FFLA News Archives

This is an update on the towers for sale in MA. The old Carver tower was sold and has been removed and shipped to MN. by it's new owner. The Tolland tower has been sold but the new owner has asked the state for a year to remove it and that request has been granted. The Waltham and Holbrook towers are still NOT sold and both are still for sale. There is NO information on the further goings on with the Mt. Washington/Mt. Everett tower.

Henry

October 2002
My recent visit to northern Minnesota, I visited Mr Mark Zeller, who had just returned from a trip East, hauling back to Minnesota the steel of the Old Carver fire tower he had successfully bid for and bought. Mark is in the heavy construction buisness and has equipment capable of taking down old
fire towers. At his home, he has re-erected an 80 foot steel fire tower that had once been used by the MN DNR, and also has lying on the ground two others, one being an "octagon cab" style. Mark is interested in aquiring other unused fire towers and plans to rebuild the old Carver tower with plans to reconstruct the design of the original Massachusetts style observation cab.
Certainly a unique hobby and real dedication, it was a honor to meet Mr Zeller.

Bob Spear, NJ Chapter FFLA

I stumbled across the FFLA Harris Mountain Fire Tower report (http://www.firelookout.org/news-harris.htm) on the internet yesterday and thought you might like an update on it's condition. I have a hunting camp on the Fire Tower Rd. and get up to the tower frequently. It's condition has worsened considerably since the FFLA report of 1998 and although the basic tower structure seems sound the "lookout cab" is in danger of immanent collapse. This seems to be due primarily to the south wall having "disappeared". Subsequently the entire roof has started to give way and I believe another winters snow load will most likely cause it's full collapse. It is unfortunate that the tower, either thru neglect and/or vandalism, has deteriorated to this condition. The tower has been a destination for numerous hikers, snowmobilers and ATV riders in this area and it is a unique and irreplaceable landmark in the town of Dixmont.

Please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further help.

Glenn Austin

Please check out this Web page done by the people trying to save the Mt.Washington, Ma. fire tower! Please Send this link and plea to every tower supporter you know! There are addresses and emails and phone numbers and tower links here to help save this tower from the torch! Sign the save the tower petition, lend your email support to the brave souls fight!

http://www.savethetower.com

Drop Tom an email at iwantto@savethetower.com

Special thanks to Chris Haartz, NH Director, with help from Iris Baird and Dale (Henniker LO) for planning an excellent event. On the day before (Friday) the State of NH hosted an excellent event to dedicate 13 state fire towers to the National Historic Lookout Register. Ext. Forester Sumner Dole worked with Chris to stage the event, attended by the Commissioner of Natural Resources (with a letter of support from the Governor), the State Forester, and many others. As always the displays at the FFLA were excellent. Weather was good for Tower visits on Saturday and Sunday as well.

Minutes and Photos from the meeting coming soon!

Last night (6/26/02) around 7pm, a lightning started blaze burned East Mountain Lookout to the ground. I would like to thank you and your organization for all its help and advice. We are still stunned and very sad over the loss of this beautiful lookout.

Marlee Wilcomb

http://www.eastmountainfirelookout.org/

Mount Pisgah area land will be preserved as open space. Town Council invests in the 98-acre property. Pisgah Tower disposition as a result of this investment is currently unknown.

Full story courtesy of the Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel can be found at this link - Mount Pisgah

Additionally, if any FFLA member sees an opportunity for the Pisgah Tower or a project/grant opportunity, please contact the Webmaster who will contact the appropriate members.

Mount Pisgah Tower in 1990's
(Photo Courtesy Dave Hilton)

o Lookout Rehab Project in Idaho looks for Volunteers!

o Update on Eastern 2002 Conference

o Update on Western 2002 Conference

On E-Bay. 3 Massachusetts Fire Towers for Sale by the State for $1. Anyone interested, contact Henry Isenberg at ffla001@yahoo.com. LOTS of good parts here!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1729887336

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1729891111

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1729893274

Update 6/8/02 - These towers may not be on E-Bay any longer, but are still available!

Dim Outlook on Towers -

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/134431023_lookout04m.html

The 2002 Eastern Meeting will be held in Henniker, NH July 12-14. It will be located at Fox State Forest near Hillsborough, NH, about 25 miles west of Concord. 13 NH lookouts will be dedicated to the NHLR at this meeting.

