| Tower
Happenings in 2005
Burnt
Mountain, Nesourdnahunk Township
This tower was removed in accordance
with the Baxter State Park Regulations of "Shall forever be kept and remain
in the Natural Wild State". Burnt Mountain was the last standing tower in
Baxter State Park. The tower was completely removed as a non-conforming structure,
although the footings are still in place. Medford
Mountain, Medford
This tower was removed at the landowners request
due to liability insurance challenges. Frye
Mountain, Montville
This tower was moved to Swan Island in the Steve
Powell WMA out in the Kennebec River between the towns of Richmond and Dresden.
The tower is now used for wildlife viewing and remains in good shape. The tower
was initially removed from the summit in 2002 and then rebuilt for it's move to
Swan Island in the early spring. Schoodic
Mountain, T9 SD
This tower dissapeared in 2005 sometime. We are not
sure what happened to it. Speculation has it that the communication antennas were
moved to another radio tower and it wasn't needed anymore and was removed. Blue
Hill, Blue Hill
This tower was in fine shape, but was removed by the
MFS at the request of the landowners. The landowner, Blue Hill Trust, did not
have funding for the liability insurance and maintenance. Many years of debate
and meetings were not enough to save this gem. Deasey
Mountain, T3 R7 WELS
Although this occured in late 2004, it is worth
mentioning that the Deasey Mountain Lookout had some repairs by a local group.
The final repairs will occur in 2006. The complete story is at this link -
http://www.firelookout.org/rest-rest2005Deasey.htm
Rocky Mountain,
T18 R12
The status of Rocky Mountain was re-established in 2005 after
being on "radio silence" for a while. A local Ham Radio Club is taking
care of the tower. The tower is in fair shape, but may need some help in the next
year or so. FFLA has been in contact with the caretakers to see what can be done.
The watchman's cabin is still in good shape, being used by the Fish and Wildlife
Game Wardens. Big
Moose Mountain, Big Moose Township
FFLA member Bill Spach did a site
visit of the old Squaw tower. The trip report can be found at this link -
http://www.firelookout.org/towers/me/bigmoose.htm.
The tower is still standing, but needs help ASAP! Trip
reports from Bill Spach
Big
Spencer Mtn-- Tower and cab still standing, along with the watchmans camp.
Trail is still clear after I cleared it last Summer. From the looks of the trail
register in the watchmans camp, this trail also continues to see alot of hikers.
Snowmobiles also visit the camp in the Winter. Williams
Mtn-- Tower and cab still standing, watchmans camp being used occasionally
by some locals. This mountain is just beginning to see some hikers again!!! After
being forgotten for a few decades, it was included in a Moosehead Lake area hiking
book published in 2003. Number
Four Mtn-- Tower still standing without the cab. Trail is still clear after
I cleared it last Summer. Another popular hike in theGreenville area. Wadleigh
Mtn-- Didn't hike this one, but through binoculars from Big Spencer Mtn, I
could see the tower and cab still standing. Volunteer
Tower Status
All 3 volunteer
towers in York County (Aggie, Osspiee, and Hope) were up and running in 2005.
Being a wet summer it was decided to not staff the towers on class 1 or 2 days.
There were only a few class 3 or higher days in 2005.
Tower Inventory Project
In
July, FFLA member Bill Cobb (also the current FFLA Webmaster) began updating the
Maine Tower inventory. The goal is to have the entire inventory assessed by the
Summer of 2006. In addition, based on the available standing towers, projects
may be considered if they look achievable.
Maine Fire Statistics for 2005
Number
of Fires = 205
Acres Burned = 819 All
fires were human caused except 19 fires, 11 acres from lightning
Respecfully
Submitted,
Bill Cobb
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