Ruth Ellis
Staff Writer
11/10/2009
    
    The Black Mountain Lookout is set to become the first recreational rental on the Plumas National Forest and is set to open in 2010.
    Located on the northeastern edge of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and approximately 10 miles east of Highway 395 near Milford, the lookout provides unobstructed views of the Honey Lake Valley and Last Chance Creek in the southwest. Lassen Peak can be seen in the far distance.
    Beckwourth Ranger District archaeologist Mary Kliejunas, recreation specialist Judy Schaber and public service staff Micki Smith gave a presentation, which included the history about the lookout and updated information regarding the restoration project during a Wednesday, Oct. 28 meeting of the Janesville Town Council.
    The lookout will have two beds with mattresses in the lookout cab that can host a maximum of four people, eight total with tent camping outside.
    Rental amenities will include a small stove, kitchen utensils, a small refrigerator, heater, lights, and a vault toilet. No water will be provided but there will be a dry sink for dishwashing. A fire pit/grill and picnic table will be available outside of the facility.
    Guests can rent the facility during summer, spring and autumn. Winter availability is still being determined. RVs are discouraged because the road to the lookout is steep and narrow with very limited turn around space.
    It will cost $60 for a one-night rental. Schaber said the money will be used to maintain the facility and enhance recreation opportunities.
    According to Kliejunas, the lookout was built in 1936, but has been un-staffed since the 1980s.
    In 2008, Plumas County Resource Advisory Committee provided grant funding for remodeling. According to a press release from PNF, Mike Martini and Pete Meyer contributed 336 volunteer hours to the project.
    “Their enthusiasm, knowledge and skills were truly invaluable and their contributions have been integral to the success of the overall project,” the press release said.
    Kliejunas said they were working with a sturdy structure that has been well taken care of and the major restoration was repairing the roof. Interior improvements include ripping out the linoleum flooring laid down in the 1960s and restoring the floor to its original hard wood finish. The interior paint on was also changed to reflect the historic look of the facility.  
    The press release said, “Fire lookouts provide extraordinary views of our nation’s forests, and are tangible reminders of the role of the Forest Service in protecting communities from wildfire. Today, some of the lookouts are not staffed for fire detection activities because other technologies are being used instead. There is a great deal of public interest in preserving these lookouts. Adaptive re-use has proven to be a successful way of protecting historic facilities, and Black Mountain Lookout is slated to become the first of many anticipated rentals on the forest. The proposed re-use will not only help to protect this National Register of Historic Places eligible property, but will also provide visitors with an opportunity to experience life on a lookout first hand.”
    When the lookout opens, reservations can be made through the National Recreation Reservation Service. For more information go to reserveusa.com, or call (877) 444-6777.