Pole Creek GS II 2021 - Passport in Time
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Current Projects > 2020 > 2021
Idaho - Sawtooth NF
Closed! Pole Creek Guard Station Restoration, Phase II
Pole Creek Guard Station after Phase I Reroofing
ID-4457
June 27-July 3, 2021 (including weekends)
Volunteers must commit to entire session
The Pole Creek Guard Station, constructed in 1909, is located on the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) and is the oldest standing Forest Service structure on the Sawtooth National Forest. Although some restoration work was accomplished in 1989 and the building was evaluated and found eligible for placement on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), some roof maintenance (shingle replacements, etc), painting, and a few boards around the walkway need to be replaced. The Idaho State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has expressed the need for us to complete maintenance, and actually nominate this building for inclusion on the NRHP. This is our second year of the restoration project at this historic structure. In 2019, the cabin was re-roofed with sawn cedar shingles; the attic was cleaned of debris, and the deck area around the cabin was cleaned. 2021 will mark the second phase of the restoration at Pole Creek GS. This year, we’ll be removing old daubing from and applying new daubing between the Station’s logs, and we’ll also tighten and add to old chinking. Participants will be mixing and applying daubing by hand, and chinking will be either wood pieces made on site and nailed into place, or will be pieces formed on an expanded metal lathe, depending on the spaces between logs.
The SNRA consists of 756,000 acres of beautiful mountainous scenery, and includes the Sawtooth Wilderness, Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness, and the Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness areas. There are over 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks rising over 10,000 feet and 300-plus high-elevation alpine lakes that add to the spectacular scenery and vistas. And aside from all the beauty surrounding you, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating and canoeing, rafting, observing nature, photography and bicycling can be taken on in your time “off the clock!” We hope you’ll join us this summer as we continue to put the polish on this historic gem, and we hope you’ll take in some breathtaking scenery while you’re at it!
We are flexible on arrivals/departures, but are hoping to have a few hands on-deck for Sunday, June 27th for project preparation, and on Saturday, July 3rd for project clean-up.
Please note: Strict COVID-19 protocols will be followed, including the wearing of masks, social distancing, etcetera. Additionally, given current national and global circumstances, some aspects of the project may be subject to change. The project leader will notify all selectees should this occur.
Number of openings: 10
Special skills: Special skills helpful, but not required, Daubing & chinking log cabins.
Minimum age: 16 years old; applicants under the age of 18 must apply with a parent or guardian; guardian MUST submit a separate application and plan to attend
Facilities: There is a store, restaurant, and gas station at Smiley Creek Lodge. Stanley is a full-service community with hotels/motels, restaurants, and full range of other amenities. Lodging near the guard station is camping at a dispersed site about a quarter mile from the work site. Participants who camped in 2019 brought their own tents, trailers or pick-ups. Tent and RV camping is available at Alturas Inlet Campground (~7 miles from the project area): https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sawtooth/recarea/?recid=5944), and at Pettit Lake (~10 miles from the project area): https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sawtooth/recarea/?recid=5946); both are available on a first come, first-served basis; amenities vary and fees may apply; reservations also available at Smiley Creek Lodge in Sawtooth City (~3 miles west of project area: http://smileycreeklodge.com/lodging/); cabins, lodge rooms, yurt, and teepees; fees will apply; if opting to stay at campsites or lodge, please make reservations early, as all fill up fast. The host agency will not provide housing. On-site amenities will include porta-potties and hand-washing stations at the dispersed camp location and at the work site. There is no water on site and participants went to nearby USFS campgrounds to fill their water jugs. There is no Wi-Fi or electrical power at the dispersed site (or work area). There is cell phone service available occasionally near the community of Smiley Creek depending, on your service provider. A free Forest Service RV Dump and Water facility is located across the street from Smiley Creek Lodge. Volunteers responsible for own camping equipment/lodging, meals, water jugs, and daily transportation to and from designated meeting area
Nearest towns: Ketchum, 38 miles; Stanley, 39 miles; Hailey, 49 miles
Applications due: April 19, 2021
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