The 2002 Western Meeting will be held in Winthrop, Washington September 6-8. There will be a saturday evening barbeque, tour opportunities, and many workshops and presentations.

Stay tuned for more information on both of these conferences.

Today I am appointing Danny Blevins of Morehead as the director of the new Kentucky Chapter of FFLA. As you will see in the upcoming NATIONAL WOODLANDS, members of the volunteer fire company of which Danny is one recently located the "lost" Hickory Flats fire tower on land that was formerly part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.

The group is working with the private landowner and other parties to restore the tower as a memorial to fallen heroes. I have also alerted the group of three more towers in KY that need help now......and they have found a fourth.

Drop an email to Danny blevjr@hotmail.com and welcome him to FFLA.

Keith A Argow

For more information on Lookout restoration projects sponsored by the US Forest Service's Passport In Time program, see the current issue of the PIT Traveler and the front page article on our website.
It currently features a story about Forest Service Lookouts that your readers might find interesting. Our website address is http://www.passportintime.com

See the following page for more information on the Restoration Grant Program

The 2002 FFLA Western Region Conference will be held in Winthrop, Washington September 6-8 (the weekend after Labor Day).

At a September Washington Chapter picnic, director Ray Kresek solicited agenda ideas from those present. Plans are going together well to incorporate the workshops, forums and ideas that worked best at the past western conferences. Ray is still open to
ideas from everybody!

The Winthrop area features several lookouts (both active and inactive), as well as the site of the tragic Thirtymile Fire.

On September 24, 2001, Keith Argow, Chairman of the FFLA and Ann Loose, Director, Conservation Education for the USDA Forest Service signed a Challenge Cost Share agreement to help fund a new partnership between the two organizations. The agreement will provide $35,000 of funding to the FFLA ($15,000 Forest Service, $20,000 to be matched by FFLA) to accomplish several tasks under the Forest Service's New Century of Service program (www.us.fs.us/newcentury). New Century of Service is the name for the celebration that will take place around the 100th anniversary of the Forest Service in 2005. The partnership with FFLA will develop project elements that focus on the historic past and multifaceted future of fire lookouts. The New Century of Service offers the unique opportunity for the Forest Service and citizens to work together to ensure the long-term viability of fire lookouts.

It is important to understand that this one agreement lays out the first few steps in our work together and is not meant to outline a comprehensive plan for the work of the partnership. That will take the involvement, energy, and ideas of many and evolve over time. The work of this agreement will organize our efforts so that the widest number of lookout advocates within the Forest Service and without-can be involved in the project, which will take place beginning in 2003 and last through 2005.

Here are the highlights of tasks in the Challenge Cost Share Agreement:
1) New Century of Service Celebration Plan/Schedule (New Century for Lookouts), 2003-2005 The Partners will collaboratively develop a plan and schedule for the New Century of Lookouts portion of the New Century of Service Celebration.

2) Briefing Paper The Partners will work together to prepare a briefing paper to create a baseline of shared knowledge and build enthusiasm for this project. It will highlight the current situation of Forest Service lookouts as well as the new opportunities provided by this project.

3) Vision for Forest Service Fire Lookouts The Partners will collaboratively develop a vision for the future of fire lookouts on the National Forests.

4) Partnership Development and Organizational Advancement for the Forest Fire Lookout Association (FFLA) The Forest Service will assist, support, and encourage the FFLA in the development of its Strategic Partnership Plan.

5) Fire Lookout Database The Partners will collaborate to plan, develop, and encourage the use of a widely accessible database designed to house a wide variety of information about former and current fire lookouts.

The Challenge Cost Share Agreement, the New Century for Lookouts Project, and the FFLA/Forest Service partnership will be managed within the FFLA by an ad-hoc Board committee, appropriately called the New Century for Lookouts Ad-hoc Committee. The Committee will be composed of both FFLA and non-FFLA members, which will allow new resources to be, developed to support this project. "This partnership with the Forest Service gives us the ability to support and develop new talent and leadership within FFLA. The Ad-hoc Committee will work alongside our traditional structure and offer us much creativity, energy, and opportunity," comments Keith Argow, FFLA Chairman. "I've really enjoyed working with Forest Service leadership to get this agreement in place. Each person we've met with clearly has a high interest in working with FFLA to secure the future of fire lookouts on National Forests."

