Tofte RS 2016 - Passport in Time

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Minnesota - Superior NF
Closed! Tofte Ranger Station Historic Rehabilitation Project

Ranger_dwelling by USDA Forest Service/Lee Johnson
Ranger Dwelling at Tofte Ranger Station Complex


MN-4313
August 24-31; September 6-10, 2016 (including weekends)

Must commit to a minimum of five days

Join us this August and September for a restoration project along the beautiful north shore of Lake Superior! PIT volunteers will team up with Superior National Forest staff and young adults from the Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps (NBHPC) as we take on the task of maintenance and rehabilitation of six, National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-eligible, log buildings within the Tofte Ranger Station complex. The buildings, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) from 1935-1936, are excellent examples of rustic, Adirondack-style architecture, typical of public works projects in the Great Lakes area. However, time and the elements have taken their toll, and we intend to restore these buildings to their former glory! Volunteers will develop historic preservation and traditional tool skills under the supervision of Forest engineers and heritage staff while performing a number of tasks. These will include scraping and painting building exteriors; caulking and sealing log checks and openings; replacing and re-glazing broken window panes; assessing and treating Powder-post Beetle infestations; repairing rotted log ends; restoring split-cedar fencing; replacing stairs and the half-log surround on the Ranger dwelling; and resetting paving stones and improving drainage where needed. The Forest will provide tools, personal protective equipment, camping sites or lodging in CCC buildings on-site, and access to kitchen facilities and showers.

Minnesota's North Shore is a regional tourist destination, located along scenic Highway 61, which stretches along Lake Superior's coastline from Duluth to the Canadian border. The project site is located in close proximity to beautiful waterfalls, paved biking trails, State Parks, and the 250-mile ‘Superior Hiking Trail.’ Tofte and Grand Marais offer the opportunity to sample cuisine from many restaurants, and to explore museums, resorts, and shops. So, come for the sweaty, dirty fun as we restore these historic gems; stay for the scenery and ample opportunities for adventure and relaxation during those hours “off the clock!” We hope to see you on the North Shore this fall for a great partnership project!

Number of openings: 10 (5 per session)

Special skills: Experience with hand tools, ladder safety, and basic carpentry skills required; selection preference will be given to PIT volunteers with previous historic structure rehabilitation experience – please indicate your experience/qualifications on your application!

Minimum age: 18 years old

Facilities: Tent and small (pop-up/trailer) RV camping available on-site at no charge; housing in CCC structures on-site will be guaranteed at no charge for the September session, but may be limited in August; water, kitchen facilities, showers, bathrooms, and barbeque grill provided by FS; no RV hook-ups; grocery store, hotel, resort, gas station, and restaurants within .5 mile of project site; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment/bedding, food, and daily transportation (if opting to lodge off-site)

Nearest towns: Project based in Tofte; Schroeder, 2 miles; Grand Marias, 30 miles; Silver Bay, 30 miles

Applications due: Filled!

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