Sunday, April 25, 2010

Summit Station Stabilization

Friends of the SALINE VALLEY SALT TRAM
www.SaltTram.blogspot.com   SalineValleySaltTram@gmail.com
Salt Tram history is rapidly disappearing, and we are striving to rediscover the efforts of our forefathers in order to give proper recognition to their hopes, dreams and abundant sweat from an era that is rapidly fading from our memories. We are actively seeking out information about the mining of Salt in Saline Valley between 1903 and the 1950's, including: documents, photos, articles, stories, artifacts, etc. If you can help us out, please email us at the address above - Thank-you! --Tim and Brian Waag, the Waag brothers (aka E. Clampus Waagus).
Caution (PLEASE READ): Climbing around on the tramway is dangerous because its really old and defnitely unsafe, so don't even think about it. Shoot, just getting to it requires some perilous hiking, and if you don't believe me, just take a look at the Zig Zag Access Trail (or what's left of it). Plus, climbing on it weakens it and endangers your life. Also, the Saline Valley Salt Tram is on the National Register of Historic Places and should be treated with the respect that it deserves. What little remains is of great historic value, and should not be disturbed in any way. Heck, its probably against the law to move parts of the tram around, and certainly a crime to take home some of the few bits of it that remain (though you'd have to ask your friendly local BLM agent for details). So please treat it with the respect it deserves, so that future generations can enjoy whats left, without you messing it up. Really. Please. You can see its listing on the National Register of Historic Places at these web links:
National Register of Historic Places 1          National Register of Historic Places 2

****************************************************************************QUESTION1:  On upcoming trip in May, make requested photos and videos of summit station.

QUESTION2:  On upcoming trip in May, confirm ASCE 1392 document measurements against structure on the ground. 

QUESTION3:  Supply BWebb with all historic photos of the Summit Station structure.


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April, 2010. Longtime Inyo hiker Brian W. (not the Waag Brother, but another Brian W.) put together drawings in conjunction with Tom B. of the Summit Cabin to facilitate the stabilization of the structure. Lead by then Bishop BLM biologist Kirk Halford, they proceeded to lead a team of volunteers that over many years were able to resusitate the building. Similarly, the team performed critical stabilization tasks on the Summit Station, though in my opinion, they stopped a wee bit short. The purpose of this post is to get the ball rolling with respect to completing the Summit Station project. We have requested that architect Brian W. put together a set of drawing from which the project could operate. In response to that request, he requested the following on one of our upcoming trips, sumarized as follows:
- would be happy to make drawings of summit station
- to help get a jump start on the work, am requesting the following:
     - take photos while walking completely around the structure
     - ditto with video
     - supply with all historic photos of the structure
     - document ASCE 1392 shows a drawing of part ofthe summit station; check to see if measurements are accurate
- this should allow Brian W. to make a drawing before going up to make a final check on the ground

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Update on July 9, 2010: got indication from BLM that there should be money available in 2011 for Summit Station area restoration activities. We are hoping that there is also money for stabilization activities at Control Station 2. Let the lobbying begin!

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