It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and fall is ...
Transcript of It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and fall is ...
Hello Everyone.
It’s hard to believe summer is almost over and fall is just around the corner. My time here on
the Prescott is coming to a close, but the memories I made while here will stay with me well
into my future. I have been blessed with opportunities in my career to go on assignments in
several different Regions and I have met great employees throughout all levels of the Agency.
In all of these experiences, I never encountered a Forest organization with the level of pro-
fessionalism, passion and the drive to get work accomplished as I have here on the Prescott.
The Prescott is truly a gem and something to be proud of. The Forest will soon have a new
permanent Forest Supervisor and I know transition can be hard and can test resilience. Just
remember that you cannot reach new horizons without being willing to lose sight of the shore.
Please take care yourselves and I will miss everyone dearly.
Take care,
Jessie Berner, Acting Forest Supervisor
Why study history?
The popular consensus seems to be: “Those who don’t learn history are des-tined to repeat it.” Do you know who said that?
Nobody—in those exact words anyway—but there are numerous versions attribut-ed to everyone from philosophers to co-medians. Even PNF’s own archeologists respond similarly when asked, “Why study history?” (See side bar.)
Is history a popular topic in the US?
At the end of the 1990s, the number of US college students majoring in history began dropping, a trend that accelerated in the 2010s. In 2014, there was a year-over-year decline of 9.1% following declines in three of the preceding four years. (Source) What’s going on? If you do a web search for “Why is history an unpopular topic?” you’ll find that:
History is NOT an unpopular topic. According to the Archaeological Institute of America, archeological sites and historic places are major
tourist attractions world-wide. “In the last few years, visits to historical sites have ranked third—after dining out and shopping--among activi-ties undertaken by Americans travelling abroad.” Additionally, Site Stewards, volunteers who monitor archeological sites, are one of the largest groups of volunteers on the Forest!
According to the ancestry blog, “Family history research is the second-most popular hobby in the United States.”
The trend of declining enrollment in history classes among college students reversed dramatically in 2016
with history being the top declared major at Yale, a spot it hadn’t held in two decades. (Source)
But, wait...
If history is popular, and interest in studying history is increasing, then why doesn’t the seemingly-universal
explanation for the importance of learning history have more clout? Why do standardized tests in elementary
and secondary schools emphasize math and reading over history? Does our culture no longer value history
education? Not so, according to PNF Natural Resources Staff Officer Michael Kellett who says that, “Some
people think history is the most important academic topic because without history there is nothing to build upon
in any topic area.” An interesting thought...
“Those who refuse to learn history are destined to repeat it.”
–Bruce Nellans; PNF Archeologist
“Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.”
–Edmund Burke; Irish Statesman; 1729—1797
“Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to
repeat it.” –George Santayana; Philosopher/Author; 1863 (Spain) - 1952 (Italy)
“There's an old saying about those who forget history. I
don't remember it, but it's good.” –Stephen Colbert; Comedian
“Why should we look to the past in order to prepare for the future? Because there is nowhere else to look.” ―James Burke; British broadcaster, science historian, author, and television producer; Born 12/22/1936
1901 photo by T.H. Sherraed; Tim-ber cutting under Land Office rules,
before the USFS was established.
A recurring theme in Charles Shultz’ Pea-nuts: Lucy holds a football for Charlie
Brown, then pulls it away at the last second.
In his essay “Why Study History?” Peter N. Stearns argues that “[h]istory should be studied because it is essential to individuals and society...”
