News & Press Releases
5/6/2013 - Latest Green Mountain Proposal
The latest proposal regarding the Green Mountain Lookout in WA state can be found at the below link.
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/05/02/2013-10322/mt-baker-snoqualmie-national-forest-snohomish-county-wa-green-mountain-lookout-removal
https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2013/05/02/2013-10322/mt-baker-snoqualmie-national-forest-snohomish-county-wa-green-mountain-lookout-removal
4/1/2013 - FFLA Western Conference Updates
The FFLA Western Conference Information Page has now been updated with the latest conference info. Find it at the beklow link:
http://prdp2fs.ess.usda.gov/detail/lincoln/learning/history-culture/?cid=stelprdb5393260
We encourage any early-birds to pre-register for the Western Conference using the registration form at this link:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5414652.doc
http://prdp2fs.ess.usda.gov/detail/lincoln/learning/history-culture/?cid=stelprdb5393260
We encourage any early-birds to pre-register for the Western Conference using the registration form at this link:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5414652.doc
3/17/2013 - USFS Topo Maps
The USFS now has scalable PDF topo map quads online for all regions. See below link.
http://fsgeodata.fs.fed.us/rastergateway/states-regions/regions.php
http://fsgeodata.fs.fed.us/rastergateway/states-regions/regions.php
2/28/2013 - New Chapter Facebook Pages
The Oregon and Maine chapters of the FFLA now have Facebook Pages -
Forest Fire Lookout Association Oregon Chapter
Forest Fire Lookout Association Maine Chapter
Be sure to check them out! If you are a Facebook user, be sure to Like Us!
The Oregon and Maine chapters of the FFLA now have Facebook Pages -
Forest Fire Lookout Association Oregon Chapter
Forest Fire Lookout Association Maine Chapter
Be sure to check them out! If you are a Facebook user, be sure to Like Us!
2/27/2013 - Summer 2012 SlideshowLookout Ken Jones has compiled a summer of photos from High Ridge and Table Rock lookouts. High Ridge Lookout is in the northern Blue Mountains near Tollgate, Oregon. Table
Rock Lookout is also in the northern Blue Mountains in Washington, just a couple of miles north of the Oregon + Washington state line, about 20 miles east of Walla Walla, Washington. Table Rock sits on the western edge of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Area and the eastern edge of the Mill Creek Watershed, which provides water to the city of Walla Walla. Both are in the Umatilla Nat'l Forest, Walla Walla Ranger District. |
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2/15/2013 - Go down under with Paul Jones
Each workday through summer, Paul Jones drives to the top of a mountain, climbs a 40-metre tower and stares at the landscape. Hour after hour, day after day, he scans the horizon for smoke and fire down in Victoria Australia. See the video here.
2/10/2013 - A day in the life of a Fire Lookout
Check out this video which documents the (usually) very peaceful life of a fire lookout in the Gardner Lookout on the East Peak of Mt. Tamalpais in Marin County, California. Gary Yost been a Marin County Fire Department volunteer lookout for two years.
1/16/2013 - Cuyama Peak Lookout Cabin Collapse
In the past few weeks, the cabin to the Cuyama Peak Lookout in the Los Padres NF collapsed.
A short history of the tower can be found here: http://www.craigrcarey.net/2011/08/lookout-cuyama-peak/
A short history of the tower can be found here: http://www.craigrcarey.net/2011/08/lookout-cuyama-peak/
1/9/2013 - Eastern Meeting Announcement
The Southeastern U.S. Chapter will co-host the 2013 Summer Meeting of the Eastern and the Southern Regions in Beckley, WV in the summer of 2013. Look for the official announcement once details are finalized!
10/22/2012 - Landowners thank lookouts for their work
In a postcard sent to the FFLA (and then copied to the Mesa Verde NP), the Kernan Creek Ranch Homeowners Association send thanks to the Mesa Verde Fire Tower Crew.