Keith has appointed Kathryn Ball Chairman of the New Century for Lookouts Ad-Hoc Committee. Kathy is well qualified for this leadership position. Since 1993 she's been a seasonal lookout at Buck Rock Lookout and the Sequoia National Forest and she is founder and president of Buck Rock Foundation, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to serving the community and public lands through preservation and education. You can find more information about the Buck Rock foundation at www.buckrock.org. Kathy has a BA in History from California State University at Los Angeles and has completed graduate work in business. Before becoming a lookout for the Forest Service, Kathy held Recreation Technician and Assistant District Clerk positions. Before the Forest Service, Kathy put in ten years as a retail professional gaining valuable experience in management, promotions, and customer service. "I get more excited about this project every day. My head is bursting with ideas and I'm ready to go to work. I believe there are many people who will help us be successful with this project."

Another member of the FFLA team on this project is Kristine Komar. Kris brought the New Century of Service Partnership opportunity to the FFLA's attention and worked with the Keith and the Forest Service to craft the Challenge Cost Share Agreement. During this project, she will work closely with Forest Service staff and the FFLA Board and New Century for Lookouts Ad-hoc Committee. You might remember Kris as the founder of the San Bernardino National Forest Association the host of FFLA's 1998 Western Regional Conference. (She first began an association with the FFLA when she was invited to attend the 1997 Western Regional Conference at the invitation of Ron Johnson.) Kris is also well qualified to lend a hand with this project. She has a BA in History from the University of Washington and has completed MA coursework in Organizational Development at Antioch University, Seattle. She has over 25 years of experience with all aspects of non-profit organizations. Her company, the Double K Outfit-a consulting firm specializing in visioning, strategic planning, development, volunteer program development, and marketing-is located in Hamilton, Montana. "I am excited about this project for several reasons. Probably the most intriguing is the opportunity presented for strong involvement from inside the agency and within communities at local and national levels."

Both Kathy and Kris plan to attend the FFLA Annual Meeting in Virginia Beach, Virginia on January 18-20, 2002. They will update board members on the Forest Service partnership and conduct a workshop to build a vision for the New Century for Lookouts project and identify FFLA priorities for the partnership. The FFLA newsletter after the meeting will contain a detailed report of this discussion.

In the meantime, if you'd like to speak with or write and e-mail to Kathy or Kris, here is their contact information: Kathy Ball, 559-336-2366, kvab@inreach.com; Kris Komar, 406-375-9953, 406-360-7019 (cell), kristine.komar@att.net.

I hope you all will enjoy this newest photo to my Tower picture collection. Cannan mtn. outside Davis, WV. circa 1940.

The NYS Dept. Environmental Conservation has allocated funding for and is planning the demolition of the Hurricane Mountain Fire Obervation Tower located in the Adirondack Mountains in eastern Essex county. This tower was built in 1917 and served the people of NY faithfully until the early 80's when it was decomissioned. It also has historical significance as it stands guard over an original benchmark set by Colvin(the original surveyor and conservationist of the Adk Park, some would say the father of the same).

I fear the State is rushing the removal process under cover of darkness without proper public comment/oversight. Even though the State Land Master Plan has called for it's removal, many have and will oppose this action, and in other instances local activists have fought for and received an exception to the Plan's removal clause for other such towers.

Please share this information with your members and anyone who is concerned about the destruction of our fire and conservation heritage. I particularly urge any of your NY members to contact the DEC's Commissioner and their local legislators to spare this icon of fire fighting history.

Thank you for your consideration and an excellent organization.

April 2001 update of the NHLR site is up. See it at http://www.firetower.org

Note: There is a new file on-line:
http://www.firetower.org/admin/listByStateAndName.pdf
It is a single document sorted by state then name. It contains the name and the agency of all sites along with a note about what is missing, any of text, picture or location.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE by The Society of American Foresters
Contact: Jeff Ghannam (301) 897-8720, ext. 135
ghannamm@safnet.org

The US Department of Agriculture will announce today that Dale Bosworth, currently regional forester for the Forest Service's Northern Region (Region 1), is the new chief of the Forest Service.

