KLAMATH COUNTY
UNION PEAK
Crater Lake National Park; 31S-5E
An emergency lookout site with no permanent structures.
July 20, 1939: " Reference is made to your memorandum of July 11 together with Regional Forester Sanford’s comments regarding CCC Job 155-116, Lookout tower on Union Peak and drawing CL-2057A for the structure.
The question as to the type of structure to provide on Union Peak was thoroughly discussed at a conference which was attended by Foresters Thompson and Dodd, Assistant Superintendent Parker, General Supervisor Haynes, Chief Ranger Crouch and Park Naturalist Doerr, and Resident Landscape Architect Lange.
It was agreed by those present that the use, present and long range, to be given the detection point should have a material effect upon the type of structure to be built. It was pointed out that the equipment now in place on the top of Union Peak is adequate for a limited amount of secondary detection in the park but that the point should occupy a more prominent place in the park’s detection system, this to be accomplished by building an adequate structure, properly insulated and suitable for an observer to spend a week or more in the structure.
Statistical information available indicates that Union Peak will be or should be used more extensively for detection and to afford many required cross shots and much cooperative work with the two existing lookouts. In other words, we are endeavoring to weigh not the present use of Union Peak but the use it is capable of performing both now and in the future in order to reach a decision with respect to the type of structure to build on it. We definitely feel that Union Peak, provided an adequate building is provided, will find a decidedly more active place in the detection system, even reaching primary status some time in the future. For the reasons enumerated, we feel that the lookout on Union Peak should be more than a mere shelter which is properly grounded for lightning.
On the other hand, we feel that the type of building for this point should not be of a design or character far more elaborate than is required for present and potential needs in the future. The lookout will not, or at least we contemplate that it will not, be visited by the public, and, therefore, should not be designed with that particular feature in mind. The cost of the building is a most important concern to us and we are reluctant to see an expenditure of funds for features which may never be required or which might very well be deferred; likewise we are reluctant to see the elimination of some feature or features which are essential now and which might become essential at some future time.
We recommend approval of the plan for the lookout structure subject to the following modifications; reduce the size of the observation room from 14’ x 14’ to 12’ x 12’; substitute wood sash for the steel sash, and install a wood floor in the storage room instead of the concrete floor. The modifications suggested will reduce the estimated cost of the structure considerably and will meet the needs contemplated for this lookout. Signed E.P. Leavitt, Superintendent." (Memorandum for the Regional Director)
The question as to the type of structure to provide on Union Peak was thoroughly discussed at a conference which was attended by Foresters Thompson and Dodd, Assistant Superintendent Parker, General Supervisor Haynes, Chief Ranger Crouch and Park Naturalist Doerr, and Resident Landscape Architect Lange.
It was agreed by those present that the use, present and long range, to be given the detection point should have a material effect upon the type of structure to be built. It was pointed out that the equipment now in place on the top of Union Peak is adequate for a limited amount of secondary detection in the park but that the point should occupy a more prominent place in the park’s detection system, this to be accomplished by building an adequate structure, properly insulated and suitable for an observer to spend a week or more in the structure.
Statistical information available indicates that Union Peak will be or should be used more extensively for detection and to afford many required cross shots and much cooperative work with the two existing lookouts. In other words, we are endeavoring to weigh not the present use of Union Peak but the use it is capable of performing both now and in the future in order to reach a decision with respect to the type of structure to build on it. We definitely feel that Union Peak, provided an adequate building is provided, will find a decidedly more active place in the detection system, even reaching primary status some time in the future. For the reasons enumerated, we feel that the lookout on Union Peak should be more than a mere shelter which is properly grounded for lightning.
On the other hand, we feel that the type of building for this point should not be of a design or character far more elaborate than is required for present and potential needs in the future. The lookout will not, or at least we contemplate that it will not, be visited by the public, and, therefore, should not be designed with that particular feature in mind. The cost of the building is a most important concern to us and we are reluctant to see an expenditure of funds for features which may never be required or which might very well be deferred; likewise we are reluctant to see the elimination of some feature or features which are essential now and which might become essential at some future time.
We recommend approval of the plan for the lookout structure subject to the following modifications; reduce the size of the observation room from 14’ x 14’ to 12’ x 12’; substitute wood sash for the steel sash, and install a wood floor in the storage room instead of the concrete floor. The modifications suggested will reduce the estimated cost of the structure considerably and will meet the needs contemplated for this lookout. Signed E.P. Leavitt, Superintendent." (Memorandum for the Regional Director)
August 29, 1939: "In analyzing this project it appears that the superintendent, although recommending the project, is not convinced that this type of structure is the only type necessary for carrying on the present-day fire control. Furthermore, although Foresters Dodd and Thompson accompanied the inspection party in Crater Lake National Park, and either approved or did not recommend adversely in connection with the proposed lookout, it appears that all, including especially Acting Chief of forestry L.F. Cook, feel that the park would be controlled adequately, so as Union Peak is concerned, for the present by a simple shelter which will provide protection from lightning and cover for the observer and instruments..
We think your handling of the case, as stated in your letter of July 28, is entirely proper. The fundamental control of the park is vested in the park superintendent. At the same time in technical matters we desire to give every consideration to the viewpoint of the technicians. In this particular case, from the correspondence we do not believe that the superintendent will be adverse to this decision. (Memorandum for the Acting Regional Director, Region 4 from J.R. White, Acting Director)
September 7, 1939: "Reference is made to drawing CL-2057-A, Fire Lookout, Union Peak, Crater Lake National Park, submitted for approval by the Director with our memorandum of July 28.
The drawing has been returned by the Director's Office with his memorandum of August 29, copies of which were, we noted, forwarded to you. The comments embodied in both these memoranda have been reviewed by the Branch of Forestry, and the Regional Forester concurs in the recommendation of the Acting Chief of Forestry.
We believe that you will wish to give further study to the type of instrument shelter necessary for Union Peak, and return the original drawing under separate cover." (Memorandum to Superintendent Leavitt from the Assistant Regional Director B.F. Manbey)
September 27, 1939: "After considerable study by the forestry department and members of the park staff, it is quite likely that we will not construct the lookout on Union Peak.
However, we find that the lookout on Mount Scott is very old and is in need of replacement. At this time it seems likely that we will request that this lookout be constructed on Mount Scott to replace the existing one and will ask that the Forestry Division comment on the practicability of this change." (Memorandum for the Regional Director, from the Acting Superintendent)
August 9, 1950: "A report telephoned from Crater Lake national park this morning said that yesterdays storms were the most severe of the season in the park. Lightning caused at least two small fires and hailstones covered the ground two inches deep at Annie Springs. A total of .32 inch precipitation was measured in the park.
Because of forecasts of similar storms today, the park staff has manned a secondary fire lookout on Union peak, it was reported." (Medford Mail Tribune)