The U.S. Postal Service and the San Juan National Forest offices will close Jan. 9 in honor of President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29.
President Joe Biden signed an executive order Dec. 30 calling for the closure of all executive departments and agencies, with the exception of those deemed necessary for “national security, defense, or other public need.”
National parks and visitor services will generally be open and available on Thursday, including Mesa Verde National Park, but administrative offices will be closed.
All front-facing offices of the SJNF will be closed.
That includes the ranger stations in Durango, Dolores and Pagosa Springs, as well as the supervisors’ office and information center, said Lorena Williams, SJNF spokeswoman.
Williams said it should not affect the public substantially, unless people are trying to call the information center or browse the bookstore.
“The San Juan National Forest will remain open and available for use,” she said. “All emergency services will be available.”
Local USPS locations will also close, and mail delivery will be suspended for the day.
Employees of both agencies will have the day off and return to work on Friday, when services resume as normal.
“It’s not an uncommon action for a president to take when a former president dies,” Williams said. “The national day of mourning is considered a federal holiday.”
Carter’s funeral will take place the same day; Biden will deliver a eulogy.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
