Open Pond Lookout
US 97, AL 1
Lookout Details
| Registry Numbers | US 97, AL 1 (view other lookouts in United States, Alabama) |
| Date Registered | December 30, 1994 |
| Nominated by | John Yancy, Forest Supervisor, National Forest in Alabama |
| Location |
Conecuh National Forest Covington County, Alabama |
| Coordinates |
N 31° 05.840' W 086° 33.333' (view using Google Maps) N 31° 05' 50" W 086° 33' 20" N 31.097330° W 086.555548° |
| Elevation | 325 ft (99 m) |
| Administered by | U.S. Forest Service |
| Cooperators | Conecuh National Forest |
Description
The presence of history is evident at the Open Pond Lookout Tower located on the Conecuh National Forest just north of the Florida-Alabama state line. Built in 1938-39 by Company 3474 of the CCC, the 100’ structure was manufactured by Jones & Laughlin Steel. This tower, and the Parker Springs Lookout -- also on the Conecuh -- are the only two towers in the state with 12’ x 12’ wooden cabs and catwalks. The other 13 towers still remaining on the national forests in Alabama all have 7’ x 7’ steel cabs.
Fire wardens from the tower have included S.T. Brogden, Glover Colvin, L.T. Sanders, and Martha Odom. The tower has been unstaffed since about 1975.
Map
Change Basemap
Visit Reports
July 24, 2015: Al Pelham
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | No Response |
| Shutters OK? | Yes |
| Condition of wood OK? | Yes |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | No Response |
| Good condition? | Yes |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | No |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | No |
| Directions to tower signed? | No |
| Comments? | NHLR sign is missing. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | No Response |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | No Response |
January 6, 2009: Maria L. Schleidt
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | No Response |
| Shutters OK? | No Response |
| Condition of wood OK? | Yes |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | Yes |
| Good condition? | Yes |
| Comments: | This tower was rehabiliated during the fall and winter of 2006. The roof shingles were replaced as well as the wooden steps and catwalk. The windows and door were replaced with replicas and interior and exterior were repainted. The fire finder was repaired and cleaned by March 2007. Last visited January 2, 2009. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | Yes |
| Other enroachments? | State antennae |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | Yes |
| Directions to tower signed? | No |
| Comments? | USFS tower sign at entrance to tower. NHRL sign at base of tower. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | No Response |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? |
No Response
Contact the Ranger at the Conecuh National Forest for further info on staffing.
|
October 23, 2007: Al Pelham
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | No Response |
| Shutters OK? | No Response |
| Condition of wood OK? | No Response |
| Stairs OK? | No Response |
| Glass intact? | No Response |
| Good condition? | Yes |
| Comments: | Recent (last 6 months) roof, repaint. It looks good. I think they worked on the fire finder and other interior clean up/fix up. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | No |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | Yes |
| Directions to tower signed? | No |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | No Response |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | No Response |