The U.S. Forest Service is requesting public input on plans to demolish multiple recreation facilities across the Sandia Ranger District, including the iconic Sandia Crest House.
The proposal calls for decommissioning and demolishing several structures: four vault toilet facilities, two recreation residences and the mixed-use Sandia Crest House building.
District Ranger Ken Born said the demolitions are necessary to address health and safety concerns, meet agency special use permit requirements and improve scenic integrity while enhancing the overall recreation experience for visitors.
The Forest Service has opened a public comment period through Sept. 8. Comments must be submitted electronically to sm.fs.r3cibolamail@usda.gov with the subject line “Sandia Recreation Improvement Decommission and Demolition Project.”
Project documents and maps are available online. Print copies can be viewed at the Sandia Ranger District office at 11776 Highway 337 in Tijeras during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Sandia Ranger District is part of the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, which encompasses more than 1.6 million acres across New Mexico and portions of Texas and Oklahoma.