"We are pleased that Secretary Ann Veneman has chosen Dale Bosworth to lead the Forest Service," says Bill Banzhaf, executive vice-president of the Society of American Foresters. "By selecting Bosworth, the Secretary of Agriculture has shown an appreciation for the value of professional forest management."

Banzhaf says SAF strongly supports the selection of Bosworth because he is a forester and a natural resource manager of the highest caliber. SAF maintains that natural resource professionals should lead the Forest Service; Bosworth certainly meets, and even exceeds, our criteria.

"Bosworth will speak knowledgeably and honestly when discussing the needs of the national forests" says Banzhaf. "We hope he will commit to science-based forest management and involving people and communities in decisionmaking at the Forest Service."

As regional forester, Bosworth has been an innovator by helping to develop programs like Stewardship Contracting, an effort to truly involve citizens in planning and implementing land management activities beyond timber harvests. His experience in the Forest Service has taken him all over the nation, and he knows this country's forests well.

Bosworth is currently regional forester for the Forest Service's Northern Region (Region 1), which comprises 25 million acres in 12 national forests and four grasslands across northern Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and part of South Dakota.

Bosworth, who holds a BS in forestry from the University of Idaho, has been a member of the Society of American Foresters since 1966. He has demonstrated a commitment to sound science and continuing education. The Society of American Foresters looks forward to working with him.

The Society of American Foresters is a nonprofit organization that represents more than 17,000 professional foresters and natural resource professionals. It is the scientific and educational association representing the profession of forestry in the United States. The Society's primary objective is to advance the science, technology, education, and practice of professional forestry for the benefit of all society.

Former Florida FFLA John Seifert passed away in early December 2000. His memorium can be found here.

After several false starts and numerous delays, the IRS has just granted tax-deductable status to the FFLA, retroactive to incorporation. The FFLA owes a great THANKS to founding member Joe Higgins who pushed the final effort through! Further details can be found in the next newsletter.

The FFLA 2001 Western Conference Information Page has been updated. The latest information and registration form can be found here.

Anyone interested in a Fire lookout model should check out this web site:

http://www.yesteryearcreations.florenceor.com

We have just erected a new fire tower at Sydney (Australia) suburb of Berowra ( the name means place of many winds) and I thought it might make a good link for your site. We also link to the New South Wales Rural Fire Service which is the Wildfire fire fighting agency in this State. Our page is new and being developed so there's not allot there at the moment however we would like to link with other towers around the world.

Our Rural Fire Service is all volunteer except for the head office staff. We actually pay a membership fee to belong to the tower group to help offset running costs. All in a days work I guess.

Some brief details, tower 34.8 meters to floor of hut, field of vision almost 360 degrees, located at Berowra, approximately 35km's north of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. Spots for National Park, and the Shires (local government districts) of Hornsby, Warrringah, Gosford, Baulkham Hills
and the Blue Mountains region.

Our web page can be accessed on http://www.geocities.com/berowrafiretower

Just heard that our 501(c)3 has come through. Many more details soon.

I have just received the "Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Draft Management Plan for California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's (CDF) Historic Buldings and Archaeological Sites."

In summary, of the 260 buildings the plan considers historic (including 67 fire lookouts or related facilities) , 86 were determined to be "significant heritage resources" of which 29 are proposed for preservation. Of those 29, 10 are fire lookouts. (only 10 fire lookouts of 67!) One - Sid Ormsbee Lookout - overlooks Carmel Valley on land CDF leases from Rancho San Carlos. According to the draft report, the landowners originally requested that the lookout be removed when the lease was up. However, the landowners apparently changed their minds "due in part to the influence of CDF and the Forest Fire Lookout Association, and later came to view this unique building as an asset rather than a liability."

Good Work FFLA!!!

There is a 45 day public comment period beginning January 10th and ending February 23rd. For copies of the draft or questions and comments, contact:

Maria Sosa
Dept of General Services/Real Estate Division
1102 Q Street Suite 5001
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 322-3522

The ASAP (Automated Staffing Application Program) is being used for the hiring of US Forest Service fire positions, including lookout positions. For more information, visit the web at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/people/employ/asap/index_fsjobs-01-t003.htm

Fire Lookout Paid position open - GS 4 Fire lookout wanted for the summer of 2001, experience very helpful. The position is on the Lassen National Forest - Hat Creek Ranger District. The district is located in Northern California, near the town of Burney and 70 miles east of the city of Redding. The shift is 4- 10 hour days, with 3 days off. Apply immediately, hiring will begin in March 2001. Information on how to apply can be found on the internet at http://www.fs.fed.us/fsjobs.

