Stearns Fire Tower
US 822, KY 6

Lookout Details

Registry Numbers US 822, KY 6 (view other lookouts in United States, Kentucky)
Date Registered August 3, 2009
Nominated by Michael Spanjer
Location Stearns
McCreary County, Kentucky
Coordinates N 36° 42.283' W 084° 29.387' (view using Google Maps)
N 36° 42' 17" W 084° 29' 23"
N 36.704710° W 084.489790°
Elevation 1,420 ft (433 m)
Built 1934
Administered by Nolan Johnson, Owner
Cooperators Nolan Johnson, Owner

Description

The CCC constructed the Stearns Fire Tower in 1934 on the Cumberland National Forest (since renamed the Daniel Boone National Forest). The 110' Aermotor tower with 7'x7' metal cab is now owned and maintained by Nolan Johnson.

Map

Change Basemap

Visit Reports

April 18, 2009: Michael Spanjer

Condition

Needs paint? Yes
Shutters OK? No Response
Condition of wood OK? No Response
Stairs OK? Yes
Glass intact? No Response
Good condition? Yes
Comments: Structure appears complete, but steel is rusty. Steps are steel. Cab <br /> <br />floor has had extra layer of wood added.

Electronics and Enroachments

Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? Yes
Other enroachments? A few antenna towers are on the same hilltop and some small antennas <br /> <br />are mounted on the tower.

Access and Signs

NHLR sign posted? No
Directions to tower signed? No

Staffing

Staffed? No
Landowner keeps a close eye on the tower.

Opportunities for Volunteer Support

Volunteers staffing opportunities? No Response
Volunteer maintenance opportunities? Yes
Owner would be very receptive to volunteer work and would himself probably be a volunteer. Community support possible as this tower is in close proximity to the small town of Stearns, KY which attracts a lot of tourists each year due to its history. Anti-rust paint to prevent further rusting and preserve structure would be great. Replacement of cab floor before the next layer of wood rots too much would also be beneficial.