He is not alone in his thinking—as evidenced by the quotes following Stearn’s supporting points sprinkled throughout this newsletter:
History provides identity and is important in our own lives: “If you don't know history, then you don't know anything. You are a leaf
that doesn't know it is part of a tree.” ― Michael Crichton; Author, Screenwriter, Film Director; Born 10/23/1942 in Chicago, IL
PNF History & Pre-history on the Web:
Humans have occupied what is now Prescott National Forest for at least 12,000 years. The desert Southwest holds an extraordinary record of the past. Rock shelters, cliff dwellings, pithouse villages, pueblos, incredible rock art, and the remains of historic homesteads, railroads, and “ghost towns” are but a few of the wonders that await your discovery. Archeological sites give visitors the opportunity to peer into the past which can spark wonder, delight, surprise, and reflection. More-recent forest history was shaped by mining, grazing, and timber harvested to satisfy the needs of settlers of European-descent. Learn more on the PNF website:
History & Culture: History and pre-history of the area.
PNF Historic Photos: Historic photos on the R3 website.
Cultural Resources: Questions, Quotes, Quotas, Quips & Cartoons
Does history influence our work on the Forest?
Since 1960, National Forests have been administered under the Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act (MUSY). Though relatively recent, the spirit of this Act was inspired by Gifford Pinchot’s utilitarian land ethic (i.e., the “greatest good for the greatest number” of people).
Today, PNF Archeologist Bruce Nellans points out that we rely on history in our day-to-day lives as well as at work. The Forest Service has after-action reviews following accidents (e.g., vehicle accidents, fire shelter deployments, and inci-dents of injury or death) to learn what we can from the circumstances that lead to the situation and apply this knowledge to future actions and planning efforts. FS Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) rely on history as well. Crime scenes are sur-rounded by tape to protect evidence from being contaminated until LEOs catalog what was where, whose fingerprints may be present, how each piece of evidence relates to the others, and anything else that might help solve a crime.
Similarly, when archeological sites are disturbed we lose critical pieces of evidence
that could have helped archeologists piece together parts of our human history that
didn’t make it into the history books. If their evidence is contaminated or removed,
we forever lose the possibility of learning from the past and applying this knowledge
to our current and future endeavors. Lost opportunity. Forever.
Tools of the Trade
By Jeremy Haines, Acting Forest Archeologist
Most of us are familiar with forensics; scientific tests and/or techniques used by law enforcement agencies to solve crimes. Like detectives, archeologists gather evidence from historical and archeological sites using scientific prin-ciples and tools to learn about past events. The tools can be as common as trowels, shovels, levels, and cameras, but technology has brought archaeological investigation to a new level.
By applying the tools in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), archaeologists can manage volumes of site infor-mation, compare current and historic maps and images, and create predictive models for surveying strategies. On
the PNF, archaeologists are integrating GIS and elec-tronic records in order to expedite the review process for projects, research, and emergency incidents – like wildland fire. For example, during the Goodwin Fire, resource maps were rapidly generated in the office, and within minutes, shared with archaeologists working in the field.
A powerful tool, recently acquired by the Pres-
cott National Forest, is a an X-ray fluorescence
(XRF) spectrometer. This handheld device has
the name and appearance of something from Star Trek, but its ‘elemental’ purpose is to blast any
given rock specimen with X-rays and provide
the proportion of elements by parts per million.
Recent scans of obsidian from sites on the PNF
have confirmed that during the AD 1000 -1300 era, native peoples acquired obsidian from
sources northeast of Williams, Arizona.
It has been used by other program areas to test the reactivity (sulfur content) of the waste-rock
pile on I-17 at Cienega Spring, lead content in
soils during the cleanup at the Prescott shooting club, and lead content at the Walnut Creek sta-
tion. It has also been used to assess potential heavy metal contaminants at abandoned mine
sites.
The XRF is being used to assign obsidian samples (flakes) from Heritage sites to
obsidian source areas, giving archeologists clues about pre-historic trading patterns.
What do archeologists do at work?
Forest Service Archeologists conduct field surveys, preserve historic buildings, oversee contracts, supervise volunteers, enter accomplish-
ments in data bases, and write reports that are used by project managers seeking approval for new projects. The reports provide guidance and
direction on management recommendations ensuring protection for archeological and historic resources. Archeologists on forests in Arizona
consult with Arizona’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) on the effects of forest projects on heritage sites.
