SALT LAKE CITY — The public is invited to attend an open house hosted by the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest at the historic Blacksmith Fork Guard Station in Cache County.
The event is Friday, May 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in conjunction with the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act and Utah Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month, sponsored by Utah Division of State History.
Guard stations were originally built for use by Forest Service Rangers and their families. In an effort to maintain the historic structures, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is rehabilitating several guard stations to be available to the public through the National Recreation Reservation Service.
The rehabilitation work has been done by forest volunteers through the Passport in Time program.
The guard station was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 as part of the New Deal. Early Forest Service guard stations were typically spaced a “day’s ride by horseback” from each other. There are several other guard stations on the Logan Ranger District, including Card and Tony Grove, which are being rehabilitated for public use.
The Blacksmith Fork Guard Station has been rehabilitated to match its 1930s-era appearance. The cabin can accommodate five to six people and has room for tents adjacent to the building. Information on rental and directions are available at www.fs.usda.gov.