The time has come to remove the old Meissner Shelter. So says Chris Sabo, trails specialist for the Deschutes National Forest.

In a recent email, Chris Sabo expressed his thoughts about the future of the old shelter. He realizes it may have some life left in its beams, rafters and shakes; but it was always in the Forest Service's plans to remove the original shelter once the new shelter was constructed. Currently the old shelter, located 20 yards or so from the new one, is being used for wood storage since the wood shed adjacent to the new shelter has not been completed.

Sabo wishes that the old Meissner shelter could be transported to Swampy Lakes to replace the aging shelter there which is much the worse for wear. Although that is not going to happen, the Swampy shelter's possible fate is currently under review.

The Forest Service would like to get thoughts from people, especially those that helped build it some 20 plus years ago, on how to give the old shelter a proper burial/removal. Current plans are to move the remaining firewood to the new shelter, strip off easily reached shakes to use as kindling in other shelters. Then, to finally to bring down the remaining structure, pile it, and at a later date, have a bid-farewell-to-the-old-shelter bonfire.

It was volunteers from our club that built the original Meissner shelter. In fact, I remember helping with some of the work. Has it been 20 years ? It took several work parties to do the job. The logs for the shelter came from nearby trees; I recall using a draw knife to prepare a couple of the logs. I also remember helping build and shingle the wood-shed addition to the shelter. Originally, there was a drop-down curtain that covered the large open front - it lasted only a few years. I think the barrel stove came from someone's basement - what DEQ requirements.

Do you know someone who worked on the original shelter back in the 80's? If so, please have them contact Chris Sabo. He would like to know if they are interested in helping with the removal. Chris wonders how many people have visited the shelter in its 20-year life. You can email him at csabo@fs.fed.us.

Ron Hoyt