Big Bear, California

About 80-100 people attended the FFLA Western Regional conference during the two days at the Big Bear Discovery Center.

Friday started out with sign-in and morning coffee. George and Pam Morey, the Southern California Directors for the FFLA, San Bernardino National Forest Association Fire Lookout Host Program Coordinators and the Angeles National Forest Fires Lookout Association President and Vice President welcomed everyone to the 2006 Western Conference and introduced Sarah Miggins, San Bernardino National Forest Association Director who also welcomed everyone to The Big Bear Discovery Center and to the Western Conference.

The first guest speaker was Chris Fabbro, an ex-paid fire lookout who worked Bald Mountain on the Inyo NF and is now a Recreation Office on the Angeles NF. Next was John Miller, Public Relations Officer for the San Bernardino NF and a supporter of the Lookout Host Program. Gene Zimmerman, retired Forest Supervisor of the San Bernardino, shared his forest service beginnings and how he became a Forest Service employee. He was followed by current San Bernardino Forest Supervisor, Jeanne Wade Evans.

After lunch, people had a choice of adventures - visit the local lookouts, shop, or go on an all-night (not really - it only lasted until midnight) lookout tour.

Saturday opened with an address by Keith Argow. Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association Volunteer Charles White then gave a presentation on satellite remote sensing and fire detection. He was followed by Tom Inocencio who runs the San Bernardino Air Tanker Base. The speakers shared much new information, it is hoped that everyone took some new knowledge home! After lunch was the choice of a canoe tour on Big Bear Lake, a guided hike on the Cougar Crest Trail, lookout tours or sight-seeing.

For the Saturday evening dinner, Tom Sensintaffar, San Bernardino Dispatch Center Manager and Fire Lookout Host Liaison, barbecued up some mean Tri Tip. Corn on the cob, salad, beans and dinner rolls were also served, topped off with cheesecake. The group also had a first report on a smoke; it came from the kitchen, and ended up being burnt buns!

Sunday was once again dedicated to lookout tours. George and Pam would like to thank everyone that made the trip and supported them.

Pam Morey