2011-Mike O'Brien Memorial Project: Gateway Canyon Trail Construction

Start Date-End Date: 05/20/2011-05/22/2011 Land Manager Office: Land Manager Contact: Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Experience one of Colorado's best-kept secrets - the pristine wilderness area surrounding Gateway, Colorado. Description: Experience one of Colorado's best-kept secrets - the pristine wilderness area surrounding Gateway, Colorado, southwest of Grand Junction. VOC will be returning to this picturesque location for a third year to continue efforts to build an 8-mile trail system which will open public access to some of Western Colorado's most breathtaking desert landscapes. Last year volunteers completed over one mile of new trail. This year volunteers will continue their efforts to construct an additional new trail near Gateway Canyons Resort which will provide hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners with opportunities to recreate in a spectacular setting. At the same time, it will focus use in areas that minimize harmful impacts to sensitive plants, wildlife, and paleontological and cultural resources. Friday's schedule will feature a half day of volunteering in the morning followed by a choice of afternoon activities offered by Gateway Canyons Resort. Saturday will be a full day of volunteering. Volunteers will work in the morning on Sunday and finish by noon to allow for travel back home. There is no fee for this project. Free camping is provided Thursday night through Sunday afternoon. Volunteers who wish to stay at Gateway Canyons Resort, a luxurious retreat in the middle of the wilderness, will be offered a discount rate. Free meals will be provided beginning with Friday morning breakfast and ending with Sunday lunch. The entire project will be catered by the four star resort! Volunteers will also have access to special discounts on activities and free access to the pool during designated hours. This is a project you don't want to miss! This project is a collaborative effort between Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, the Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association (COPMOBA), the Bureau of Land Management, and the Gateway Canyons Resort. Latitude/Longitude: 38.6806972, -108.9768951 Additional Information: Camping Available: Physical Difficulty: Moderate High Altitude Project: Desired Number of Volunteers: 50 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 199 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 11 Total Volunteer Days: 77 Total Unique Volunteers: 79 Total Volunteer Hours: 2182 Staff Hours: 0 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Successes and Challenges: Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: Volunteers just under 3 miles of new trail. On May 20-22, about 80 volunteers gathered in Gateway, CO for VOC