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| MEMBERSHIP: FINANCIAL
BALANCE: LOOKOUTS
& HISTORICAL DATA: Along the front range, Devil’s Head Lookout was staffed by Bill Ellis, a USFS employee who has been in the position for 25+ years. Deadman Fire Lookout was staffed by volunteers on weekends. I am not yet familiar with staffing of lookouts on the Western Slope or in Utah. Sent out a notice to all Colorado/Utah members of new Director and asked for feedback regarding possible meeting in 2008. Received a list of Colorado Fire Lookouts compiled by Tim Worth which has a total of 38 towers in Colorado plus 7 other possible towers. The report indicates which towers still exist and which have been destroyed. Arranged a time the end of August for Bill Gherardi, President of Colorado Forestry Assn., and I to meet with Dan Lovato, Clear Creek District Ranger to inspect Squaw Mt. Fire Lookout. The tower was in much need of repairs. Nothing had been done to maintain the tower after it had been restored and placed on National Historic Registry in 2003. During a ten year period from 1993 - 2003 the Colorado Forestry Assn. and USFS had restored the lookout. We found shutters had blown off, windows and trap door broken and the entire structure in dire need of paint/stain. Coordinated and organized a workday for Squaw Mt. Fire Lookout. September 22nd a group of 14 volunteers repaired the trap door and shutters. The entire lookout received a fresh coat of paint. A list of future repairs was also made with a commitment to work on the lookout again spring/summer of 2008. The workday was sponsored by the FFLA, Colorado Forestry Assn. and USFS. Received CD of Lookout Tower Plans and Colorado Miscellaneous Information from Michael Pfeiffer, archaeologist on Ozark St. Francis National Forest. Received from Ron Ruhoff, Evergreen, CO professional photographer, pictures that he took of September workday at Squaw Mt. Fire Lookout as well as photos taken of the lookout over many decades. Also, received from Ron Ruhoff two CD’s of an interview he conducted with Bob and Margaret Swanlund who built their home below Squaw Mt Lookout and served as lookouts for decades. They began construction of their home in 1940. Bob took care of radio equipment on the mountain and Margaret manned the tower with Bob providing her relief. The interview was conducted in 1987. Had contact from Justin Lawrence, Archaeologist on the Gunnison National Forest who has made commitment to restore Fairview Fire Lookout in that area over the next 10 years. He plans to join FFLA and begin recruiting members on the Western Slope. Having leadership in this region is very exciting. PLANS
FOR 2008 MEETING:
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