Photo: Bonnie Scheinman Protecting Israel's Forests Heletz Fire Lookout Tower – Restoration A fire lookout or watchtower is the first line of defense against devastating forest fires. The Heletz Fire Lookout Tower in the arid, northern Negev is one of forty fire lookouts built by KKL-JNF throughout Israel as part of its comprehensive fire prevention system to protect forests and open spaces. The Heletz Fire Lookout Tower is located about 10 km northwest of the city of Sderot, which for years has been the target of rocket and mortar attacks from the nearby Gaza Strip. The 12-meter-high watchtower is situated on a hill, 145 meters above sea level. It overlooks the planted forests of Yad Mordechai, Dorot, Plugot, Karmia, and Gvar'am and serves to protect the area's extensive agricultural fields. The lookout tower, made of galvanized steel pipes, was constructed more than a quarter of century ago, and with the ravages of time had been in need of repairs that were carried out by KKL-JNF. The Heletz Lookout Tower is manned during the summer months, from April to November, and has proven effective in reducing the number of forest fires in this vulnerable region. It 5220# affords a panoramic view of about 20 km, from Kiryat Gat in the east to the Ashkelon seacoast in the west, and beneath the tower, which covers an area of 100 meters, is a forest grove with a picnic and recreation area, making the Heletz Lookout Tower an inviting site for visitors. Project components for the repair of the Heletz Fire Lookout Tower included replacing windows, raising the railings, installing a safety net around the staircase, reinforcing the staircase, and replacing rusted steel surfaces. NIS 50,000 - 100,000 Donors will be given appropriate recognition for this project to ensure the maintenance of a vital fire lookout tower. קרן ק ימת לישראל Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael Jewish National Fund Global Resource Development Division Projects & Marketing Department Jerusalem Photos: KKL-JNF Photo Archive, Jerusalem [email protected] http://www.kkl-jnf.org.il 5220# .