WHITMORE MOUNTAIN
Okanogan County - Colville Indian Reservation - 31N-28E-13
June 1, 1934: “Pete Whitlaw and Mr. Patrie of the Indian agency at Nespelem were on Whitmore mountain last week looking for a suitable route to the lookout station which will be built on the east end of the mountain soon.” (The Wenatchee Daily World)
June 13, 1934: “The Indian department is now working on Whitmore mountain. They have a camp there and some lumber has been hauled up. They are cutting poles and building a trail.” (The Wenatchee Daily World)
September 8, 1934: “A caterpillar tractor and a grader went up on Whitmore mountain Tuesday to start work on the new road.” (The Wenatchee Daily World)
1935: Lookout structures built with Civilian Conservation Corp labor.
1935: Lookout structures built with Civilian Conservation Corp labor.
January 2, 1935: "The men of the CCC camp on Whitmore mountain are moving to the Disautel camp for the winter but plan on moving back in the spring to complete the lookout station." (The Nespelem Tribune)
July 17, 1943: “Many teachers are employed this summer as fire lookouts in the Colville national forest, according to Chief Ranger Mel Robertson of Nespelem. Miss Georgia Brown, Colville, on Whitmore mountain.” (The Colville Examiner)
July 17, 1943: “Many teachers are employed this summer as fire lookouts in the Colville national forest, according to Chief Ranger Mel Robertson of Nespelem. Miss Georgia Brown, Colville, on Whitmore mountain.” (The Colville Examiner)
November 7, 1960: "The lookout consists of a 3-legged wooden tower, 60 feet high, at 3949 ft. elevation. Quarters cabin built on ground. Structures were built by the CCC in 1935 for $1046.
The lookout is 31 miles from the Agency. Location is very windy. Radio reception is good. Water 1 1/2 miles distant. Wood available. Soil formation dirt and rock.
Sixty degrees of the surrounding are is not visible from present lookout, due to its location and elevation. The tower is badly deteriorated due to age and weather and is definitely unsound and unsafe. The stairs and handrails are in extremely bad condition. The living cabin is also in poor condition. Effective repair or rehabilitation of the tower and cabin are out of the question due to age and weathering of the materials.
It is proposed that a 50-ft. steel tower with 14' x 14' quarters on top be built 1200 feet south of the present site. This would afford greatly improved surveillance of forest areas because of improved location and because the watcher would not be required to descend for the night or to prepare meals. The proposed new site is on private land and it would be necessary to obtain right of way. There is an existing road from present site to the proposed site. Area at the new site is ample." (Inspection Report)
November 7, 1960: "The lookout consists of a 3-legged wooden tower, 60 feet high, at 3949 ft. elevation. Quarters cabin built on ground. Structures were built by the CCC in 1935 for $1046.
The lookout is 31 miles from the Agency. Location is very windy. Radio reception is good. Water 1 1/2 miles distant. Wood available. Soil formation dirt and rock.
Sixty degrees of the surrounding are is not visible from present lookout, due to its location and elevation. The tower is badly deteriorated due to age and weather and is definitely unsound and unsafe. The stairs and handrails are in extremely bad condition. The living cabin is also in poor condition. Effective repair or rehabilitation of the tower and cabin are out of the question due to age and weathering of the materials.
It is proposed that a 50-ft. steel tower with 14' x 14' quarters on top be built 1200 feet south of the present site. This would afford greatly improved surveillance of forest areas because of improved location and because the watcher would not be required to descend for the night or to prepare meals. The proposed new site is on private land and it would be necessary to obtain right of way. There is an existing road from present site to the proposed site. Area at the new site is ample." (Inspection Report)
August 30, 1962: In discussing the proposed rebuilding of Whitemore Mountain lookout, foresters of your agency have suggested relocating it at a more favorable site, apparently one-quarter mile southwest of the present site, which would place it on privately owned land. The exact location desired is known by Forester Fred Rickard.
It seems appropriate to this office that the necessary survey and arrangements for Bureau use of the desired site be conducted by your agency.
When this has been accomplished, we will be able to go ahead with the contract for the new tower. Please advise us of progress in acquisition of the site. If we can be of any assistance, please call on us." (Letter to Elmo Miller, Superintendent, Colville Agency from Area Director)