In recognition of the BC Forest Service's centennial birthday, the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, is honouring B.C.'s wildfire fighting history and increasing local recreation opportunities by restoring forest fire lookouts near five communities around the province.

This year, forest fire lookouts are being restored near Terrace, Houston, Enderby, Kaslo and Boston Bar. Ministry staff reviewed all restoration opportunities and strategically chose the five projects based on location, accessibility, community use and historical significance. In addition, six lookouts are being inspected and assessed for possible restoration next year.

The ministry is restoring the lookouts in partnership with local governments, community groups, organizations, businesses, individuals and volunteers.

Forest fire lookouts have been a part of the province's history for decades and have played an instrumental role in the early detection of wildfires. They were replaced by new technology, improved public reporting and aerial detection. More recently, the lookouts have become important recreational assets for residents and tourists.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

"This project is creating jobs for local businesses by adding to the number of tourism and outdoor recreation opportunities around the province. It also supports heritage conservation in B.C."

President, BC Forest Service Centenary Society, Mike Apsey -

"These restoration projects are excellent examples of the importance of preserving the history of the BC Forest Service. Technological advances have lessened the use of lookouts but there is still a mystique attached to them that strikes a chord with the public."

"I am pleased that this has led to an increased awareness of the province's wildfire fighting history, which has generated numerous interesting and historic personal stories spanning many generations."

Quick Facts:

• There are currently 320 forest fire lookouts locations in British Columbia. Of those, 20 are considered active and required by the Wildfire Management Branch.

• Lookouts offer incredible world-class vistas and views and may also be used as weather stations and communication sites.

• The Buchanan lookout and Idaho Peak lookout each have approximately 12,000 visitors annually.

• Lookouts provide recreation/tourism opportunities year-round with hiking and ATV use during the summer and cross-country and snowmobile use in the winter.

Learn More:

Photos of lookouts and restorations: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcgovphotos/sets/72157631613813520/

BC Forest Service Centenary Society: http://www.bcfs100.ca/bscripts/index.asp

Recreation Sites and Trails BC: http://www.sitesandtrailsbc.ca/default.aspx

Learn about heritage in B.C.: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/heritage/

Learn about wildfire history in B.C.: http://bcwildfire.ca/

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

BACKGROUNDER

Forest fire lookout restoration projects for 2012

There are five forest fire lookout restoration projects around the province either completed or currently underway.

Thornhill lookout, Terrace

Restoration: complete

• The lookout has been restored to the original 1920s structure, complete with fire finder and interpretive signs.

•  The lookout will also be used as a warming hut for hikers and snowmobilers.

• The site is on an established recreation trail - one of the most-popular high-elevation hikes in the Terrace area.

• Contributions received from Northwest Community College, Quantum Helicopters, Lake Drive Lumber, Northwest Timberlands, Rotary Club of Terrace, Kinsmen Club of Terrace and McElhanney's Consulting Services Ltd. as well as numerous individuals.

Nahatlatch lookout, Boston Bar

Restoration: complete

• The restoration included replacement of the entire lookout building, new interpretive signs including information about the restoration process, as well as historic stories from past forest rangers.

• The partnership includes members of the Four Wheel Drive Association of BC, the Southwestern All Terrain Trail, and the Nahatlatch Valley Cabin Owners, who have all contributed greatly to this restoration.

• The location on the west side of the Fraser River will provide new tourism opportunities for the town of Boston Bar.

Buchanan lookout, Kaslo

Restoration: complete

• Set up as a functional lookout complete with fire finder, interpretive signs, kiosks and diorama.

• This site is a popular tourist destination that offers motor vehicle/ATV access.

• Local participation from the Village of Kaslo, the Trailblazers Society, the Kaslo Community Forest, as well as many individual volunteers.

Owen Hill lookout, Houston

Restoration: underway (target completion: mid-October)

• Initial restoration and upgrading of the existing lookout structure has begun.

• The Houston Hikers Society are partners in restoring the lookout and installing new signs.

• The restoration and collaborative effort will be commemorated with a bronze plaque.

Mara Lookout, Enderby

Restoration: Underway (target completion mid-October)

• Initial restoration and upgrading of the existing lookout structure has begun.

• This site is a popular summer and winter recreation destination.

• The key partner for the restoration is the local Kingfisher Historical Society.

In addition, there are six lookouts that are being assessed for consideration for restoration next year. They include: Fraser Mountain Lookout, Fraser Lake; Bickford Lookout, Chetwynd; Woss Lookout, Woss; McBride Peaks Lookout, McBride; Lakit Lookout (aka Wildhorse), Cranbrook; and Mt. Cartier Lookout, Revelstoke.

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261