Needles Lookout is gone

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James Doty

Trad climber

Phoenix, Az.

Jul 30, 2011 - 01:01pm PT

F*#k it. It's just a tower.
All things must pass.

There is a clue in his name.

Ksolem

Trad climber

Monrovia, California

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 30, 2011 - 02:54pm PT

From what I can gather from local news sources there are perhaps 30 firefighters on the ground in The Needles working to suppress a number of small fires started by burning debris which fell from the tower.

The dirt road and the trail remain closed to the public and The Magician remains closed to climbing.

Speaking for the Sequoia Nat Forest and Giant Sequoia Nat Monument, Denise Alonzo said:

"Four other fires were started by the tower’s burning debris that rolled down from the rock on which it was built, Alonzo said. Those fires are each less than an acre in size," she said.
“We’ve got crews out there now. We’re working on getting those suppressed,” Alonzo said. “It’s going to take us a while to put them out, but we are working on that.”

When asked if Needles Lookout will be replaced, Alonzo said it was too soon to say one way or another.
“It’s really too soon for us to speculate on what we’re going to be doing in the future,” Alonzo said.

James Doty

Trad climber

Phoenix, Az.

Jul 30, 2011 - 03:15pm PT

That could be doublespeak for no. Sucks.

Ksolem

Trad climber

Monrovia, California

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 30, 2011 - 03:32pm PT

I think it is way too soon to say.

There are other issues developing regarding land management around the Needles area as well. Some may know that President Clinton, under authority of The Antiquities Act, proclaimed the establishment of Giant Sequoia National Monument, an area of about 350,000 acres within Sequoia National Forest which includes The Needles. In his proclamation Clinton specified that the US Forest Service would continue to manage the land, as they had in the past.

Now there is an effort in Congress, being led by CA Representative Sam Farr with about 80 others to convince President Obama to switch the management of the Monument to the National Park Service. How these uncertainties and possible changes will effect decisions such as what to do with the tower, as well as keeping dirt roads open, having open camping, etc., remains to be seen.

I have been thinking about starting a new thread with more detail on this controversial topic and with links to web pages and articles presented by groups on both sides of the issue. If there is interest in this discussion I’ll put it together…

Radish

Trad climber

SeKi, California

Jul 30, 2011 - 04:14pm PT

The actual lookout building is called a "Cab". Technically a new one, or another not used old lookout can be helicoptered in and put right in place. Not much building so to speak. There are other lookouts that could fit in the Needles lookouts place I'm sure. They are all close to a standard size, kit if you will.

Ksolem

Trad climber

Monrovia, California

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 30, 2011 - 04:24pm PT

Yeah, Margee told me yesterday that the same exact "cab" is still available in kit form. I wonder if the foundations up there are intact. I've seen video - the fire looked very hot.

jstan

climber

Jul 30, 2011 - 04:38pm PT

Ksolem:
I have already sent an email to the FS asking for updates. If you could even just drop some links here we would appreciate it very much.

It is a very complicated issue made more complicated by Margee being such a great presence. If the Park Service takes it over we might want to keep the option open for it to become a wilderness.

From our standpoint the obvious answer is for Margee to get a 15 year non-transferable lease and put a new cab in that can be just as easily lifted back out. I for one would really enjoy watching the Skycrane bringing it in.

The Skycrane handles 10 ton and has a swivel attachment. The pilot can hover within a couple of inches I would guess, the ground crew could rotate it and bolt to prepared fixtures. Take maybe 15 minutes if the O& M is right.

bluering

Trad climber

Santa Clara, CA

Jul 30, 2011 - 04:38pm PT

Keep us updated, Kris.

I've never been there, but I'd throw some cash at rebuilding the rig. If it's a fire lookout, it should be Forest Service funded.

But if it takes private funds, I'm there!!!!

Ksolem

Trad climber

Monrovia, California

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 30, 2011 - 05:24pm PT

I'll start a new thread about the proposed change in land management there and the politics going on.

Regarding the tower, Kathy Allison, Executive Director of The Buck Rock Foundation, informs me that The Foundation would support the restoration and could be used as a clearinghouse for receiving donations and gathering volunteers. She also says she has no idea what the Forest Service intentions are at this time.

The lookout has become a very popular hiking destination. While it was iconic to climbers, by far the largest user group with an interest in restoration will be hikers. There is one school group which has hiked up to the tower from the Lloyds Meadow road every year for many years. They come up from below to the saddle west of the Magician from the north!!

There are local people like Kathy, and Patrick Paul (who posted upthread as fixedpin) and many others who know the political landscape much better than I. If we are fortunate a coalition can be brought together with positive results.

One last thing: Blue, you've never been to The Needles??!! Start training now for next summer...

Ksolem

Trad climber

Monrovia, California

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 30, 2011 - 05:27pm PT

This is The Buck Rock Foundation's page on the Needles Lookout fire. From there you can navigate back to the home page if you want to read their mission statement etc.

Tony Bird

climber

Northridge, CA

Jul 30, 2011 - 05:35pm PT

if there's a rebuild effort, i'll volunteer labor. C-6 license, finish carpentry. we have lots of similar talent on here--would go a long way towards getting it done cheaply. email me if something gets going.

ron gomez

Trad climber

fallbrook,ca

Jul 30, 2011 - 05:50pm PT

I'm in with Tony....good excuse for going up, doing some good and hanging with friends.................
Peace

Alois

Trad climber

Idyllwild, California

Jul 30, 2011 - 06:47pm PT

Just noticed this post. I have so many memories visiting Margee at the Lookout, the cookies and milk, the good natured ribbing Miguel and I got while telling her stories (our accents might have something to do with it), our best years spent there. The Lookout was and is part of the Needles. As Tony B. and Ron G. just stated, Kris count me in too to help with the re-building efforts.

iroCherish North

climber

California

Jul 30, 2011 - 07:00pm PT

I was the Jordan LO for the previous 5 years with Needles in sight. Margee taught me everything I know about comunicating with the community, finding, and working fires.
She is also my best friend, I was there when they brought her and the boys out to the helabase and gave her a big hug from all of us who love her.
She has been with me the last 3 days, and due to all of your possitive support, she has gone from being totally devistated to responding to your passion with a driving force to see the Needles Resurection.

She asked me to post to all of you that, "If you build it, she will bake." You all have given her new hope. She is utterly moved by this positive force you all have created. As her friend, I personally thank you for lifting her up; and giving her hope.

Ksolem

Trad climber

Monrovia, California

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 30, 2011 - 09:03pm PT

Thanks for your post. I am glad to hear Margee's spirits are rising.

Ksolem

Trad climber

Monrovia, California

Topic Author's Reply - Jul 30, 2011 - 11:42pm PT

When I spoke to Margee yesterday one of the items she mentioned which was lost in the tower was a copy, signed by the authors, of the original Stonemashers Guide to The Needles and Environs. Published in 1983, out of print but still available in digital form at Vertical20 dot com.

I have a copy of that same book in like new condition. When the tower is restored I will get it inscribed for the occasion by EC Joe and Richard Leversee and put it there, the beginning of a new library.

adam d

climber

Los Osos, CA

Jul 31, 2011 - 12:09am PT

That's a great idea Kris and the most appropriate possible place for it.

TYeary

Social climber

State of decay

Jul 31, 2011 - 12:32am PT

Kris, keep us updated on re-build efforts. I too will lend a hand.
Sad indeed, as the tower and Margee were fixtures there. A north star for anyone who spent time there in the needles for sure.
TY