For nearly a century, observers watched the forests of New York State from more than 100 fire towers perched atop the highest peaks, searching for the dangerous, telltale signs of forest fires.

Beginning in the 1980s, the State of New York began to phase out the use of fire towers for spotting forest fires, and in 1990, the last 5 towers still in operation were closed. Over time, the towers and their associated observers’ cabins began to deteriorate, and those that were not dismantled were closed to the public for safety reasons…Through the dedication of countless volunteers, as well as assistance and support from Department of Environmental Conservation staff, local government and the State Police Aviation Unit, many fire towers across the state have been restored (DEC web site).

Taken with a Sony Alpha 77II.