For more information about Lassen National Forest go to http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/lassen

Contact for more information on the lookout position: Donita Bivens 530-336-5521

Acorn Butte - Payette NF

Cold Mtn LO Cabin - Payette NF

Hot Springs LO - Salmon NF

Copperhead Fire Tower was recently the target of an apparent arsonist. The Shawnee State Forest tower, last used about 1980, had the bottom tier of steps removed, but that didn’t stop someone.

"It took some thought and planning to decide they were going to do something like that and take the materials up there to do it,'' district forest manager Ben Hamilton said.

Half of the floor and the window frames in the 7-foot square tower cab were destroyed. The blaze also burned about two acres around the tower. It is being investigated by the state fire marshal's office; a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of those responsible.

Named for the venomous snakes known to live in the area, Copperhead overlooks an isolated area of the Shawnee State Forest about 10 miles west of Portsmouth and 100 miles south of Columbus. Listed on the National Historic Lookout Register, the 80-foot Aermotor-type tower was built in 1924 and is the state's oldest fire tower, having been operated for 56 years before being closed in 1980. It is hoped that the tower can be repaired and eventually reopened to visitors.

The winter meeting will also feature the annual FFLA election. This year’s election committee includes Marty Podskoch, Howard Verschoor and Henry Isenberg. While only directors cast votes, all members are encouraged to provide input to their directors; nominations should be made through election committee members. The offices to be voted upon in the 2001 election are Western Deputy Chairman, Secretary, and Historian (Archivist). Incumbent Western Deputy Gary Weber has announced that he will not accept another term, due to time commitments to a new position at work with the USFS and other personal affairs. He intends to continue as Idaho/Montana Chapter Director and LOOKOUT NETWORK Editor.

The annual winter meeting has tentatively been scheduled for the weekend of January 20-21, 2001, in Helena, Arkansas. Memphis, Tennessee, the nearest major commercial airport, is 45 minutes to the north. Besides the business meeting, the Sunday tour will feature the St. Francis NF lookouts, while an extended tour of the Ozark NF, including Blanchard Caverns, is available for those staying thru Monday. Details will be forthcoming in the next issue of LOOKOUT NETWORK, for early information, contact Chairman Keith Argow.

Here are two of the lookouts destroyed by fires this year; Sula Peak (Bitterroot NF, MT) and Landowner Mountain (Lolo NF, MT). Word just came out today confirming the loss of Acorn Butte LO on the Payette NF here in ID. (I don't have a photo of it).

Landowner Mountain (Lolo NF, MT)

Sula Peak (Bitterroot NF, MT)

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge currently has several openings for seasonal prescribed burn and suppression crew staff. The positions will be GS-0462-04 Forestry Technician/Firefighter. 40 hours/week and annual/sick leave is accrued. There are no health/life insurance benefits with this position. Must have S-130/190 and be able to pass pack test ( 3 mile walk carrying 45lbs in 45 minutes or less). Please call refuge to receive fax of position description, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities questions, and details on how to apply.

Applications must be postmarked by September 1 and mailed to:
Attn: FCO Bill Giese Blackwater NWR Fire Management
2145 Key Wallace Drive Cambridge, MD 21613

Questions or for more information please call 410-228-2692 and ask for Bill Giese or Jennifer Podgurski. Information and KSA's can be faxed to you or snial mailed. Thank you for your interest in Blackwater Fire Management.

A documentary that was on the Learning Channel in March has been selling to National Parks and firefighters called: FIREFIGHT: STORIES FROM THE FRONTLINES, about the wildland firefighter. It has received great response from all who have seen it and I would like to see if your magazine would like to do a review on it, or if your members would like to obtain a copy. It sells for $20.00 including shipping and taxes. Its been reviewed in maybe 20-25 magazines and newspapers and a review copy is available.

The tape is $20.00 includes shipping and taxes.

