2012-CANCELLED: Mt. of the Holy Cross Trail Restoration

Start Date-End Date: 08/23/2012-08/26/2012 Land Manager Office: Colorado Fourteeners Initiative Land Manager Contact: Coby Gierke Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: This project has been cancelled. Description: VOC, CFI and the US Forest Service have decided that we must cancel the Mt. of the Holy Cross Trail Restoration project planned forAugust 23-26. Unfortunately, there were too many cancellations and not enough people signed up for this project to meet our minimum volunteer requirements. We simply would not be able to accomplish the work planned with the amount of volunteers committed. Thank you very much for your enthusiasm for this project. VOC projects are rarely cancelled, and we hope this does not deter you from volunteering with us again. STEWARDSHIP SITE The incredible natural beauty of Mt. of the Holy Cross, one of Colorado's famed "14ers,"provides for a fantastic backcountry experience. The mountain, only 14 miles from the Vail ski area, is famous for the east facing cross couloir, which fills with snow and forms a well defined cross. Our project site, situated on the Holy Cross ridgeline, offers stunning views of the "Bowl of Tears" cirque as well as the Gore and Sawatch Ranges. The hike to the project campsite over Halfmoon Pass presents a spectacular view of Holy Cross, dramatic alpine basins, and a waterfall. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY This project offers a unique, small group, backcountry experience for volunteers wanting to give back to Colorado's highly used Fourteeners in a meaningful way. In recent years, Mt. of the Holy Cross has experienced significant issues resulting from poor route delineation. Not only has the alpine tundra vegetation been damaged, numerous hikers have required Search-and-Rescue after losing the trail. We'll be working to establish a well-delineated, sustainable trail. This is a terrific opportunity to learn trail construction techniques and technical rock work to create walls, steps, and staircases. The majority of the project work will occur at high elevation and will require a significant backpacking hike (approximately 2.5 miles - 2.5 hrs) over Halfmoon Pass with your tent and personal belongings to the backcountry basecamp and worksite. PARTNERS Colorado Fourteeners Initiative (CFI) National Forest Foundation OTHER FUN STUFF Meals: Thursday evening dinner through Sunday lunch Camping: Thursday night through Sunday afternoon. Thursday will be an arrival day to help set up camp. Latitude/Longitude: 39.46106719970703, -106.45030975341797 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 11 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: Total Youth Volunteers Attended: Total Volunteer Days: Total Unique Volunteers: Total Volunteer Hours: 0 Staff Hours: 10 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: Holy Cross was canceled due to low enrollment and late withdrawals the week of the project. It was thought jointly by VOC and CFI staff that the scope of work could not be completed with such low attendance.