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San Juan Skyway interpretive panels and overlooks reported in disrepair; county seeks partners for repairs
Summary
Staff reported interpretive panels and overlooks on the San Juan Skyway (Keystone Hill and Sunshine Mountain) are faded, vandalized or structurally compromised; Forest Service and CDOT contacts have been asked to review options for partner funding and repairs.
Commissioners and staff reported that several interpretive panels and site improvements along the San Juan Skyway are in poor condition and in need of replacement or repair. Staff said Keystone Hill (a Forest Service site) has faded panels and bench deterioration; Sunshine Mountain panels and adjacent guardrails also show extensive sticker and surface damage and some hardware decay.
County staff said they have met with Forest Service recreation managers and CDOT contacts to inventory the most urgent safety and signage needs and to identify potential partners. The Forest Service will search its records for site documentation; staff proposed modest county seed funding and partnerships with the state byway committee, historic preservation groups and the Forest Service to replace panels and fix safety hazards at overlooks.
Commissioners noted limited local capacity and the need to coordinate with federal and state agencies because many of the sites are on national Forest Service land or CDOT right‑of‑way. Staff also mentioned a traveling Skyway photo exhibit in Durango and the possibility of coordinating local events to build momentum for sign replacement and small capital projects.
No formal approval or funding commitments were made; staff plans to follow up with the Forest Service, CDOT and historic partners and to brief county commissioners on progress.
