Volunteers needed for lookout work

The Northwest Montana Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association is looking for volunteers to work on historic fire lookouts in Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Kootenai National Forest.

The nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting federal and state agencies in the restoration, maintenance and staffing of fire lookouts and other historic support structures on public lands. The local chapter was formed in 2013.

Volunteers will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. All skill levels are needed. To sign up, visit online at www.nwmt-ffla.org or contact Chuck Manning at 406-253-8661 or nwmtc.ffla@gmail.com.

Projects lined up for this year include:

• Huckleberry Lookout — This project in Glacier Park will involve a 5-day commitment for a crew leader and two volunteers to do major repairs and guy-wire replacement. That includes one day to hike up the 6-mile trail from the Camas Road and three days on-site. Target dates are July 1-18. Pack support will be provided.

• Jumbo Lookout — This project in the Bob Marshall Wilderness will involve an 8 to 10 day commitment for a crew leader and two volunteers to develop a new outhouse site, paint or oil the cabin, caulking, glazing and gathering firewood. That includes three days to hike to the site about 2 1/2 miles east-northeast of the Hahn Creek Guard Station and three days working on-site. Target dates are Aug. 7-16. Pack support will be provided.

• Mud Lake Lookout — This “hike-to” project in the Bob Marshall Wilderness will involve an 8 to 10 day commitment for a crew leader and four volunteers to develop a water source, remove staples, paint and repair shutters. That includes a three-day hike to the site about eight miles northwest of Big Prairie and three days working on-site. Target dates are July 24 to Aug. 3. Pack support will be provided.

• Little Napa Lookout — This drive-to project about 11 miles south-southeast of the village of Swan Lake will involve four work days on-site for a crew leader and one volunteer to replace the lookout cab stairs. Target dates are June 16 to July 31.

• Sex Peak Lookout — This drive-to project on the Kootenai National Forest southeast of Trout Creek will involve five days on site for a crew leader and two volunteers to assist with the replacement of two cabin walls. Target dates are Aug. 2-21.

• Shorter and simpler lookout assessment projects are planned for the Apgar and Mount Brown lookouts in Glacier Park and the Meadow Peak Lookout northwest of McGregor Lake in the Kootenai Forest.