WA-4052
April 30-May 4; May 7-11; June 11-15, 2012
Must commit to one full session; may participate in more
La Wis Wis Guard Station was built in 1937, and is an important piece of Gifford Pinchot National Forest history. It is one of only two structures of its design in the region. The rustic cabin is situated in beautiful La Wis Wis Campground just off US Highway 12, in the Cascade Mountains near the southern entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. Old-growth cedar and Douglas fir tower overhead, and the Ohanapecosh River and Clear Fork of the Cowlitz River create an idyllic setting. Three separate Wilderness areas are also in the immediate vicinity. Constructed as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work project, the 25 x 32 foot guard station embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Northwest Rustic style typical of Forest Service, Depression-era architecture. The design incorporates horizontal cedar siding, a tall gable roof with board-and-batten gable ends, exterior stone chimney, and distinctive multi-light windows. The cabin was used as an administrative residence until it went into disuse in the 1990s. Since then, it has been subject to water damage and moisture problems. The objective of our PIT project is to begin the first part of a multi-year restoration and rehabilitation effort to prepare the cabin for future use. Project team members will be involved in a variety of activities including: replacement of roofing material; removal, salvage, and repair of interior flooring and wall paneling; and rehabilitation of the existing foundation. Join us to help put this historic guard station back into use!
Number of openings: 24 (8 per session)
Special skills: Previous carpentry, construction, and/or historic building restoration experience preferred, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Onsite tent and RV camping provided at no charge at La Wis Wis Campground; water, vault toilets, picnic area; no hookups; other camping options available in the greater area at volunteer expense; Packwood is a full-service community with motels/lodges, B&Bs, restaurants, and a range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment/lodging, food, and transportation
Nearest towns: Packwood, 7 miles
Applications due: February 27, 2012