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The
TOUR OF CARVINGS PROJECT is a comeback story of the Missionary
Ridge Fire near Durango, Colorado between June
9th and July 28, 2002. Over 70,000 acres were burned
in this blaze, costing $40.8 million and using 40,000 + fire
related personnel from all over the country. |
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Approximately 18 helicopters, 10 slurry bombers, and over 87
firefighting crews were used in this effort amidst harsh
conditions and steep terrain. 56 homes were lost in the blaze
and one firefighter perished when a falling tree struck him
while he fought to preserve our homes!
Residents from over 1,200 homes were evacuated to Red Cross
shelters during a 3 week period, and hundreds of homes in
neighboring communities housed thousands of people, their pets,
and their belongings.
Vallecito Lake was Especially hard hit! Vallecito lost over 10
homes and experienced damage to vehicles, boats, and trailers
parked in the lake bed "safe zone" when a vortex
(tornado created by heat) swept out of the forest launching debris
covering a 3 square mile area.
Vallecito Lake is home to thousands of Ponderosa Pine trees,
many over 200 years old and standing over 175 feet tall. The
fire swept through the lake area, severely scorching the trunks
and branches of these great trees until they appeared like
nothing more than thousands of great, burnt toothpicks!
Paul McGinnis, a former resident, called his
parents during the evacuation asking what was to become of the
damaged Ponderosa Pine trees. When told they would probably be
milled into lumber, he suggested we pay tribute to
firefighters and animals impacted by the fire by carving their
images into the charred, but still standing trunks.
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Most of the 18 foot tall, 2,600 lb. pieces are mounted on
concrete piers and have an assigned name and number to aid in
identification. Donations are still being accepted in
order to expand this project and to protect them from the
elements. Carving
#5 (shown above) was completed in the spring of 2003. This
notable memorial located near the Chamber of Commerce
building, resembles Alan Wyaat and overlooks the burnt forest
that he spent his lifetime fighting to preserve.
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CARVING #1 -
"BLACK BEAR AND CUBS"
Wildlife was greatly impacted by the fire.
CARVING #2 - "FIREMAN WITH SHOVEL"
New Mexico Firefighter at Vallecito Resort.
CARVING #3 - "MOUNTAIN LION"
Mountain lion escaping down a rock ledge.
CARVING #4 - "SHERIFF WITH RADIO"
Female Deputy stands ready to transmit important
information.
CARVING #5 - "MEMORIAL CARVING OF ALAN WYATT"
In memory of Alan Wyatt. This magnificent image is carved
in a 20 foot tree trunk, still rooted in the ground. One
branch of this tree still produces green needles.
CARVING #6 - "EMT AND EAGLE"
Female Emergency Medical Technician represents the many
who helped the total effort by answering calls to help.
CARVING #7 - "BUFFALO AND TWO BEARS FIGHTING"
Three large carvings of buffalo and bear outside Buffalo
Gap.
CARVING #8 - "FIREFIGHTER WITH CHAIN SAW"
Oregon Firefighter symbolizes many individuals who left
their families behind to help save our beloved valley.
CARVING #9 - "FIREFIGHTER AND SLURRY BOMBER"
Female firefighter anticipating arrival of supplies.
CARVING #10 - "FIREFIGHTER AND RACCOON"
Firefighter with baby raccoon rescued from the forest.
CARVING #11 - "DOE AND FAWN"
Six week old fawn was found under a log and brought to safety.
CARVING #12 - "LYNX AND EAGLE"
Our valley has been known to inhabit Bobcat, Lynx,
Coyote, Mountain Lion, Bear, Deer, Elk, Moose, Big Horn
Sheep, Badgers, and over 25 Bald Eagles during parts of
the year.
CARVING #13 - "FIREMAN WITH HOSE"
We have great pride in our professional and volunteer
firemen. |
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CARVING #14 - "COLORADO MOUNTED RANGER"
Dedicated men on horseback helped greatly to monitor
conditions, rescue people and animals, and carry
firefighters & supplies to to and from difficult to
reach areas and terrains. |
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Check
Out These Other Area activities! |
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View Local Business Map |
| Courtesy of the Vallecito
Chamber of Commerce |
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Carvings Tour