A construction supply chain issue has delayed a project at the Canyons of the Ancients Visitor Center and Museum.
The facility will be open January thru February after all. It had been scheduled to close for those months for a project to replace aging floors.
“We just found out about a supply chain issue going on, so it is pushed back,” said a BLM official Wednesday.
The agency will find out Jan. 10 whether the project will go forward in March or in the fall, the official said. The public will be updated.
Hours through Jan. 5 are Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting Jan 6., hours are Tue.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The renovation will stabilize the 35-year-old floor structures to prevent further settling and keep the floor more durable and easier to maintain.
When the project begins, “crews will be working hard to make much-needed repairs to our Visitor Center and Museum,” said Ray O’Neil, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument manager in a news release. “We thank you for your patience.”
The paved Escalante Trail at the museum to visit Dominguez and Escalante Pueblos will remain open during the construction time, as are all monument trails.
However, monument officials are asking visitors to hold off on using trails that have muddy conditions to prevent damage. The popular Sand Canyon and Rock Creek Trails are muddy from recent snowstorms, but are expected to improve as sunny days continue.
“Hiking during periods when the landscape is saturated with moisture can cause unwanted erosion within our trail corridors and lead to widening of the trail, resulting in a loss of delicate plant life and biological soil,” the monument states in a news release. “When conditions do improve, please remember to stay on trail.”
Maps and brochures directing visitors to the Monument are available at the Visitor Center and Museum parking lot kiosk, Dolores Public Lands Office and Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez. Visitor Services and information may be available by calling (970) 882-5600.
Also the monument is accepting applications for a temporary seasonal park ranger position. Salary is $17.31 to $21.4 per hour. The job offer will close after 150 applicants have been received.
General Park Rangers assist with monument and Bureau of Land Management recreation programs. The job period is not to exceed 1,039 hours in a service year.
Rangers provide information about the monument to visitors, provide applicants permit information, ensure commercial outfitter compliance with permits, prepare recreation sites for visitor use, assist in gathering and analysis of data related to recreational resources, among other duties.
For more information and to apply, visit usajobs.gov
