On July 28th the historical fire lookout, built in 1938 atop the spectacular 8000 ft. summit of The Magician Needle in Giant Sequoia National Monument was consumed by fire. During those 73 years the lookout has been visited by many thousands of hikers, climbers, naturalists, photographers, scientists and more. The two and one half mile hike out a beautiful ridgeline trail ending at the airy lookout has been one of the most popular attractions in the Sequoia National Forest. Many groups; scouts, hiking clubs, churches, schools and others have made the trek year after year drawn back by the spectacular views of the Kern River Canyon, Golden Trout Wilderness and the High Sierra Crest and Mt. Whitney.

Already several organizations are joining hands in an effort to restore this historical structure. The nonprofit Buck Rock Foundation, based in Sequoia National Park, is eager to begin a fund raising effort, but first the U.S. Forest Service must approve the project.

If you are interested in seeing the lookout restored now is the time to make your voice heard. Letters are being welcomed by the USFS personnel at the following offices:

District Ranger Priscilla Summers
Western Divide Ranger District
Springville, CA 93265

email: psummers@fs.fed.us

Sequoia National Forest Supervisor
1839 South Newcomb Street
Porterville, CA 93257

The Buck Rock foundation is also asking for emails of support:

"Thanks for your interest. We are not taking donations for the Needles at this time as we are waiting for word from the Forest Service about their desire to rebuild. But we are taking emails pledging support, donations, etc. You can send them to buckrock@inreach.com. We are compiling lists in anticipation of a meeting in the near future. The more pledges we get the better!"

http://www.buckrock.org/

Is there a date by which letters should be received? Trying to think like an administrator, I'm guessing that a formal period for review of any rebuilding project hasn't been established but, still, considering we're dealing with the government, you never know.

Right now they are still cleaning up the mess from the fire. Debris fell as it burned and the clean up is a big job. The access road 21S05 and the trail remain closed at this time.

At some point in the near future a meeting will be announced by District Ranger Summers and Kathy Allison of the Buck Rock Foundation. The more letters they have by then the better. There is no specific deadline yet.

While this is going on, a new Supervisor begins for the Sequoia Nat Forest in September. Effective Sept. 11, Kevin Elliott, forest supervisor on the Ashley National Forest in Vernal, Utah, will become forest supervisor for the Sequoia National Forest. This may or may not effect the decision process. I am told by Kathy at Buck Rock that District Ranger Summers is the decider.

Write your letters and email Buck Rock Foundation. Now's the time.

Cheers