Gypsy Cabin 2023 - Passport in Time

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Current Projects > 2020 > 2021 > 2022 > 2023
Washington - Colville NF
Closed! Gypsy Copper Cabin Restoration, Phase VI

20220819_132054.jpg by US Forest Service
Gypsy Copper Camp in 2022

WA-4491
July 17-21, 2023
Volunteers must commit to entire session

Come on back to Gypsy this summer! The Gypsy Copper Cabin is part of an historic mining complex that dates from around 1900, and is maintained by the Forest as an interpretive site. The site includes the main cabin, a smaller powder house used in the past to store blasting powder and dynamite, and the mine adits that are located a short hike away. Passport in Time projects are no stranger here, and several have been focused on the powder house. We’ve changed tack since then, and are now concentrated on Gypsy Cabin, which has had a few rough years! But, it is now well into its restoration. In 2020, the first phase of the project was completed, wherein the cabin was disassembled, and its parts documented and labeled. In 2021, we reconstructed and repaired the foundation, gathered up materials, and repaired or replaced damaged and rotten logs that had been part of the building’s original construction. During Phase V in 2022, we reconstructed the cabin’s walls.

This year, during Phase VI, we will tackle reassembling the roof, rehabbing associated areas, and we’ll so some finish carpentry. All of this will include, at a minimum: installing new beams and a replacement ceiling, and building new rafters. If there is time, we hope to install a new metal roof. To prep for all of this, participants will be hewing and fitting logs, doing heavy log construction, overall basic finish carpentry, and site preparation work. Duration is one week, Monday-Friday, and we are always dirty, sore, and sweaty, but we have always had a lot of fun! Besides, in the hours off the clock, this is a truly beautiful piece of earth – we hope you’ll come back for ‘Round VI!’

Please note that current COVID-19 protocols as recommended by the CDC and Forest Service will be followed to ensure the safety of volunteers and staff.

Number of openings: 4

Special skills: Previous carpentry, log building, or masonry experience helpful, but not necessary

Minimum age: 16 years old; applicants under the age of 18 must apply with a parent or guardian; guardian MUST submit a separate application and plan to attend for the full time frame as applicant

Facilities: Dispersed tent and small- to mid-sized RV camping available at no charge in Gypsy Meadow; very basic facilities (access to water; vault toilet); no hook-ups; a secondary location can be arranged at need at nearby East Sullivan Lake Campground; improved amenities in formal campsites, suited for large RV and trailer use; advanced notice will be necessary for East Sullivan Lake Campground, as we will need to make arrangements with the campground to pay for your stay if budget allows; selected applicants should inform project leader at time of selection if this facility should be secured; hotel/motel, restaurants, and other amenities available in the neighboring communities of Metaline Falls and Ione; volunteers responsible for own lodging/personal camping equipment, food, water, and daily transportation to and from designated meeting area(s)

Nearest towns: Metaline Falls, 15 miles; Ione, 25 miles; Salmo, B.C., 43 miles

Applications due: Deadline Extended!

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