Campaign starts to preserve fire tower

The Oconto County Economic Development Corporation is coordinating a fundraising campaign to restore a landmark in northern Oconto County. The Mountain Fire Lookout Tower has been a tourist attraction in Oconto County since it was moved to its current location by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. The tower was originally built in 1932 by the Wisconsin Conservation Commission. Three years later it was disassembled, moved and reassembled by the CCC. Today, only two of 19 original lookout towers still stand in the Nicolet National Forest. The tower is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has been closed for over a year, and the repairs would result in the tower again being accessible to the public. Cost estimates have been prepared by the U.S. Forest Service, and OCEDC is attempting to raise $10,000 to pay for repairs. OCEDC is a nonprofit organization; contributions are tax deductible. Donations may be sent to OCEDC, PO Box 43, Oconto, WI 54153 or made online at www.gofundme.com/mntfiretower.