Pole Creek GS Rehab II 2020 - Passport in Time

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Current Projects > 2020
Idaho - Sawtooth NF
Closed! Pole Creek Guard Station Restoration, Phase II

20190625_105250.jpg by US Forest Service
The little cabin gets a new roof and a new lease on life during Pole Creek Phase I PIT project

ID-4439
June 22-27, 2020 (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. 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!

Number of openings: 14

Special skills: Previous historic restoration and/or carpentry experience helpful, but not required

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: Dispersed available 1/4 mile north of the project site; chemical toilet; pit toilet at project site; Tent and RV camping available at Alturas Inlet Campground (~7 miles from the project area:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sawtooth/recarea/?recid=5944) and Pettit Lake (~10 miles from the project area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/sawtooth/recarea/?recid=5946) 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.

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. Volunteers responsible for own camping equipment/lodging, meals, water jugs, and daily transportation to and from designated meeting area

Nearest towns: Sawtooth City 3 miles; Stanley, 40 miles

Applications due: April 13, 2020

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