[HikerJohn]

Hey gang, wanted to let you know about a new group that is starting up: Snoqualmie Fire Lookouts Association (SFLA). Snoqualmie Ranger District is unique in that it has THREE operating fire lookouts still standing, but recent years budgets, increased traffic and visitor pressure on the District, and just age were starting to threaten these lookouts. While in relatively good shape, there was concern about the future. One idea was to turn them into rentals, which would have just reduced these unique lookouts to cabins in the woods and limited the number of visitors to just those who could afford the fees. So instead, we are setting up a non-profit group to take on maintenance, repair, upkeep, and operation of the lookouts on behalf of the Forest Service. USFS will continue to own and will oversee the ops, but the SFLA will pick up the lions share of work and cost now. For 2021 we'll be picking up work and fire lookout operations for Kelly Butte and Suntop, and will be working on badly needed repairs on Granite Mountain. We will be working with some groups on improving access to Suntop (including making the lookout ADA accessible for visitors). One of our goals it preserve these lookouts "living history museums" -- and active fire lookouts for future generations- so don't look for a lot of changes. Anyone is welcome to join the SFLA and donations are gladly accepted. A bit of controversy about this (we don't support the rental efforts) and some issues in the past with lookout staffing being a "good ole boys" club (which it isn't, but we'll make certain it isn't in the future), but we feel this is the best path to preserve these unique operating fire lookouts! Website is coming soon at www.snoqualmielookouts.org Email questions to snoqualmielookouts@gmail.com Brochure and FAQs about the SFLA: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pAyGZXjIGZRX_39JLyfXkqn41AL518pI/view?usp=sharing To join: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SYL9Yym189_jUL-1noUTwaCXs3qXoNtO/view?usp=sharing Got questions? Fire away! Cheers, John