History is useful in the world of work: “Study the past if you would define the future.” ― Confucius ; Chinese Philosopher; 551 BC—479 BC
Photo by Sports Photographer Carlos Herrera
Available in book or video, “The Greatest Good” chronicles the first 100 years of the US Forest
Service.
Artifact (noun): any object made,
modified, or used by people
Central Arizona has been home to humans for thousands of years. The surrounding “evidence” was collect-ed by the Forest’s archeologists over the years.
If these objects could talk...just think of the stories they could tell!
“Soundbites” for Protecting Archeological Resources
By Jeremy Haines, Acting Forest Archeologist
We aren’t making new ones. Archaeological sites and rock art are non-renewable
resources, once they are gone, they are gone forever.
My history, your history, our history. Sites on federal lands belong to all of us and
represent our collective history.
Who, what, when, where, how, and (sometimes) why. They can answer the ques-
tions of who lived at a place, when they lived there, what they did to survive, how they lived their lives and interacted with others, when they left—and perhaps why.
Proof is in the stones and bones. Archaeological sites represent the physical
proof/evidence of history… and often serve to confirm or challenge the historic record.
Gone but not forgotten. Archaeological sites remain significant to living people.
For example, the Sinagua culture is ancestral to the Hopi and Zuni peoples, and they feel great connection to these places. How do you feel when you visit a place that your family came from? How about a place where your great-grandparents are buried?
I want my kids and grandkids and great-grandkids to see these places. Archaeo-
logical sites can be simply cool to encounter and experience. They stir questions, in-spire imagination, and offer an opportunity to physically touch history. Let’s make sure that future generations can have these same experiences.
Early (Left) and Middle Archaic Points thought to date
between 8,000—2,000BC
Prescott black-on-gray
ceramic; 900-1300 AD
Black-on-white ceramic; 1025-1140 AD;
fragment that was shaped into a tool,
possibly a spoon.
Knife/scraper;
900-1250 AD
Tsegi Orange Ware A.D. 1060-1125
Black-on-white ceramic; Year ?
Petroglyphs from the Pueblo II-III period, A.D. 900—A.D.1300
Middle-late archaic point
“Just like you wouldn’t go
to a library and rip
interesting pages from a
book to keep at home,
removing artifacts takes
away information critical
toward ‘reading’ and
understanding
archaeological sites.”
-Jeremy Haines, Acting Forest Archeologist
“History is written by the victor.” -Walter Benjamin; born 7/15/1892 in Berlin, Germany, died 9/27?/1940 near Port-Bou Spain
“History is a set of lies agreed upon.” -Napoleon Bonaparte; born 8/15/1769 in Ajaccio, France, died 5/05/1821 in exile on the island of Saint Helena
“If cats wrote history it would be about cats.” -Eugen Weber; born 4/24/25 in Bucharest, Romania – died
5/17/07 in Los Angeles, CA
What is the Difference Between History and Archeology?
History is the written record of human existence. Historians use primary sources (accounts recorded by people who were there) and secondary sources (accounts by people who in-ferred conclusions from primary sources) to learn about past events. But, what if the sources they rely on are biased, or incomplete? Archeologists study clues rather than just the written word to piece together human history: how people lived, traveled, traded, and learned new skills over the millennia. Some say that knowledge gleaned by archeologists is “truer” than the history found in books because archeologists look at bits and pieces of things that indi-cate day-to-day life at a given time and indicate cultural trends over time.
An Insider’s Look at Hilltop Sites
Excerpted from a PowerPoint made by Michael Kellett, Natural Resources Staff Officer
Prehistoric peoples who dwelt in the area of north-central Arizona, including what is now Pres-cott National Forest, built a variety of structures using readily available local materials includ-ing basalt, limestone, schist, and tabular stone. Hundreds of these sites were constructed on
hilltops that offered a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Many structures were built adjacent to preci-pices, which suggests that defense may have been a factor in site selection. Proximity to water also appears to have been an important factor in the location of their dwelling places. Water was most likely transported to the dwell-ings in clay pottery, as evidenced by ceramic scatter in and around prehistoric dwellings.
