A historic Death Valley tower was toppled when a driver used it to free their stuck vehicle, according to rangers. The incident occurred sometime between April 1 and April 23 when the driver pulled over and used a winch to extract their vehicle from deep mud. The National Park Service stated that tracks showed the vehicle drove off the legal roadway before getting stuck, and the driver then used the nearby tower as an anchor to pull their vehicle out, causing the tower to topple. Park Superintendent Mike Reynolds expressed hope that the responsible party would reach out to discuss restitution for the damage caused.
The 13-mile long Saline Valley Salt Tram, constructed in 1911 to transport salt from Saline Valley to Owens Valley, is considered nationally significant and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The tramway climbed over 7,000 vertical feet at steep vertical grades up to 40 degrees, requiring 1 million board feet of lumber and 600 tons of iron for construction. Only four of the tram’s towers are within the national park, while the majority of the tramway is on Bureau of Land Management territory. The damaged tower was the closest of the four to the Saline Valley lakebed.
Prior to the incident, a salt tram stabilization project was planned using funding from the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act. However, rangers are uncertain if the funds can be used to re-anchor the tower that was toppled by the driver. Anyone with information about the incident was urged to contact park rangers at the provided phone number or website. The Saline Valley area is located about 110 miles east of Fresno, and rangers have warned drivers about getting stuck in mud on closed Death Valley roads.
In related news, the population of an iridescent creature in Death Valley dropped to only 35 at one point, but there is now good news about their recovery. Additionally, stunning satellite images have revealed the size of Death Valley’s lake, showcasing its beauty and natural splendor. The incident involving the toppled tower serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving historic and significant landmarks within national parks. Park officials continue to work towards stabilization and maintenance efforts to ensure the preservation of these valuable pieces of history for future generations to enjoy.