Info and payable to:
Lighthouse Productions
P.O. Box 8311
Calabasas, CA. 91372-8311
Email - Ctch22@aol.com
David Wittkower - Producer- Director

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge currently has an opening for a Fire Dispatcher / Administrative Support Assistant GS-303-05. This is a full time permanent position with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Blackwater NWR is located in Cambridge, MD approximately 1 hour from Ocean City and 2 hours from Washington DC and Baltimore. The refuge currently has 27,000 acres of which 10,000 acres of marsh and up to 500 of woodland are burned by Rx each year. The refuge fire program is the largest in region 5 and works cooperatively with the state and other organizations on both prescribed and wildland fires. The year round staff consists of our FCO, Equipment Operator, Fire Research Technician, and a Forestry Technician, with another 6 firefighters coming on board for the winter prescribed burn season. Equipment includes 2 dozers, 2 type 6 engines, a marshmaster, a bombadier, an armored personnel carrier outfitted for fire, 2 ATV's outfitted for fire, 2 boats outfitted for fire, and a heli-spot which is used during the winter Rx season. ( check out our web page for more information and pictures! http://blackwater.fws.gov )

Principal duties of this position are to support ongoing and emergency fire management operations by dispatching fire management resources ( e.g., fire crews, equipment, supplies, and aircraft); Obtaining supplies and equipment using credit cards, purchase orders, and contracts; preparing travel authorizations, maintaining time and attendance records for personnel engaged in fire suppression and Rx burns; inventorying and replenishing cache of fire related supplies and equipment; administering the fire budget; and assisting with preparation of fire management plans and reports.

For more information contact: Fire Control Officer Bill Giese or SCEP Jennifer Podgurski at 410-228-2692 Applications may be mailed to the refuge at: Blackwater NWR Attn: Fire Dispatcher/Administrative Support Assistant 2145 Key Wallace Drive Cambridge, MD 21613

Applications will be accepted between July 19th and August 9th 2000. Thank your for your interest!

I am seeking anyone with lookout experience and would be interested in a great position with The California Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection(CDF). I am the lookout on Sawmill Peak which overlooks a large portion of the northern Sacramento Valley. The tower is located on the Lassen NF on the Southwest side. To the West is the communities of Paradise, 12 miles east of Chico, and Magalia. The season is normally from 7/1 to 11/1, depending on the weather.

Anyone with interest please contact me at; CDFfireLookout@aol.com. First year salary is $1739.00 per month. Please note that I am not a hiring agent for CDF. I am trying to see if I can recruit qualified persons for the job. I will give you the necessary info should any request it.

Thanks.
Walt Pennington

I'm trying network an interest announcement around the region for interest in a volunteer position on Bryant Mountain Lookout.

Bryant Mountain Lookout is nestled between Klamath Falls, OR and Lakeview, OR and sits right near the California/Oregon Border (BEAUTIFUL PLACE!!!!!!!)

RANDALL R. BALEY COORDINATOR
KLAMATH FALLS
INTERAGENCY FIRE CENTER
OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY
541-883-5693
RBALEY@ODF.STATE.OR.US

I work in the Butte Ranger Unit of the CDF Northern CA. We may need a lookout for Sawmill Peak. The season normally is from July 1st through November 1st., depending on the weather. The Lookout site is located on the East side above the West Branch of the Feather River between the communities of Paradise and Magalia and 18 miles north of Lake Oroville. We have roughly 200+ visitors a season. Weekends are the best time for visitors. Shifts are 3 day on- 3 days off/ 4days on- 4 days off on alternate weeks. Depending on the number of days > in the month the average number of days worked is 15. Anyone interested, please drop me a note.

Walt Pennington (CDFfireLookout@aol.com)
Sawmill Peak LO
Butte Ranger Unit
Elev. 3330ft

New Jersey Chapter; Forest Fire Lookout Association announces a NEW WEB PAGE, http://www.paulbunyan.net/sterling, the page title is STERLING FIRE TOWER, NEW YORK.

"Sterling is the only fully operational Fire Lookout remaining in New York State", situated in the new Sterling Forest State Park, New York, 3 miles North of the New Jersey State line. Ours will be a companion site to the FFLA's official Web Site.

TOWER MTN on the Umatilla needs a staffer for this coming summer. It is a steel tower 7 by 7' cab with live-in ground cabin. I believe it is a GS-4 position. Contact DALE DOUGLAS at (541)427-5357 if you are interested.

