Chapter Established: February 20, 2003

Current Members: 15

CY 2003 Accomplishemts:

• February 20, 2003: Colorado FFLA Chapter established
  
  
• April 21, 2003: Colorado Forestry Association (CFA) Meeting
  • CFA funds refurbishment and completion of Squaw Mountain Lookout
  • Keith Argow/FFLA President presents NHLR plaque to Clear Creek Ranger District Supervisor
  • Colorado FFLA Chapter has its first meeting
  • Member Mark Nelson begins project to secure funding to refurbish West Pine LO for educational purposes at the Colorado State University Environmental Learning Center
  • Member Tim Worth takes on project to create Colorado/Utah website
    
    
• May 17, 2003: First volunteer workday held at Devil's Head LO
  • Members remove snow and repair fence to LO's cabin
    
    
• June 19, 2003: Member Tim Worth completes Colorado/Utah website and goes online same day
  
  
• June 22, 2003: Second volunteer workday held at Devil's head
  • Members weatherproof majority of tower with linseed oil
  • Pictures taken of tower identifying repairs needed for tower
    
    
• July 29, 2003: Chapter Director accomplishes inspection of Spruce Mountain and Kennady Peak LO's in Wyoming
  • Chapter Director and Jay Braunke (FS) discuss ways in which FFLA can assist FS in maintaining towers in Laramie District
  • Pictures taken and repair status determined for both towers
  • Spruce Mtn determined to be in excellent condition with some maintenance needed (refer to future projects for further information)
  • Kennady Peak LO upper cab requires replacement (major project)

Future Projects (Project Priorities TBD Before Spring 2004):

• Complete Devil's Head LO linseed oil project (very small portion left to do)
• Refurbish West White Pine LO at Colorado State University
• Visit rest of LO's in Colorado and Utah (determine LO status)
• Spruce Mtn LO (WY)
  • Repaint interior (otherwise excellent condition)
  • Weatherproof structural support beams/repaint necessary exterior areas
• Kennady Peak LO (WY)
  • Work with Saratoga FS District to determine feasibility of replacing upper cab of tower; painting or weatherproofing exterior would be useless based upon condition of exterior wood
• Be extremely vigilant of Ute LO (UT) as it is the last LO in the state; Passport in Time project completed by FS summer 2003
• Place FFLA brochures in LO's to recruit new members
• Poll chapter members regarding of any other projects to be accomplished
  

Future Goals:

• Hold first chapter meeting in Spring 2004
• Increase membership for organization and chapter
• Get members trained as LO's for Devil's Head (already approved by FS district)
• Work with FS to obtain grants necessary to accomplish maintenance and repairs on LO's
• Work with Colorado State Historical Society to determine way to protect existing LO's from further damage
• Work with other chapters to create FFLA table top program to promote LO's and their legacy while recruiting new members

Overall 2003 Review:

This year has been one of first footsteps and a giant leap for this chapter. Our footsteps began with our first two work projects and the giant leap was the creation of a FFLA state chapter website. Two members specifically have been instrumental in the growth of this chapter. Mark Nelson and Tim Worth have help set the tone for future growth of the Colorado/Utah chapter. Mark Nelson's research and historical knowledge of LO's allowed for a group of CO and WY towers to be forwarded for submission for the NHLR during the chapters first meeting in April. Tim Worth's knowledge of website design led to the creation of the first state FFLA Chapter website. Mark and Tim are to be commended on their contributions to the chapter and the FFLA.

The Colorado Chapter has identified projects and goals for the following year. With comments from members the chapter will formally establish goals for summer 2004. For summer 2004; members who are interested will be trained as volunteer lookouts for Devil's Head. These members will be requested to fill during times when the contracted LO needs time off or is sick. Members will be trained and certified by the FS. An opportunity may also present itself in spring 2004 allowing members to participate in FS fire training. These opportunities are definitely attractive benefits to current members and an incentive for future members to join.

In closing, this chapter would like to thank Wyoming Chapter Director Pat Lynch for his assistance and encouragement in helping to create the Colorado/Utah. Our chapter would also like to thank the FFLA Board for their support throughout the year. Gary Weber is to be commended on getting newsletters to prospective members when requested by this chapter. Even when he was fighting fires his wife was helping answer my e-mails as best she could. I would like to especially thank FFLA President Keith Argow and FFLA Western Chairman Dave Bula for their invaluable assistance and guidance they provided this chapter during its first year. Our chapter looks forward to the year to come and the opportunity it presents to educate the public about the FFLA and the LO's we are dedicated to preserving and protecting.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dennis E. Beard II
Colorado/Utah FFLA Chapter Director