Most of the walled structures were built using a rubble-core technique, which involves coarse inner and outer walls filled with finer material. Rubble-core walls are usually wider at the base and taper to the upper course. In combination with the fine interior matrix, this results in a highly stable configuration. Some of these structures have stood for 700-800 years so far, a testimony to the craftsmanship of the builders, and the inherent stability of the design.
The walls at many sites have one or more con-structed entryways made of stone that matched the surrounding outcrops; a technique that may have helped conceal the entrance. The en-trances to other hilltop structures were con-cealed by overlapping walls. Yet other struc-tures were completely enclosed by walls with no throughway. Perhaps access to such struc-tures was provided through the roof via ladder.
Many hilltop structures included living quarters, typically 5-meter by 5-meter “rooms.” Evidence of long-term occupation at such sites includes accumulated ceramic and lithic scatter.
Rubble-core wall overlooking a valley.
The walls of some structures were chinked with clay, as
seen in this example, but most were dry-stacked.
The entrances to some hilltop structures were con-
cealed by overlapping walls.
Walls at a few sites feature portals. The builders used a capstone technique to support the wall above and main-
tain an opening through the wall. Portals may have been
for peering outside without being seen and/or for venti-
lation.
Several horseshoe-shaped structures open to the rising sun. Such structures may have had ceremonial purposes.
Hilltop sites allow for defense...with great views!
Some walls appear to be purely defensive--with no
associated structures, ceramics or lithic scatter to
suggest extended occupation.
Walnut Creek Station: Preserving the Past, Looking to the Future
Note: The Walnut Creek Ranger District, now part of the Chi-no Valley Ranger District, was established in 1908. The his-toric house and barn were built in the 1930’s following a fire that burned the original structure. There was a CCC camp in the area at this time, though there is no definitive proof that these buildings were constructed by the CCC.
The depression-era buildings at Camp Wood (example pictured at left) were decommissioned, and later de-molished. They no longer served a purpose for the Forest, and the vandalism-plagued structures had be-come a liability.
The video Preservation 50: Walnut Creek Station has a happier ending. It chronicles Camp Wood’s neighboring facility, Walnut Creek Station, which may have suffered the same fate had it not been for the perseverance of a group of dedicated people who forged a partnership that gave the Station new purpose as the Walnut Creek Center for Education and Research (WCCER). (The images below didn’t make it into this short video.)
WCCER Phenology Trail
Phenology is the scientific study of periodic biological phenomena—such as flowering, breed-ing, and migration—in relation to climatic conditions. Phenology trails are a network of Na-ture’s Notebook sites located throughout the country that engage citizen scientists in nature study. Recorded observations help researchers better understand how species and ecosys-tems respond to environmental change. The WCCER Phenology Trail is one of two such sites on the Prescott National Forest. The other is located at the Highlands Center for Natural His-tory.
Historic photos of Walnut Creek Station courtesy of Mrs. Jane Koogler Telgen, daughter of William H. Koogler, Walnut Creek District Ranger from 1941-1951. WCCER photos courtesy of facility co-managers Royce Carlson and Nita Hull-
This short video is a collaboration between Heritage & Public Affairs made to commemorate the 50th anniver-
sary of the National Historic Preservation Act.
Depression-era barrack at Camp Wood,
1938, Photo by W.A. Jackson
1941
Yavapai College: Hantavirus research started around the turn
of the century and continues today.
The Max Planck Institute from Germany: Ongoing study of 250 plant genotypes to learn which genes help food crops and
native vegetation adapt to climate change.
