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CastlePinesConnection.com
Devils Head Recreation Area
closes for construction
Information and photo provided by the USDA Forest Service
Greenland
Post Office
restoration
Information and photo provided by Douglas County
The Greenland area located south of
Castle Rock is known for its views and open space. Although, Douglas County’s investment in the area extends beyond maintaining the hiking trails. The County, along with the Historic Preservation Board, has also made a commitment to preserving the historic Greenland Townsite resources.
Thanks in part to a $156,000 grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund (SHF), work to reconstruct and stabilize the Greenland Post Office is currently underway and will protect this historic building from future settlement and deterioration.
The post office, along with its outbuildings, are some of the only remaining buildings in the Greenland Townsite considered to
be historically significant. Operating from 1873 until 1959, it was a central element
of the cultural and social growth of the community, with residents of the Town of Greenland coming to their post office to catch up on local news and learn about what was happening elsewhere in the County.
Landmarked sites like the Greenland Townsite help contribute to an understanding of the local identity and culture and can provide real-life educational experiences.
In the coming months, the concrete foundation will be restored and improvements to site grading and drainage will be made to keep excess water away from the building in the future. To watch the progress, follow along on the County’s Instagram account @douglascountyco.
Initial work to restore the roof of the post office and stabilize the foundation took place in 2016 and was also partly funded with an SHF grant.
To learn more about historic preservation in Douglas County, visit https://www.douglas. co.us/about-us/historic-preservation/.
Devils Head Trail, an iconic out and back 2.5-mile Colorado Front Range hike that ends with a 143 step climb to the historic fire lookout closed in July. The Pike-
San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands
South Platte Ranger District closed the entire Devils Head Recreation area for construction through December 1, 2021 or until rescinded, whichever comes first.
“We are working to upgrade the utilities which is paramount to the continued
operation of this very popular recreation area,” said District Ranger Brian Banks. “We look forward to seeing everyone next season.”
The closure prohibits going into or being upon the restricted area, being on the restricted roads and being on the restricted trails.
To learn more about the closure and restrictions, visit the Pike-San Isabel National Forests & Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/ psicc/alerts-notices/?cid=fseprd518527.
August 2021