The Forest Service is looking for volunteers who want to climb the regions tallest peak and then undertake some hard labor.
A plan is underway to do maintenance on the lookout tower at the top of Harney Peak--and the Forest Service is looking for volunteers to help with the project.
The peak is in the middle of a wilderness area, no motorized travel is allowed, so all tools and building materials must be carried in by pack mules.
Matthew Padilla is an Archeologist for the Black Hills National Forest. He says the renovation includes 19 new windows and three new doors.
“There currently aren’t any windows or doors in the tower itself. And, natural erosion, the freeze thaw cycle, is starting to deteriorate the mortar rather quickly. So, over the last few years the deterioration really has increased. We’re looking to reverse that, or stop that, with our work up there this summer,” says Padilla.
Padilla says it’s been about 20 years since the last major tower upgrade. He says proper maintenance at the tower protects the taxpayer's investment in the property over the long term. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is helping with financial support. The Harney Peak lookout sees 30-thousand visitors annually.
The work is scheduled for September 9-14 of this year.
Those interested in participating, please contact Hell Canyon Ranger District Archaeologist Matthew Padilla by August 26, 2013 at (605) 673-4853 for more details. For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, you can click here.