When contacted by Valley County resident, Richard Holm, to help make his book on Payette National Forest fire lookouts a reality, it sounded like an interesting job, and it was. (That’s one thing about my business: you are always learning all these obscure bits of specialized information on a wide range of industries and disciplines.)

His book is now going to press, complete with over 200 contemporary and historic images and looks to be the conclusive guide and history on topic. He’s a meticulous and careful researcher and reviewer and pleasure to work with. And I guess it’s mutual, as his last note to me reads, “Thank you again for all of your help. It has been great.”

I’ll link to the book from this page as soon as it’s available. And though I’m sure he needs a breather after the several years he spend researching, compiling, writing, etc., I hope this is the first of several by Mr. Holm.

[Ed: updated 29 Aug. 2009 with link to book]