FFLA Conference in Richmondville

RICHMONDVILLE – The New York State Chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association (FFLA) kicked off its Eastern Conference last Friday, welcoming members from across the country for a three-day event featuring tower tours, guest speakers, and association meetings.

The conference began Friday, June 20, at the Richmondville Fire Hall with registration and an official welcome by NYS Chapter Director Laurie Rankin, of Bloomville. Following the morning introductions, attendees visited the Bramley Mountain and Berry Hill Fire Towers. The day concluded with a chicken barbecue and an FFLA Board of Directors meeting. The event drew attendees from across New York State, as well as from Idaho, North Carolina, and Virginia. FFLA National Chairman Michael Guerin attended from California.

The conference continued Saturday, June 21, with a series of presentations at the fire hall. The lineup of speakers included the president of the Friends of Bramley Mountain Fire Tower, the mayor of Speculator, a New York State Forest Ranger, and representatives from Team Rubicon. SUNY ESF Professor Andrew Yacht is also slated to speak with some of his graduate students. In the afternoon, attendees will visit Kane Mountain and Makomis at Speculator fire towers.

The conference concludes Sunday, June 22, with a lineup of towers, including some private ones, that members can visit on their own.