Hartmans, Donna Marie2023-07-262023-07-262022https://hdl.handle.net/1794/28583251 pagesThe United States Forest Service constructed over 5,000 lookout stations to guard forests, beginning in the early 1900s. The Forest Service deemed these structures obsolete and began destroying them when other methods of fire detection were adopted by the 1960s. In the 1980s, many public interest groups encouraged the Forest Service to preserve these buildings. This thesis explores the history of the Forest Service's lookout system, focusing on the Willamette National Forest in west central Oregon for case studies. Relevant legislation regarding their preservation, and issues and options for future uses of the Forest's four historic lookout stations are discussed. Methodology includes a literature search, site visits, and interviews with Forest Service officials to ascertain management goals for these buildings. Preservation recommendations are provided for each structure. Emphasis is also given to the public involvement necessary in the preservation of these structures.enCreative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0-USpublic involvementlookout systemswest central OregonThesis / Dissertation