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Dolores
Dolores,
situated between Cortez to the south and Rico to the north,
is a small town reminiscent of a timbering past and a more
contemporary ranching community. It is surrounded by the San
Juan National Forest and many historic, prehistoric archaeology,
and natural features that are destination points for visitors.
There is a general value among residents for preserving attributes
of a small-town feeling and sense of community, historic and
railroad heritage, and a diversity of age and wealth. During
a number of interviews of residents about their desired future
conditions, some stressed protecting the canyons and mesas
above town from being commercially or privately developed.
Community participation is common. There exists some distrust
of government in the area along with the perception that national
forest management might either unwittingly or uncaringly attract
attention that townspeople don't want.
The
Rio Grande Southern Railroad was at one time an important
feature of the area's commerce and transportation. It carried
supplies and miners from Dolores to the silver mines of Rico
and Telluride. It also carried workers to and from the nearby
"company town" of McPhee, once the largest sawmill
in the western United States. McPhee lies under the reservoir
bearing its name. The town sits near the end of ten-mile-long
McPhee Reservoir and along the Dolores River.
Historical
preservation and restoration enjoys general support in the
area with active planning and stabilization projects occurring.
For example, the Dolores Railroad Station and Visitor Center,
with the Galloping Goose rail car sitting nearby, was recently
rebuilt. This suggests that there is interest in developing
for heritage tourism activities that align with the values
and economic develop desires demonstrated by a number of residents
in Dolores.
More
Information About Dolores |
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