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Three Restoration Grants were awarded in 2008, $500 each for a total of $1500: Fairview Peak Lookout, Colorado The FFLA Restoration Grant Program’s first award for 2008 went toward the restoration of the Fairview Peak Lookout. The stone cabin is located in Gunnison County, approximately 7 miles northwest of Pitkin, Colorado at an elevation of 13,214 feet, the highest lookout in America. Project Sponsor (and FFLA Colorado/Utah director) Sondra Kellogg received the $500 grant. FFLA member (and USFS employee) Justin Lawrence is leading the restoration project. The overall plan is to restore the 90+ year old lookout to its original design with a cupola. The grant money was to be used to buy supplies for this summer's project, complementing a USFS contract for the services of a stone mason. Detailed measurements of the old cupola roof will be taken so that in the following years the entire cupola could be rebuilt and attached. Mount Beacon Fire Tower, New York The second FFLA Restoration Grant of 2008 was awarded to the Mount Beacon Fire Tower restoration project. Mount Beacon is located in the Town of Fishkill in Dutchess County. The Aermotor LS-40 tower, last used in the mid-1970s, is still owned by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The $500 grant went to the Mount Beacon Fire Tower committee, chaired by David Rocco, to be used to purchase hardware, paint and miscellaneous material involved in the restoration. Work began in October with the installation of new stair treads and landing platforms. The overall restoration cost is expected to exceed $10,000 with the restoration work to be ongoing for the next two to three years. Additional support is expected to come from NYS-DEC, City of Beacon, and Community Projects Appropriations grants. FFLA-NY Director Bill Starr and NYS-DEC Forester-in-Charge George Profous are in close communication with the group. Basin Butte Lookout, Idaho The third FFLA Restoration Grant of 2008 has been awarded to the Basin Butte restoration project. Basin Butte is located on the Challis National Forest, near Stanley, Idaho in the Salmon River Mountains. The $500 grant will go toward a new lightning protection system, helping to leverage the additional funds needed for the estimated $8,000 project. The Southern Idaho Chapter is providing additional funds for Basin Butte, an excellent example of the purpose and use of proceeds from Western Conference silent auctions. The 75 year-old Plan 80 (L-4) ground house lookout was the scene of a very successful Passport in Time project this summer when the door, shutters, and catwalk were replaced. Future plans are to get Basin Butte up to standards for inclusion into the rental program. FFLA member (and Salmon-Challis NF Archaeologist) John Rose is the lead on the project along with the involvement of the Salmon River Local Chapter, led by Denis Norton. Gary Weber |