Bit of History

The Eldorado National Forest Interpretive Association, Inc., entered into a formal agreement with the National Forest Service and the Eldorado National Forest in May, 1988, to promote the educational, historical, scientific, and other values of the National Forest. In addition, the agreement states that we shall assist in the educational and interpretive activities of the Forest Service. 

Like many such formal documents, the agreement, as paraphrased above, does not really tell anyone what ENFIA agreed to do under its terms. The best way to understand what we do for the Forest Service, the public, and our members is to consider the various things we have done and, in many cases, are continuing to do. 

Our major project for the past 10 years has been the construction of the Forest Service Information Station at Carson Pass. The Eldorado National Forest provided most of the materials needed but we provided the labor to use those materials. Without this donated labor and some donated materials, the station would not have been built and we would still be using the converted outhouse we used for a number of years. 

Currently, we are still modifying the structure as we learn more of what is required to best serve the public. In addition, we perform whatever maintenance is required to repair any damage caused by the winter conditions it is exposed to. Visitor use during the season also has an impact on the maintenance we are required to do. 

This facility is so important that a separate set of web pages is devoted to it. (See the Carson Pass page) 

Over the past 20 years we have developed projects which help inform docents, visitors and the membership about the history, the natural history, and the many special features of the Forest. Some of those projects include: 

Carson Pass Information Station construction which has been our major project for the last 10 years. The Eldorado National Forest provided most of the materials needed but ENFIA provided the labor. See (PDF) file for more information. 

Silver Lake Cabin maintenance. This cabin is used by the volunteers who staff the Carson Pass Information Station. These individuals need a place to stay overnight when they are on duty for more than one day and the cabin at Silver Lake provides that place. See (PDF) file for more information. 

The Traverse Creek Restoration Project is a stream reconstruction management project that is increasing the native marsh and riparian vegetation along a section of creek in the Traverse Creek Botanical Area. See (PDF) file for more information 

The Bridal Veil Picnic Area Interpretive Trail Restoration Project was a combined effort between ENFIA members Ford and Ellen Osborn and Eagle Scout Patrick Terwedo. The trail was re-mapped and re-constructed with a new parking area and signage. For more information see (PDF) 

"Hiking The Greater Carson Pass Region", written by Dick Brock, an original ENFIA volunteer. This book details where all the trailheads and trails are located in the area from Hwy. 89 on the east to west of Silver Lake and from Hwy 4 on the south to Hwy 50 on the north. It is the most comprehensive guide within the covered area.