Environmental education is part of WCCER’s mission. This summer a solar array replaced the diesel generator which previously provided
power to the facilities, making for a greener—and quieter—environment
for education, research, and communing with nature.
Citizen scientists note observations along the trail.
1990s
2017
Nominated by PNF archeologists, Walnut Creek, Sycamore, and Crown King Ranger
Stations were placed on the National Regis-
ter of Historic Places in 1993.
For the past several years, PNF Archeolo-
gist Elaine Zamora has worked with YCC crews to maintain the historic station at
Walnut Creek. The young people learn
about the importance of historic preserva-
tion and gain new maintenance skills.
Over the years, YCC crews have painted the
house, barn, and fences, and trimmed vege-
tation on the grounds. Elaine hopes the
experience gives them an appreciation for
history and cultural resources.
History helps us understand people and societies: “History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” ― David McCullough; American
author, narrator, historian, and lecturer; born 7/07/1933; Pittsburg, PA
2017 2014 2016
Amateur star-gazers and professional astronomers
take advantage of WCCER’s dark skies.
Palace Station: Historic Stage Stop—and 1972 Battle Fire Survivor—Gets a Make-over
Palace Station is one of the oldest—if not the oldest—pioneer-era cabin still standing in Arizona. To learn more about Palace Station’s rich history, please visit the HistoriCorps blog three-part series: I Dream of Palace Sta-tion Part I, Part II, and Part III. Currently, Palace Station is undergoing resto-ration so it can be offered to the public as part of the USFS Rooms-with-a-View cabin rental program. Mingus Lookout cabin is also slated for future rental. PNF cabins in the program now include Sycamore and Horse Thief Cabins for overnight use, and Groom Creek Schoolhouse for day use.
Once the main stage stop along the Senator Highway, Palace Station provided meals to
hungry travelers between Prescott and mining
communities to the south including Goodwin, Crown King, Minnehaha, Bumble Bee, and
Alexandria. (Drawing from PNF Palace Sta-
tion brochure.)
According to a Prescott Daily Courier story by Joan-
na Dodder, who is married to
PNF Archeologist Bruce Nellans, this headstone in
the Palace Station cemetery
was saved from the Battle Fire of 1972 by two seasonal
PNF employees (Story). In May of 2017, HistoriCorps volunteers re-roofed, repaired windows and doors, and worked on the porch and siding. Archeologist Elaine Zamora served as agency liaison.
The Goodwin Fire of 2017
The Battle Fire of 1972 and this year’s Goodwin Fire have a lot in com-mon. If you lived in the area in 1972, life during the Goodwin Fire might have felt like a flashback to 45 years ago. Both fires were human-caused, burned nearly 30,000 acres, started in the chaparral south of Prescott, share a great deal of the same fire-scar footprint, and threatened many of the same communities.
In spite of their similarities, there are some differences between the two fires. The Battle Fire started on Mother’s Day, as did the Gladiator Fire 40 years later. Mid-May is typically when we begin to experience high fire dan-ger. Likely due to a wet and cool Spring, the Goodwin Fire didn’t start un-til late June. Even so, the fire weather conditions were strikingly similar: hot, dry, windy, and burning in tinder-dry fuels.
Another difference is that the Goodwin Fire benefited from 45 years of les-sons learned on past fires, and technological advances have improved the way we fight fires today.
The Goodwin Fire was NOT a “good” fire, but collaboration and coordina-tion with partners made it a successful fire fight in the end. For that, we have many people to thank.
1972 Battle Fire (left) and Goodwin Fire (right); Photo by Christina Montiel taken 6/27/17.
The Goodwin Fire had potential to burn Palace Station, but ultimately only burned to within two miles. The Battle Fire burned much closer to the historic
structure—through the cemetery close to the house.