INDIAN ROCK is looking for someone with lookout experience for a GS-4 paid position. Contact Bob Pugh at (541) 575-3400 if interested. This is a live-in ground cab. Time is of the essence here as fire season is just around the corner in Oregon and all indications so far are that it may be a great summer for fire!(fuel moistures are showing up very low on the RAWS stations in Eastern Oregon)

Both of these sites are in beautiful remote areas with >good fire activity and are located on districts with good lookout tradition (IE, you don't have to worry much from year to year about the funding to your lookout getting cut). Pugh and Douglas are both true believers in their lookout systems. If you or someone you know is interested please pass on the information.

The Western Regional FFLA Conference will be held June 2-4 in Yreka, California.

More information will be included in the next newsletter, due out about May 1; or contact Mark Swift or Howard Verschoor. The nearest commercial airline service is at Medford, Oregon; however for a short time, (until March 22) Southwest Airlines is running their $99 coast-to-coast special. Southwest flies into Sacramento, Reno, and Portland, all within a short day's drive from Yreka.

For information on this special, visit the Southwest web site:

http://www.southwest.com/hotfares/hotfares.html

Check out Ken Schory's transcription of his grandfathers journal during his 1916 summer job on Coolwater Mountain, Idaho. The letter and link resides on the letters page.

Oregon Dept. of Forestry, Klamath Unit, has 3 lookout openings.

Hogback (8 miles from Klamath Falls), Chase (10 miles) and a relief position that staffs Bryant Mnt.(40 miles) during lightning storms and relieves other lookouts. 5- 8hour days minimum, overtime when available. Pay: $1258-$1671. Typical season June 15-Oct 15 depending on fire conditions. Sites are primitive with somewhat primitive roads/electricity/phone service, Bryant has a generator.

Employees allowed private vehicle use reimbursement from KF to the lookout for a round trip a week except the relief. Experience preferred but not required. The Klamath Unit averages 98 fires a year and 3 lightning events.

For further info and application process call Alvin Lawver at (541) 883-5681 or ALAWVER@odf.state.or.us.

Accepting applications 3/31/00 to 4/15/00.

Mt. Ireland (OR) -- Baker Ranger District, Wallowa-Whitman NF, Blue Mountrains - Eastern Oregon

Paid position (GS-4), looking for experienced lookout. Remote location, ground cab lookout.

For more information:
To order an application package, call personnel at 541-523-1416

For specific information on the position, contact Brett Thomas at
541-523-1913 or e-mail at bthomas/r6pnw_wallowawhitman@fs.fed.us

January 15 - 17,
French Creek State Park (near Reading, PA)

Friday - Displays and exhibits may be set up after four p.m.
Board of Directors meeting at seven-thirty p.m.

Saturday - open business session at ten a.m.
Special speakers and a walking tour of a CCC camp in the afternoon.
Informal evening program

Sunday - Motor tour to three or more fire towers.

A registration fee: fifteen dollars [couples: twenty-five dollars.]
Those submitting an advance registration fee will receive a motel list in the mail, detailed directions into and around the French Creek Park Area, a free ticket in the fundraising drawing, and a catered lunch on Saturday during the meeting.

Send registration to Keystone FFLA Chapter Director Stephen J. Cummings, 30 Fern Avenue, Collegeville, PA 19426-3326. For other information, contact Steve at (610) 489-7695, evenings.

Fire season 2000, Lower Snake River District, USBLM. Boise Idaho will possibly have several lookout position openings. Must be willing to work June-October, be aggressive in fire ovserving as district fuel types are flashy with a lot of man-caused type fires. Applications opens December1 1999-January 10,2000, fill out form OF612 mark on application interested in a lookout position.

Apply to:
BLM-Idaho State Office
1387 S. Vinnell Way
Boise, ID 83709-1657

or call 208-373-3921 for more information.

The old Maine auxillary wooden fire lookout in Aroostook County near Mud Pond in Township 6 Range 7 was finally found in a photo taken by a snowmobiler in 1989. The tower is now since toppled on site. This site was also refered to as "Camp Colby".

