10/13/2009 1:32:00 PM Forest Service implementing economic recovery projects $860,000 of improvements on the way
Staff Report/WGCN
WILLIAMS - The Kaibab National Forest is working to implement two projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The forest received $860,000 to restore historic cabins and replace deteriorating campground facilities.
The first ARRA project on the forest is the Kaibab Historic Cabin Restoration Project, which was funded at $300,000. Historic cabins to receive renovations are located on all three of the forest's districts - Spring Valley Cabin on the Williams Ranger District; Hull Cabin on the Tusayan Ranger District; and, Jump Up Cabin as well as cabins at Big Springs and Dry Park on the North Kaibab Ranger District. Some of the work to be done includes restoration of historic interiors, stone foundation repair, exterior staining, roof repair and wood stove replacement.
"We are especially excited about the work we are going to be able to accomplish at Hull Cabin," said Mike Lyndon, forest tribal liaison and an archaeologist. "Once renovations are completed, we hope to add Hull Cabin to the Arizona Cabin Rental Program, which means it will be another recreation opportunity on the forest for people to experience and enjoy."
Hull Cabin is the oldest surviving cabin near the Grand Canyon. It was the home of William Hull, a sheep rancher and entrepreneur tourist guide for the Grand Canyon from the mid-1880s to the 1890s.
"By restoring Hull Cabin now and being able to add it to the cabin rental program, we are actually ensuring the long-term care of this important piece of history," Lyndon added. "Money obtained from the rental program goes back into maintaining existing cabins and restoring additional cabins."
The second ARRA project on the forest is the Kaibab Campground Facility Replacement Project, which was funded at $560,000. The project will allow replacement of deteriorating facilities at White Horse Lake Campground on the Williams Ranger District and Ten-X Campground on the Tusayan Ranger District. It will also provide for construction of a new facility at Kaibab Lake Campground on the Williams Ranger District. The replacement project will eliminate backlog maintenance at the campgrounds and provide forest visitors with new facilities that are accessible to all people.
For additional information, please visit the Forest Service website at www.fs.fed.us.
