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Forest Service visitor's center moves to Highlands

White River National Forest

There will be a new Forest Service visitors’ center at the base of Highlands starting next week. Aspen Public Radio’s Carolyn Sackariason has more.

 

The new center will be in the Highlands ticket office. It’s aimed to better serve people going to the Maroon Bells —

the White River National Forest’s most popular attraction.

 

The center is part of a partnership with the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District, the Aspen Skiing Co. and the Forest Conservancy. The cash-strapped ranger district will save money because it consolidates seasonal services and reduces administrative costs, officials say. Maroon Bells staff and volunteers will man the visitors’ center.

 

The ranger station at the entrance to Aspen will remain a work facility for seasonal field crews. Free Forest Service trail, camping, and vehicle use maps will be provided to the public at the new Highlands location.

 

The highlands operation, located on the RFTA bus route, will open May 26. Carolyn Sackariason, Aspen Public Radio.