The location is on the map in T6,R7 WELS just east of Mud Pond and just north of Sawtell Deadwater. The only info I have is that it was a private logging companie's tower made of wood on an unnamed knoll. The tower lies toppled now.

Dave Hilton

Old period postcards of New Jersey's early fire towers is being sought. An entire set had once been produced circa 1928-1936 of State fire towers,some have been obtained but others must still be out there. Contact Dave Fleming, NJ Archivist at 316 colfax ave. Prompton Lakes NJ 07442

4-14-98 - Sterling Fire Tower, NY
The Highlands group of the forest fire lookout association has done some emergency repairs and clean up work on the sterling fire tower in Orange County, New York. The 76 year old lookout station was saved from demolition by putting it on the National Historic Lookout Register, but it's ultimate fate still rests in a decision by the New State Park Authorities to keep it standing. Volunteer efforts by area fire wardens in New Jersey and New York have kept the Historic Fire Tower in good condition for the past decade. Renewed restoration is hoped for this year.

4-14-98 - Beebe Hill Fire Tower, NY
Beebe hill fire tower will again be worked on this year by FFLA members, work weekends are being planned for May and June at the 60 foot fire tower near Austerlitz, New York in Columbia County.

Other New York State Historic Fire Towers are slated for some volunteer restoration proposals, some by FFLA involvement

4-14-98 - Database Projects
A database of Pennsylvania Forest Fire Towers was begun this past winter with research information provided by Mr. Stephen Cummings of the Pennsylvania chapter. Guided along the lines of the Maine Chronology of that State's fire towers, the Pennsylvania listing has so far documented 300 forestry fire towers, lookout sites, bald rock lookouts, tree lookouts and other structures which had been used throughout the keystone state.

A New York State chronology is also being documented and also a similar one for Minnesota is being developed by New Jersey member and Co-director, Bob Spear.

4-14-98 - Leukemia Mission 1998
In a more serious note, the New Jersey Chapter has taken an unprecedented step in endorsing this years's mission statement of the American Leukemia Society by including pledge forms with a recent mailing of the chapter's "Tower Views" newsletter. Fund raising efforts are needed to find a cure and sustaining help to those afflicted with this disease which is a leading illness of small children and adults alike. It would be a Wonderful challenge of the Forest Fire Lookout Association as a national organization to lend it's support to this cam Payne. It is hoped that "Lookout Network Newsletter" could include a short note of support also in future issues. It's not all just reading about fire towers.

4-14-98 - Future Foretells Challenge
Looking forward to the challenges laid down by Chairman Argow at the Andover, New Jersey conference, it is anticipated the long awaited certification as a non-profit organization will materialize in 1998, many feel this to be critical to the growth of the FFLA

4-04-98 - Temagami Fire Tower
From Roy Schweiker --- roy.schweiker@juno.com

The 100' high Temagami Fire Tower stands on the summit of Caribou Mountain, 1300' above sea level and just one kilometer from Ontario's historic Yonge Street (Highway 11 ). This structure will soon be renovated for public use. The primary design consideration is to maintain the fire tower's historic silhouette while providing public access right to the top. A new structure of staircases and platforms will be constructed up the centre of the existing tower, and a replica of the original cupola will be installed on top. To reduce wind resistance, there will be no glass in the cupola. Visitors are expected to spend at least 40 minutes on the Tower. The new staircase structure will be engineered to accept more than 150 visitors at any time. The upper section will accommodate up to 50 visitors and will be equipped with environmental monitors and sensors able to indicate closure in high winds or poor weather.

Based upon the preliminary engineering designs, the budget for the restoration of the existing tower and erection of the new staircase is $300,000. It is intended that the Temagami Tower Restoration Project be a partnership between the public and private sectors. Each 'level' will be sponsored by an appropriate Ministry, private corporation or business association. Displays on each level will reflect the sponsors involvement in the Temagami area, putting their activities and concerns into the context of the landscape.

The annual operating budget of $10,000 should be mostly covered by a small admission fee charged to each visitor - a single price for all of $1.00 is proposed. Maintenance and operating costs can be covered by an average of 136 visitors per day over the main 11 week summer tourist season. Statistics indicate that during the summer daylight hours, an average of 400 private cars travel the Temagami stretch of Highway 11 every hour, so if 1 percent of these travellers visit the tower, the operating costs will be covered. End...