10/22/2012 - One FFLA Maine member's lookout story
A man and a mountain: A hiker shares decades-long story about a 3,000-footer
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/10/17/outdoors/a-man-and-a-mountain-a-hiker-shares-decades-long-story-about-a-3000-footer/
http://bangordailynews.com/2012/10/17/outdoors/a-man-and-a-mountain-a-hiker-shares-decades-long-story-about-a-3000-footer/
10/22/2012 - Kloshe Nanitch Lookout Removed, WA
The Kloshe Nanitch Lookout Has Been Removed
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/olympic/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5395074
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/olympic/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5395074
10/15/2012 - Mara Mtn. Fire Lookout Article, BC
10/15/2012 - Okemo Mtn. Fire Tower Article, VT
Okemo Recognized for Collaborative Effort to Rehabilitate Fire Tower
http://www.firsttracksonline.com/2012/10/03/okemo-recognized-for-collaborative-effort-to-rehabilitate-fire-tower/
http://www.firsttracksonline.com/2012/10/03/okemo-recognized-for-collaborative-effort-to-rehabilitate-fire-tower/
10/15/2012 - Pequot Lakes Fire Tower Article, MN
Grass-roots effort reopens Pequot Lookout Tower
http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2012-10-04/grass-roots-effort-reopens-pequot-lookout-tower
http://brainerddispatch.com/news/2012-10-04/grass-roots-effort-reopens-pequot-lookout-tower
9/25/2012 - Leek Springs Fire Lookout's 100th birthday, CA
Help us celebrate 100 years of fire protection and detection on Sept. 29th, at 12 o'clock. Bring a lunch and enjoy the view and learn about the tower's history and check out the great pictures. Pictures will be on hand of the first lookout, which was a platform in a tree, through pictures from1944, when the tower was staffed during the winter to look for Japanese planes that the government thought were going to attack the US. Also pictures of other CA lookouts will be available.
If you are interested in coming and need directions, call the Amador Ranger Station @ 209-295-5900, Mon thru Fri, 8:00 am to 4:30pm.
Janis Brackett,
Leek Springs Fire Lookout
If you are interested in coming and need directions, call the Amador Ranger Station @ 209-295-5900, Mon thru Fri, 8:00 am to 4:30pm.
Janis Brackett,
Leek Springs Fire Lookout
9/23/2012 - Kearsarge North Lookout, NH
Historic Fire Tower on White Mountain National Forest Gets Facelift
September of 2012, much needed restoration work was completed on the Kearsarge North Fire Tower on the White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire). The Tower was built in 1949, replacing several earlier versions going back to 1909. A Nez Pierce National Forest (Idaho) employee experienced in historic structure renovation was the technical leader of the project, and worked with Saco Ranger District staff.
The renovations included an airlift of lumber, tools, and equipment; and replacement of the Tower’s legs, cabin girders, fascia boards, tower girders, cross bracing, and hardware. Forest visitors were educated about the project through a temporary interpretive sign. Contact: Dylan Alden 603.447-5448 or dalden@fs.fed.us.
September of 2012, much needed restoration work was completed on the Kearsarge North Fire Tower on the White Mountain National Forest (New Hampshire). The Tower was built in 1949, replacing several earlier versions going back to 1909. A Nez Pierce National Forest (Idaho) employee experienced in historic structure renovation was the technical leader of the project, and worked with Saco Ranger District staff.
The renovations included an airlift of lumber, tools, and equipment; and replacement of the Tower’s legs, cabin girders, fascia boards, tower girders, cross bracing, and hardware. Forest visitors were educated about the project through a temporary interpretive sign. Contact: Dylan Alden 603.447-5448 or dalden@fs.fed.us.
9/17/2012 - Northern Woodlands Fire Tower Article
Published in the Autumn 2012 edition of Northern Woodlands Magazine, check out A History of Fire Towers in the Northeast.
On the Lookout: A History of Fire Towers in the Northeast
On the Lookout: A History of Fire Towers in the Northeast
9/6/2012 - Spruce Mountain Fire Tower Restoration, NY
The Spruce Mountain Fire Tower in Corinth, Saratoga County NY is getting closer to being restored.
Article courtesy of the Schenectady New York Daily Gazette
Article courtesy of the Schenectady New York Daily Gazette
9/6/2012 - Spyglass Lookout Renovation, ID
Read about the renovation of the Spyglass Lookout complex in the US Forest Services Chief's newsletter:
THE CHIEF’S DESK, PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS August 10, 2012
An additional article is courtesy of the Spokesman-Review
THE CHIEF’S DESK, PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS August 10, 2012
An additional article is courtesy of the Spokesman-Review
9/6/2012 - Beacon Fire Tower being restored, NY
The old Mt. Beacon fire tower and its stunning views will soon be open to the public.
Article courtesy of the YOUR NEWS NOW website
Article courtesy of the YOUR NEWS NOW website
7/16/2012 - Monjeau Lookout Burned, NM
The Monjeau Lookout on the Lincoln NF in New Mexico was partially burned in the Little Bear fire back in June. The cab was burned out but the apartment in the lower portion of the tower was not burned.
