and additional information is available at http://www.fs.usda.gov/whiteriver.