Fish Lake GS 2022 - Passport in Time
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Oregon - Willamette NF
Closed! Fish Lake Guard Station Interpretive Project 2022
Fish Lake Dispatcher’s Cabin. USFS Photography by Lowell Evans
OR-4471
(All sessions will include weekends)
Session 1: July 5–14, 2022
Session 2: July 14–26, 2022
Session 3: July 26–August 4, 2022
Session 4: August 4–16, 2022
Session 5: August 16–25, 2022
Session 6: August 25–September 6, 2022
Volunteers must commit to 1 entire session; may participate in more
Nestled in the High Cascades of Western Oregon, at an elevation of 3,200 feet above sea level, you will find the Fish Lake Guard Station. It lies 20 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge within Linn County, near the junction of U.S. Highway 20 and Oregon State Highway 126. The Station is a Forest Service administrative building group constructed in the early 1900s, and was in regular use between then and the 1960s. During its formal life span, it served as a guard station, fire headquarters, and remount station. The site is bordered to the southwest by Fish Lake, and encompasses 16.81 acres of gently sloping, south-facing, high plateau terrain. It hosts 18 historic buildings, structures, and sites, as well as two non-historic buildings and other structures. The Guard Station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), as is the Santiam Wagon Road, which cuts through the Guard Station complex. This section of road passing near Fish Lake contributed a significant role in the decision of where to construct the compound.
This year’s PIT volunteers will receive some initial training and orientation to the Fish Lake compound, its history, and that of the local area. Then, we’ll turn you loose, and will rely on your friendly faces and people-skills as you host the sessions! Volunteers will welcome visitors, provide information, and answer questions about the Guard Station and its use over the past 100-plus years! Early sessions may provide you the opportunity to work on projects on site and/or help with structure or grounds maintenance with the on-site manager or with the group “Friends of Fish Lake.” During your hours “off the clock,” this is a fantastic place for walks, hikes, fishing, wildlife (and people) viewing, and so much more! Please be sure to indicate which session(s) you wish to be considered for on your applications, and apply today – we hope to see you for another great season at Fish Lake Guard Station!
Please note: all volunteers will be required to follow current COVID-19 guidelines, which may include social-distancing, providing proof of qualifying vaccinations, and/or the wearing of masks. Further, due to the ever-evolving nature of the pandemic, this project could be amended, postponed, or canceled. Selected volunteers are encouraged to remain in contact with project leads to stay apprised of any changes.
Number of openings: ~12 (1-2 volunteers per session; couples encouraged to apply)
Special skills: Must enjoy talking to and interacting with the public on a daily basis, and have an appreciation of history and the outdoors; previous hosting, maintenance (ground and/or structure) or related construction/groundskeeping experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Volunteers may camp (tent or RV) on-site in designated area at no charge; septic disposal for RVs available on-site; pit toilets; a flush toilet and shower are also usually available (please note, however, the water runs off of a generator and if there are any issues with the generator, then water may not be available); restaurant available at Clear Lake Resort (~2 miles west of Fish Lake), and there is a small shop open to the public where minimal food supplies can be purchased; McKenzie Bridge is a limited-services community with gas station, restaurants and convenience store; Sisters is a full-service community with hotels/motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for own lodging/camping equipment, food, water, and daily transportation
Nearest towns: McKenzie Bridge, 23 miles; Sisters, 31 miles; Detroit, 36 miles
Applications due: May 2, 2022
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