Needles Lookout Fire
Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2011 6:33 pm
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/