Green Pond Mountain Lookout
US 83, NJ 4
Lookout Details
| Registry Numbers | US 83, NJ 4 (view other lookouts in United States, New Jersey) |
| Date Registered | June 4, 1994 |
| Location |
Picatinny Arsenal Morris County, New Jersey |
| Coordinates |
N 40° 57.003' W 074° 34.132' (view using Google Maps) N 40° 57' 00" W 074° 34' 08" N 40.950050° W 074.568867° |
| Elevation | 1,240 ft (378 m) |
| Administered by | Picatinny Arsenal |
| Cooperators | New Jersey Chapter, FFLA |
Description
The only fire tower in New Jersey to have a catwalk, Green Pond Mountain Lookout was built in 1942 as a sentry and fire detection site overlooking the fuse and explosive assembly area by the U.S. Army in the Picatinny Arsenal. With reduced military activity in recent years, the site has not been used and plans were underway to remove the cab and refurbish the steel tower as an antenna site. Restoration of the tower is complete, and the New Jersey Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association has accepted the task of rebuilding the cab. A forest fire in April, 1994 was stopped with a backfire at the tower and it is anticipated that the structure will again be staffed during periods of high fire danger.
Map
Change Basemap
Visit Reports
September 1, 2023: John Grivalsky
Condition |
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| Needs paint? | Yes |
| Shutters OK? | No |
| Condition of wood OK? | No |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | No |
| Good condition? | No |
| Comments: | Since last report the cab has deteriorated even further. The remaining glass along with asphalt shingles litter the steps. The east and west overhang of the cab roof have rotted to the main structure. Facia hangs loose and will not make winter. Front of structure is completely open. All window sashes are rotten and wood splinters at a slight touch. Cab is leaning west, roof cupola vents are no longer operational. Cab not likely to last more than 5 years at this rate. Sad demise for an old friend. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
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| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | No |
| Comments: | Nearby but not on tower itself |
Access and Signs |
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| NHLR sign posted? | |
| Directions to tower signed? | |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | |
Photos |
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February 16, 2023: Nathan Wells
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | Yes |
| Shutters OK? | No Response |
| Condition of wood OK? | No Response |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | No |
| Good condition? | Yes |
| Comments: | The tower is in overall good condition. The small tower shed at the base of the tower is in extreme disrepair. The roof has collapsed and there is internal damage. The tower stairs were in excellent condition. The railings seemed to be relatively new, perhaps not that many years old. The steel structure does bounce quite a bit when ascending the steps. I only climbed to the third platform on this visit but will go again and climb to the top when I have others with me to ensure safety. <br /> <br />The tower is badly in need of paint and there is some rust buildup. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | Yes |
| Comments: | Radio antennas are attached to the tower and cabling runs up the side. |
| Other enroachments? | A cell phone tower has been placed directly adjacent to the fire lookout tower. |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | Yes |
| Directions to tower signed? | Yes |
| Comments? | There is a sign reading "Historical Marker" at the intersection of Berkshire Hill Rd and Berkshire Trail. There is an arrow pointing the way down the narrow road (Berkshire Trail) leading to the tower. This is what caught my attention and directed me to the tower. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | Unsure |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | Unsure |
August 29, 2020: John Grivalsky
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | Yes |
| Shutters OK? | No |
| Condition of wood OK? | No |
| Stairs OK? | Yes |
| Glass intact? | No |
| Good condition? | No |
| Comments: | Tower 291 or Green Pond Mountain Fire Tower is slated for demolition, has been abandoned for use as a Radio Tower and sits dormant. The roof overhang for the catwalk has collapsed and no glass remains intact. The structure is still in good condition with the cab in very poor shape. NJFFS has expressed interest in taking over the tower to utilize due to its prime location. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | Yes |
| Comments: | A cellular array mono pole antenna has been installed within 50 feet of the structure |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | Yes |
| Directions to tower signed? | No |
| Comments? | Access is generally not given to the general public, post has been closed to public access since 2001 |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | Unsure |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | Yes |