In response to fire tower restoration work initially being done on the fire towers in New York’s Catskill Mountains,  an idea on how the FFLA could help "jump start" similar projects took shape.  It was thought that a modest sum, however small in amount, may make the difference between "concern" for such a project and taking no action at all.

            This was, in fact, the theory behind the June 2000 "working conference" that the New Jersey Chapter helped sponsor at Phonecia, New York, for the Tremper Mountain fire tower. The FFLA took an active part in that initial restoration work; the end result was that Tremper is now open to the public in a restored condition, suitable for folks to climb and enjoy the views of the Catskills and share some of the history of these lookouts.

            At the Flagstaff conference last June, a budget of $500 was agreed to for this restoration fund.   It was agreed that requests of a maximum of $50 per request, would be submitted to the Restoration Fund Committee, chaired by Bob Spear.  These requests would then be reviewed by the other committee members, Steve Cummings, Henry Isenberg, and Pam Morey, with a recommendation to be forwarded to the Executive Board for disposition.  Further clarification and minor modifications were approved at the January 2002 Virginia Beach FFLA Board Meeting.

            Discussions have been held concerning the use of grants for other start up costs for organizing a project or a group, but no decision has been made to change the existing criteria that the funds be used directly for restoration purposes.  This may be revisited at a future time.

Grant criteria:

The request shall be for an existing fire tower or lookout where start up funds will provide for stabilization work, initial repairs, or materials which would contribute to the restoration work.  Advertisements, or monies payable for other than restoration materials will not be considered for this grant request.  This request will be reviewed by the Grant Committee and forwarded to the Executive Committee of the FFLA for approval.   Further information regarding proposals may be requested by the Board.

More on Grant Criteria

Grant applications are available from FFLA Directors or on the FFLA website.  Please make application to Bob Spear, FFLA

Restoration Grants Committee Chairperson.
Bob Spear33 Village Drive
Hamburg, New Jersey 07419
lookout18@juno.com