Monjeau was completely restored in 2006 including the replacement of the original windows (in the 1960s they were changed to full paned versions not historic), on this National Register listed fire lookout. Mark Gutzman (USDA Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest) is working towards having the cab restored prior to next year’s FFLA conference. The design of the rock structure may be the reason for the cab destruction. As there a breezeway beneath the cab, and where the ladder is located to access this 7’X7’ cab, the super-heated air blew through this area setting the floor of the cab on fire and it then burned upwards. The cab frame appears to still be in ok shape, but a bit more engineering investigation may be needed (especially for the floor “L” beams). The cabin below the breezeway has only miner cracks in two of its windows.
See the below link for a photo gallery of the fire.
Monjeau Lookout Tower - Post Little Bear Fire
Monjeau was completely restored in 2006 including the replacement of the original windows (in the 1960s they were changed to full paned versions not historic), on this National Register listed fire lookout. Mark Gutzman (USDA Forest Service, Lincoln National Forest) is working towards having the cab restored prior to next year’s FFLA conference. The design of the rock structure may be the reason for the cab destruction. As there a breezeway beneath the cab, and where the ladder is located to access this 7’X7’ cab, the super-heated air blew through this area setting the floor of the cab on fire and it then burned upwards. The cab frame appears to still be in ok shape, but a bit more engineering investigation may be needed (especially for the floor “L” beams). The cabin below the breezeway has only miner cracks in two of its windows.
See the below link for a photo gallery of the fire.
Monjeau Lookout Tower - Post Little Bear Fire
6/29/2012 - Mount Blue New Fire Tower Open, ME
The observation platform on the new Fire Tower (look-alike) on Mount Blue Maine is now open.
http://www.dailybulldog.com/db/features/mt-blue-antenna-hiding-in-plain-sight-as-fire-tower/
Although the trail to the summit is now open, communication work is still underway and care should be taken if visiting as the site is still an active construction area. Pay close attention to any signage, taped off areas, or instructions by any site workers during this time.
http://www.dailybulldog.com/db/features/mt-blue-antenna-hiding-in-plain-sight-as-fire-tower/
Although the trail to the summit is now open, communication work is still underway and care should be taken if visiting as the site is still an active construction area. Pay close attention to any signage, taped off areas, or instructions by any site workers during this time.
6/25/2012 - Norway Bluff Fire Tower gets new home
Maine Forest Service: Forest Ranger Crew Leads Fire Tower Removal
AUGUSTA, Maine - A joint crew from the Maine Forest Service, under the Maine Department of Conservation, and the Army National Guard today moved an old fire tower from Norway Bluff for installation at the Ashland Logging Museum in Ashland. The crew worked close to eight hours, placing the 24-foot-tall, metal fire tower and its wooden cab, on Guard trucks for removal to the Garfield Road museum. The detail was organized and led by MFS Forest Ranger Amanda Barker, with help from MFS Forest Ranger Todd Weeks. It took two flatbed trucks to deliver the fire tower to the museum.
The 1136th Transportation Co. based out of Calais provided the vehicles and crew. The tower was lifted on to the trucks by an excavator provided M. Rafford Trucking Co. of Ashland. It was unloaded by a self-loader log truck provided by Robert Flint Trucking of Ashland. Malcolm Milligan, 13, of Ashland, Boy Scout Troop 179, will take on the restoration of the cab as an Eagle Scout project.
"We wanted to do this to remind the younger generation of the importancet of these fire towers in protecting our Maine forests," Barker said.
The Norway Fire Tower was in place on the bluff, located in Township 9, Range 9 WELS, since 1914. The Maine Forest Service, Protection Division, no longer uses fire towers for forest fire observation, but instead uses air patrol flights. The site will be used for the installation of a new state radio tower.
(06/13/2012 05:44 PM EDT)
AUGUSTA, Maine - A joint crew from the Maine Forest Service, under the Maine Department of Conservation, and the Army National Guard today moved an old fire tower from Norway Bluff for installation at the Ashland Logging Museum in Ashland. The crew worked close to eight hours, placing the 24-foot-tall, metal fire tower and its wooden cab, on Guard trucks for removal to the Garfield Road museum. The detail was organized and led by MFS Forest Ranger Amanda Barker, with help from MFS Forest Ranger Todd Weeks. It took two flatbed trucks to deliver the fire tower to the museum.
