MO-3788
October 26–November 1, 2008 (including weekends)
Must commit to full session
The Sinking Creek Lookout Tower complex on the Mark Twain National Forest in southern Missouri was one of many Forest Service administrative sites built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during their operation from 1933 to 1942. During this time, the CCC, as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal work relief program, built many of the fire lookout towers and recreational facilities in the national forests. The Sinking Creek complex, with its rustic CCC-era construction has withstood the test of time, and has become synonymous with the "good ol' days" of back-country recreation and public land management, but is now in need of some care.
Aside from the lookout tower, the complex consists of a residence, garage, outhouse, and other associated features located adjacent to the 350 mile Ozark Trail, a National Recreation Trail. The site is located just north of the Irish Wilderness, the largest wilderness area in Missouri, and between the Current River (a National Scenic Riverway) and the Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River. The area offers excellent opportunities for river recreation, and the last week of October is the peak time for viewing fall color in Missouri.
Volunteers and historic preservation experts will restore the residence and garage to their 1940s appearance. Planned activities include replacing the front and rear porches and window frames, replacing or restoring doors, repainting the exterior and interior, exposing and restoring the original floors, and other restoration tasks that will likely crop up. Once restoration is complete, the Sinking Creek residence will be available to the public for overnight stays as a recreation cabin rental.
Number of openings: 10
Special skills: Previous experience with historic structure restoration helpful but not required
Minimum age: 12 years old; under 18 with a responsible adult
Facilities: Lodging may be available in motels and bed and breakfast facilities in Van Buren, Alton, and Winona; tent and RV camping available on site; water, vault toilets, and electrical hookups available at campsites; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, drinking water, and food; must have own solar showers; wash water and solar shower hanging facilities provided by project; port-a-potties at project site
Nearest towns: Van Buren, 25 miles; Alton, 25 miles; Winona, 25 miles
Applications due: August 24, 2008