The Grouse Ridge Restoration volunteers are planning several events to continue the restoration of the lookout in the Tahoe National Forest and fundraising efforts this year, however, heavy snow may limit access until mid-summer.

According to Larry Gruver, volunteer project coordinator, several work weekends will be hosted this season at the lookout and in the local area.

“One work day is planned locally to paint all the siding and trim. And before work on the actual lookout can be done by public volunteers, some preliminary work will be done by the Forest Service and licensed volunteer contractors to complete the hazard mitigation on the lower part of the lookout, reconstruct the outhouse, and concrete work. Later in the summer, four or five work days will be scheduled at the lookout once the pre-work is completed. The big unknown right now is when snow melt will allow access,” stated Gruver.

Fundraisers

Two fund-raising efforts are under way to raise the last $4,000 needed to complete the purchase of supplies/materials. A raffle will be held with prizes including: stays at the lookout; a sailing trip on San Francisco Bay; a bench made from a ski chairlift from Sugar Bowl; a Ride with a Ranger; and many other prizes of local wine, food and services. Tickets are available for $5 per ticket or $20 for five. For more information on the raffle, to donate prizes, or to obtain tickets, contact Rich at (530) 272-7109.

In addition, a benefit dinner will be hosted by Jerry Cirino at Cirino’s At Main Street in Grass Valley on July 27. The theme of this dinner will be to celebrate the Grouse Ridge Lookout and its history. A special menu with “rustic fare” will be served. Reservations can be made at (530) 477.6000. The winning raffle tickets will be drawn at the dinner.

Grouse history

The lookout was constructed in 1923 and has not been used since 1970s. Intense summer sun, winter storms, and vandals have taken their toll on the building. The interior was gutted, windows broken, and cabinets damaged. The exterior has suffered as well. Monetary donations will be used to buy supplies/materials for the restoration with the labor being donated by the restoration team. Once restored, the lookout will be a rental facility in the Tahoe National Forest.

The restoration effort is a part of the Forest Fire Lookout Association, a not for profit organization so that all donations are tax deductible.

Additional information is available online.

Grouse Ridge Lookout is located north of Interstate 80, about half way between Nevada City and Truckee, overlooking the popular Grouse Lakes/Bowman Reservoir area.