History contributes to moral understanding. (Yet, some posit that history is cyclical; made up of repeating patterns): “Everyone
who wants to know what will happen ought to examine what has happened: everything in this world in any epoch has their replicas in
antiquity.” ― Niccolò Machiavelli; “Father of modern political theory;” 1469—1527
Reflections on the Goodwin Fire
By Pete Gordon, Fire & Aviation Staff Officer
The Goodwin Fire was both an opportunity and demonstration of the outstanding coordination and cooperation that exists in Yavapai County regarding incident response. The Prescott National Forest initial actions, response, and preparation for the emerging and extended wildfire incident was outstanding. There are many individuals responsible for making excellent decisions and performing at the highest level at the onset and for the duration of the incident, but the PNF as a team responded admirably. The internal coordination and expertise came together rather seamlessly, set the Incident Management Team up for success, and maintained a professional and optimis-tic attitude during stressful times. As the incident escalated immediately in complexity, our partners were there at the ready without the Forest needing to request their assistance.
Studying history is essential for good citizenship: “You can't be a full
participant in our democracy if you don't know our history.” ― David McCullough
Yavapai County and in this case, the Prescott area respond-ed as it has planned and trained for over the past few dec-ades. All the emergency responding agencies, elected offi-cials, and support services have been preparing for and continue to prepare for large wildfires that will threaten the communities in the wildland-urban interface. The Goodwin Fire on more than one occasion, stood up and gave indica-tions of bearing down on our communities. And, even in moments where significant suppression efforts subdued the threat, all the partners and the IMT maintained an incredible level of support for the firefighters and the communities until and through the rains presented a new threat to the nearby
areas. Many non-local individuals who were here helping with the fire commented on the exceptional coordination, cooperation, and interagency response to the Goodwin Fire. The years of preparing for such an incident, training for the initial actions together, educating our communities, conducting order-ly and timely evacuations, and providing support for those impacted all came together nearly flawless-ly. While there is always more to learn and to improve, all the responding agencies and agencies with jurisdiction should be proud of the response to the Goodwin Fire.
The Prescott National Forest has a lot to be thankful for with the Goodwin Fire in the rearview mir-ror. While much has been said about our partners and cooperators, not nearly enough has been said about the PNF employees. While many employees found themselves in direct support of the Goodwin Fire: initial attack, District or Forest fire management, Forest Leadership, IMT membership, BAER team membership, Buying Team membership, etc. many, many more supported the Forest’s re-sponse indirectly by covering the Forest business, maintaining our responsibilities to our public, and backing-up those directly committed to the Goodwin Fire. Thank you all for the professionalism and the character of the Prescott National Forest…something of which to be very proud.
#GoodwinFire Facebook Post Goes Viral
The PNF Public Affairs shop manages the Forest’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, and has over 1,100 photos posted to Flickr to date including four albums of the Goodwin Fire. While we’ve steadily gained followers over time, the Goodwin Fire dramatically increased the size of our audience. According to Twitter analytics, we gained around 700 followers while the fire raged, approximately 10 times the num-ber we’d have expected to gain during this time period had the fire not occurred.
The Goodwin Fire gave us another edge, the expertise of Kale Casey, an energetic and highly-skilled Public Information Officer who specializes in social media and videography. He posted videos of the morning briefings at the Incident Command Post on YouTube. Kale also helped us spread our mes-sage about why we do prescribed burning during fire restrictions by filming Scott Spleiss at the location of a planned burn.
More video news: A handful of PNF specialists regularly appear on Verde Valley TV’s County Wide show to talk about fires and other happenings on the forest. The two below feature Fire & Aviation Staff Officer Pete Gordon talking about the Goodwin Fire and the BAER Team’s re-covery efforts:
Pete on the Goodwin Fire
Pete on Fire Recovery Efforts & BAER
Photo by Christina Montiel; 6/26/17
Countless heart-felt signs of appreciation for the firefighters efforts sprouted up in area
communities. Pictured above, a sign in Mayer.
