Since first opening in 1882, Colorado’s Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad has been a staple for the Centennial State.
While the railway is famous for not only its history but its status as a tourist attraction as well, it should also be noted and appreciated that strides are being made to make the landmark more eco-friendly.
Historic Colorado Railway Making Strides in Eco-Friendliness
Back in 2018, a wildfire broke out in the nearby San Juan National Forest, claiming over 50,000 acres. Following this unfortunate tragedy, American Heritage Railways immediately began work on converting its coal-powered steam locomotives into safer oil-powered engines.
Now, the company plans to further diminish the railway operation’s carbon footprint by installing hundreds of solar panels.
The railway has teamed up with Shaw Solar and with the help from a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, has begun working on installing 868 solar panels on the train station’s various buildings.
These steps toward eco-friendliness are partially thanks to the General Manager of American Heritage Railways, John Harper, who has been overseeing the railway’s operations since 1998.
In addition to his ecological improvements on the train station and the train itself, Harper also oversaw the railway’s partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service last year in an initiative to monitor and protect nearby forest land.
The solar project has already begun with renovations being made to each of the affected buildings’ roofs and if all goes as planned, should be completed by the end of this coming fall.