History:
The San Diego – Riverside Chapter was formed during the Summer of 2008 under the FFLA Southern California Division led by George and Pam Morey.

Purpose:
The San Diego – Riverside Chapter was formed for the purpose of restoring and staffing the remaining fire lookouts on and around the Cleveland National Forest in San Diego County, California. The chapter is actively gathering available historical documents and photos for the purpose electronic preservation and public access.

Lookouts:
Seven lookouts remain standing; High Point and Boucher Hill on Palomar Mountain, Lyons Peak, Los Pinos, Hot Springs Mountain, Estelle Mountain and Red Mountain. Estelle Mountain was relocated to Hemet-Ryan Airport before 1960 and still serves as a ground control tower. Red Mountain is a former California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire/CDF) site that has been partially dismantled and is not a candidate for restoration.

Cleveland National Forest Partnership:
Research and discussion began with the Cleveland National Forest after the discovery of High Point Lookout on Palomar Mountain in March 2008. A presentation was made to the Forest Supervisor and staff on September 6, 2008.

The structure passed an engineering/safety survey. Public Scoping was conducted with positive results. A 5 year Partnership Agreement was entered into with the Forest on December 5, 2008. The first project is the restoration and staffing of High Point.

Accomplishments:
· Signed 5 year Cleveland National Forest Partnership Agreement.
· Added 7 lookouts to the National Historic Lookout Register.
· Established website: www.socalfirelookouts.org for volunteer information and historical preservation.
· Archived hundreds of lookout photos and documents.
· Created local media interest in the project.
· Visited every standing lookout site…one by sailplane…
· Established relationships with the Forest Service, CDF Museum, California State Parks and other California Fire Lookout Volunteer programs – SBNFA, ANFFLA, BRF andMiami Mountain Lookouts.
· Entered into discussions with California State Parks regarding Boucher Hill Lookout.
· Acquired original drawings and plans from the Region 5 Legacy Collection.
· Recruited a group of over 50 volunteers with restoration and fire lookout host interests.
· Produced first newsletter: “The Tower Tribune”.
· Registered chapter with VolunteerMatch.org. A searchable volunteer opportunity database.
· Participated in Passport-In-Time, Basin Butte Fire Lookout restoration on the Salmon-Challis National Forest in Idaho.

Media:
· October 2008 - KGTV – ABC Channel 10 San Diego: "Officials Hope To Reopen County Lookout Towers"
· December 2008 - San Diego Union-Tribune: “Wildfire lookout tower is making its way back”
· Numerous articles – Forest Fire Lookout Association: “Lookout Network” 2009 Plans:
· Pursue grant funds and materials donations for current and future restoration projects.
· Establish Chapter structure and grow membership.
· Begin and complete restoration work plan for High Point Fire Lookout Station.
· Schedule work and training dates.
· Complete training manual and program.
· Reproduce 1959 Form 5100-4 “Daily Log and Diary for Dispatcher, Lookouts and Other Semi-Fixed Guards”.
· Identify and train volunteer Fire Lookout Hosts in conjunction with the SBNFA and ANFFLA programs.
· Create and produce Fire Lookout Host uniform components with chapter specific logos.
· Staff High Point everyday during the fire season.
· Continue discussions with California State Parks for Boucher Hill Lookout.
· Continue historic document and image acquisition.
· Continue to develop website and produce newsletters.
· Pursue additional media opportunities with an emphasis on developing Riverside County media contacts.
· Establish relationship with local REI Stores for the purpose of ongoing recruiting.
· Participate in Oak Grove Fire/Guard Station restoration on the Palomar RD.
· Enter all former Orange, Riverside and San Diego County lookout sites into the National Historic Lookout Site database.

Conclusion:
This has been a whirlwind year. We have established the partnership we sought with the Forest Service – Now “the rubber meets the road”. We have a fire tower to restore and staff! I have found Fire Lookouts to be a unique and largely unknown piece of America’s history.

I look forward to establishing a successful Fire Lookout Host program in Southern California for our residents, visitors and agency partners.

Respectfully submitted,
Brad Eells,
San Diego-Riverside Chapter Chair
January 9, 2009
Menifee, California