Problems at Vetter

Updated October 30, 2008:

Closing day is November 22, 2008.

Always contact the Team Leader Kevin Copley first, about any concerns.

Small rodents are eating our paper supplies in drawers and cabinets. Mouse traps (glue traps) are needed.

Hunting season is here, so if you hear gunshots don't be surprised. While hunting is not allowed in Charlton Flats, it is allowed in several nearby areas including just south of the tower. Since animals are most active in the early morning and at dusk, most hunting usually occurs at these times. Just be aware.

The Fire Danger Level on the Angeles National Forest was raised from “High” to “Very High.”  Open wood and charcoal fires are still permitted in developed campgrounds and picnic areas only. Gas and propane powered stoves and grills are permitted in non-developed areas with a valid California Campfire Permit. 

Campfires are NOT allowed in the Charlton Flats area because of all the vegetation. Campfires are OK at Chilao.

Cut logs (firewood) can only be collected after buying a permit.

The rattlesnakes that live near the lookout have been seen almost every day. Watch your step!  

Cash goes in the lock-box on the floor near the safe, not in the safe.

When closing the padlock at the lookout door, and at the battery charger, make sure the numbers are not upside-down, for easier opening next time. (Insert the lock from left to right.) This does not apply to the other padlocks.  

Replace the radio battery at the START of shift only.

The correct radio channel is 2, not 1. Our manuals are wrong. Both work, but Repeat-2 is better than Direct-1.

Use LO power, not HI.

Turn the Squelch all the way up (left) until it "clicks" to block out interference from non-Angeles radios.

If instructed by Angeles Dispatch to change your radio to Tac-2, it is on channel 7, not 8.

If you want to use the SCAN feature to listen to all radio channels, be sure to also turn on the PRI switch, which will favor channel 2. See the instruction manual at the Useful Website Links forum.

There are no termites in the lookout. When winter temperatures are below freezing, they will not survive. But there are swarms of flying carpenter ants.

To reduce the number of flies in the restroom, spray some Raid in the morning.

The nearby Chilao Visitor Center is closed, and it is not expected to re-open for a while.

The Angeles Crest Highway (SR2) is still closed between Islip Saddle and Vincent Gap, and it might re-open later this year. See road closures at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles/conditions/conditions-road.shtml