Two important projects took place in 2005 -

Restoration of the Glastenbury Fire Tower along the Appalachian Trail. Although not totally completed, the Cab has a New Roof and the Stairs have been replaced with Galvinized Grates. Re-painting still needs to be done and removal of the Old Stairs from the site needs to be done at some point.

Restoration of the Monadnock Fire tower in the Northeast Kingdom area of Vermont. The effort was spearheded by the Green Mountain Club. Nearly 70 people came out during National Trails Day to help ferry materials up two miles of trail to the fire tower on Vermont Mount Monadnock, standing high over the Connecticut River valley across the river from Colebrook, New Hampshire. Organizers of the event were astonished by the number of folks who volunteered for the project. The fire tower now boasts all new steps, landings and tower cab deck. Its a must do trip. Standing as it does high above the upper Connecticut River valley, with scores of blue ridges and ranges rippling in the distance, the tower offers a world class view of rural, mountainous New England.

Also, the State of Vermont is interested in Restoring the Burke Mountain Fire Tower in the Northern Section of the State. No timeline, but there will likely be more developments on this in 2006.

My thanks to Mark Haughwout for his input included in this report.

Peter Hayes