Not surprisingly, this touching photo of the Flagstaff Hotshots’ rescue of fawns
from the fire is the one that got the most
attention. The fawns have since taken up residence at the Grand Canyon Deer Farm
where they will live out their lives.
Watch video
Are the Forest’s archeologists to blame for the Goodwin Fire? No!
In fact, their work on the Forest con-
tributes to reducing wildfire danger.
FS archeologists’ are involved with
every program area from timber and
range, to recreation and fire. Laws
enacted to protect our nation’s natural
and cultural resources include the
Antiquities Act of 1906, the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966, and the Archeo-
logical Resources Protection Act of 1979. NHPA mandates are enforced by State Historic
Preservation Offices (SHPOs). Compliance with the laws is required before embarking on any
project.
Prescribed burning, thinning, brush crushing, and timber sales can only occur in areas that have been cleared by archeologists. This sum-
mer’s Goodwin Fire provides examples of the importance of fuels treatments to mitigating risk of catastrophic wildfires. On a day that this
seemingly-unstoppable fire was racing with the wind, fuel-break treatments can be given partial credit in saving some structures in its
path. The fire was eventually stopped with the help from decreased winds and to the credit of dozer lines, fire retardant supported by ground
crews, burn-out operations, and recent fire scars from fires utilized to restore forest health.
Elaine Zamora Bruce Nellans Carlos Herrera Jeremy Haines Hired in 1986, Jim McKie was the first Forest Ar-cheologist employed by the PNF. Jim retired in 2016
after a 30+ year career during which he laid the foun-
dations for the Forest’s Heritage Program that now
keeps four full-time archeologists very busy!
Comic Strip History Lesson
Published by USFS, R3 in 1972, Men Who Matched the Mountains: The Forest Service in the Southwest (pictured at left), includes short descriptions of each forest in the region. Not surprisingly, the de-scription of the Prescott mentions the Battle Fire of 1972, but, oddly, the part about the PNF begins with a description of the comic strip
creator whose work influenced later art-ists including Charles Schultz:
“J. R. Williams, whose syndicated cartoon
“Out Our Way” was so popular in other
years, operated the K4
Ranch on Walnut Creek
during the 1930’s. Jesse
Fears, Ranger in charge
of the Walnut Creek Dis-
trict, was a good friend
of the cartoonists... Wil-
liams used the Prescott
National Forest as the
locale for many of his
cartoons, featuring
cowboys and Forest
Rangers.”
What is it/Where is it?
Hint: The photo at left was taken at a site of historical significance for the era in which it was created.
Answer to the Spring Puzzle:
The picture at the right is part of the Phenology Trail at the Walnut Creek Center for Education and Research.
J.R. Williams with his horse Lizard during
his ranching days on Walnut Creek. Wil-
liams inspired many later cartoonists—
including Peanuts creator Charles Schultz.
Employee Spotlight: Archeologist Carlos Herrera
What do sports photographers do with their time off? In his free time, sports photographer Carlos Herrera works as an archeologist on the PNF! Carlos shoots for Icon Sportswire, an independent photo wire ser-vice, where NCAA, NASCAR, IndyCAR, MLB, NHL, and BMX editorial images can be seen on Icon’s web-site as well as Getty Images , AP Images, and ESPN.
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything
else in the universe. -John Muir; 4/21/1838—12/24/1914; Naturalist, Wilderness Advocate, “Father of the National Parks”
In spacetime, all events are baked together: a four-dimensional continuum.
Past and future are no more privileged than left and right or up and
down. -James Gleick; b. 8/01/1954; American author/Historian of science
Carlos Herrera used his own high-quality audio-visual equip-ment to record Preservation 50: Walnut Creek Station, a
video made to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the
National Historic Preservation Act. PNF was lucky to have
his expertise in filming and video production for this project!
Lucy pulled this gag countless times over the 50 years that Charles Schultz’ Peanuts
comic strip ran (1950s—2000), but some-
how Charlie Brown never learned...