Forest Service considers flushing toilets

Molas Pass restroom

 The U.S. Forest Service is planning to permanently flush the public restrooms at Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass, a move that could make it more uncomfortable for travelers along U.S. Highway 550 when nature calls. San Juan National Forest district ranger Matt Janowiak, in a letter this month to San Juan County commissioners, said the agency “no longer has the resources to properly maintain the toilet facilities” at the popular turnouts. He said the Forest Service faces the same situation at Henderson Lake and the Animas Overlook. “We are looking into options for divesting these facilities to new ownership for future care and maintenance,” Janowiak said. “If I cannot find an appropriate new owner for these facilities, demolition is an option under consideration.” Janowiak pointed out that the toilet facilities at Treasure Falls near Wolf Creek Pass also were demolished recently for similar reasons...more