Project Details
Preserving a Landmark of Forest History
The Prospect Hill Fire Tower in McKean County stands as a symbol of Pennsylvania’s forestry legacy and the role fire towers played in protecting our forests. With support from the Lumber Heritage Region (LHR), the McKean County Historical Society completed Phase III of the tower’s restoration in 2024, bringing this historic structure closer to full public accessibility.
Phase III Restoration Efforts
Phase III involved extensive structural and aesthetic improvements, including:
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Welding and stabilizing the tower structure
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Gutting and rebuilding the cabin interior with new walls, ceiling, and flooring
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Refurbishing the original door handle and locking system
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Reglazing and replacing windows
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Installing an underground electrical line
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Scraping, sandblasting, and priming surfaces
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Applying silver enamel and the signature green exterior paint, with a fresh white ceiling inside
Much of this work was carried out by dedicated volunteers, with specialized tasks completed by three contractors. Their combined efforts, backed by LHR funding, ensured the fire tower is now sturdy, weatherproof, and historically authentic.
Community Impact and Next Steps
Local community members are already praising the results. As one supporter shared:
“It’s beautiful! A great asset for the museum. When the photos are added it will be phenomenal.” – Sandy Tunno, Community Service Specialist for McKean County Adult Probation
With Phase III complete, the project is now ready for Phase IV, which will focus on accessibility and interpretive elements to tell the story of Pennsylvania’s fire tower system and its role in forest conservation.
Funding and Support
This mini-grant was financed in part by the Community Conservation Partnerships Program, Heritage Area Funds, under the administration of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Recreation and Conservation.