The 1136th Transportation Co. based out of Calais provided the vehicles and crew. The tower was lifted on to the trucks by an excavator provided M. Rafford Trucking Co. of Ashland. It was unloaded by a self-loader log truck provided by Robert Flint Trucking of Ashland. Malcolm Milligan, 13, of Ashland, Boy Scout Troop 179, will take on the restoration of the cab as an Eagle Scout project.
"We wanted to do this to remind the younger generation of the importancet of these fire towers in protecting our Maine forests," Barker said.
The Norway Fire Tower was in place on the bluff, located in Township 9, Range 9 WELS, since 1914. The Maine Forest Service, Protection Division, no longer uses fire towers for forest fire observation, but instead uses air patrol flights. The site will be used for the installation of a new state radio tower.
(06/13/2012 05:44 PM EDT)
6/25/2012 - Pinewood fire tower gets new building, MN
News release from the Beltrami County Fair Association
The Beltrami County Agricultural Association, manager of the Beltrami County Fairgrounds, announces the addition of a new building to be built this summer on the fairgrounds. Called the “Forestry Education Center” which will be located next to the Fire Tower.
Phase 1 was the moving of the Pinewood fire tower to the fairground in 2004 and Phase 2, the last, is to
build the "Forestry Education Center". This was made possible because of grants from the “George W. Neilson Foundation and the Legacy funds and private individual donations. Construction will begin this summer with an opening and a ribbon cutting ceremony date set for the 2013 fair.
The building will house a 1950’s Ranger Station, display’s from the Minnesota DNR, Forestry Division, Red Lake DNR, U.S. Forest Service and will be available for groups like the Master Gardener’s and other horticulture clubs. Other occupants we are making arrangements for is; DNR Fish & Wildlife and a “Wild Fire Prevention Display from the DNR.
It is our goal to have the building and fire tower open before and after the fair for as much of the summer as we can and make the facilities available for tour groups during the summer’s non fair days.
The Beltrami County Agricultural Association, manager of the Beltrami County Fairgrounds, announces the addition of a new building to be built this summer on the fairgrounds. Called the “Forestry Education Center” which will be located next to the Fire Tower.
Phase 1 was the moving of the Pinewood fire tower to the fairground in 2004 and Phase 2, the last, is to
build the "Forestry Education Center". This was made possible because of grants from the “George W. Neilson Foundation and the Legacy funds and private individual donations. Construction will begin this summer with an opening and a ribbon cutting ceremony date set for the 2013 fair.
The building will house a 1950’s Ranger Station, display’s from the Minnesota DNR, Forestry Division, Red Lake DNR, U.S. Forest Service and will be available for groups like the Master Gardener’s and other horticulture clubs. Other occupants we are making arrangements for is; DNR Fish & Wildlife and a “Wild Fire Prevention Display from the DNR.
It is our goal to have the building and fire tower open before and after the fair for as much of the summer as we can and make the facilities available for tour groups during the summer’s non fair days.
Above - The color photo of the building is a photo shop concept, the black & white drawing is what the front will look like. The sides and roof will be steel and the front will be
half logs. Right - The 1950's round sign will go near the front/side of the building. Dave Quam, MN Director of the Forest Fire Lookout Association is shown. |
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6/25/2012 - Update on Green Mountain Lookout ruling, WA
From HeraldNet -
http://heraldnet.com/article/20120501/NEWS01/705019923/0/SEARCH
http://heraldnet.com/article/20120525/NEWS01/705259832/0/SEARCH
http://heraldnet.com/article/20120501/NEWS01/705019923/0/SEARCH
http://heraldnet.com/article/20120525/NEWS01/705259832/0/SEARCH
5/20/2012 - Davidson County's last fire tower will become museum piece, TN
4/4/2012 - Green Mountain Lookout ruling, WA
Court requires the Forest Service to remove the historic Green Mountain Lookout from Washington State’s Glacier Peak Wilderness. See below for articles, blogs, and other resources.
United States District Court Decision - Green Mountain
United States District Court Summary Judgement - Green Mountain
National Trust for Historic Preservation statement on the Green Mountain Lookout ruling
Preservation Nation Blog on Green Mountain
seattlepi Article on Green Mountain
Crosscut.com Blog on Green Mountain
United States District Court Decision - Green Mountain
United States District Court Summary Judgement - Green Mountain
National Trust for Historic Preservation statement on the Green Mountain Lookout ruling
Preservation Nation Blog on Green Mountain
seattlepi Article on Green Mountain
Crosscut.com Blog on Green Mountain
1/7/2012 - Minnesota get's new fire tower
Video by Dave Quam