The Colorado/Utah Chapter had a productive and informative meeting at El Rancho Restaurant, Evergreen, CO, on Saturday, April 26th. There were twenty-five in attendance. There were photos of all the Colorado lookouts supplied by Mark Nelson and other displays such as an extensive collection produced by "The Friends of Deadman Lookout." There were also displays of Mt. Thorodin Fire Lookout, Squaw Mountain Lookout and Twin Sisters Lookout.
The program consisted of many speakers: Ron Ruhoff, Evergreen historian & photographer, told stories of times spent with Margaret & Bob Swanlund on Squaw Mountain Lookout and shared beautiful photos that he has taken over many decades of the tower and of the Swanlund's home where they lived year round for many decades at 11,500'. He told about two freezers that the Swanlund's had in which they kept bird feed & suet and of the time in 1969 when the roof blew off the tower.
Dan Lovato, Clear Creek District Ranger, along with Bill Gherardi of the Colorado Forestry Association and Sondra Kellogg representing the Forest Fire Lookout Association and Evergreen Rotary told of future plans for continued maintenance/repair on Squaw Mountain Lookout. Dan Lovato also stated that he plans to put the lookout on the rental system and improve the road to the tower. A future work date will soon be published.
Bill Ellis and his wife, Margaret, shared a DVD of them going up the mile and a half trail to open Devil's Head Lookout. The documentary was produced by a local television station five years ago and won an Emmy. It showed Bill & Margaret struggling through snow drifts and over icy slopes to reach the tower each carrying a heavy pack. This is the twenty-fourth season they will be lookouts at Devil's Head. They have nine children, twenty-three grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.
They extended an invitation to visit Devil's Head where they typically have ten to fifteen thousand visitors per season.
Bob Sullivan, retired District Ranger and Russ Batz represented "The Friends of Deadman Lookout" located near Red Feather Lakes. They told how the group has acquired one hundred volunteers to staff the lookout during the summer season and how the tower is maintained. The tower is used primarily as an interpretive center. The presenters were all "decked out" in vests, shirts, hats and belt buckles all with Deadman logo. Bob Sullivan shared his background with the USFS in various capacities and the history of Deadman Lookout.
Bill Gherardi, representing the Colorado Forestry Association, described the deadly beetle infestation that is ravaging our State. It has been predominantly on the western slope but has now crested the Continental Divide and is on the eastern slope. He described in detail the many different kinds of tree diseases and showed maps of the areas effected. The dramatically increased fire danger resulting from acres of dead trees was emphasized.
Justin Lawrence, Archeologist with the Gunnison National Forest, presented a DVD of his restoration project at Fairview Peak Lookout on the Gunnison National Forest. This is the highest lookout in America located at 13,214'. The photos were amazing and the project incredible. He plans to take a mule train in this summer with supplies to begin further restoration. Isabella, his delightful five year old daughter, asked the best question, "What is a cupola?" Dad answered appropriately.
During the business session, the group decided to meet annually. A future meeting site is being pursued by John Schumaker. The group also indicated some interest in field trips. Sondra Kellogg asked each member to try to bring in one new member in the next year. Five new memberships were acquired at the meeting.
Mt. Thorodin Fire Lookout documentary DVD or video, produced by Sondra Kellogg, was sold at the meeting and will continue to be sold with all proceeds going to the Colorado/Utah Chapter. Cost of the program is $15.00 with checks made out to FFLA and sent to Sondra at 13188 W. Asbury Circle, Lakewood, CO 80228.
A plea for help with restoration work on West White Pine was also stated. The cab portion of the tower is in the Ft. Collins area. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact Mark Nelson at w7xaq@comcast.net.
The meeting was declared a success. A good time was had by all who attended.
Submitted by,
Sondra Jackson Kellogg
Director, Colorado/Utah Chapter
Forest Fire Lookout Association
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