2012-Tree Planting at McDonald Flats Campground

Start Date-End Date: 05/19/2012-05/19/2012 Land Manager Office: Friends of the Dillon Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Sarah Slaton Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Plant cottonwood seedlings in this beautiful area of Summit County. Bring the whole family! Description: STEWARDSHIP SITE The McDonald Flats campground, just 15 miles from Silverthorne, is located in the White River National Forest. The campground provides access for water sports, fishing, and boating on Green Mountain Reservoir. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY Help improve the McDonald Flats campground in this beautiful area of Summit County. We'll be planting cottonwood seedlings which will provide more shade and privacy for campers in the summer. A machine will dig the holes while volunteers place seedlings, cover and water them, and install coverings to protect the trees. The work will be simple and child-friendly! PARTNER Friends of the Dillon Ranger District (FDRD) National Forest Foundation The Summit Foundation OTHER FUN STUFF Meals: light breakfast; lunch will be provided by Jimmy Johns Camping: available at the campground on Friday night Latitude/Longitude: 39.74120712280273, -106.18928527832031 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Easy, Moderate High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 100 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 43 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 22 Total Volunteer Days: 65 Total Unique Volunteers: 65 Total Volunteer Hours: 463 Staff Hours: 12 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: 1. What were the most significant areas of achievement on this project? · Despite poor weather, we did not have significant attrition/cancellations. 2. What areas need improvement from this project? More importantly, what constructive ideas do you have in order to improve these areas? What can VOC’s committees and staff do to implement these improvements? · I personally (Emily) was confused on the relationship between FDRD and USFS and the funding at the start of the planning process…which made me feel kind of dumb throughout J. But, the project was still executed efficiently and done well. I understand the connection now and what their organization does in relationship to USFS. 3. What did you try new on this project that worked better than on prior projects? · N/A 4. How much work was completed? If not 100%, when will it be completed by the agency? Did the agency provide everything they agreed to in the MOU? · 97% was completed (i.e. there were still 10 trees to be planted by the time the project was to be over). FDRD finished the planting that day. 5. How did the agency feel at the end of the project? · I think FDRD was happy with the work that got achieved despite the weather. I knew I needed to promptly pack up and get back because of other commitments that evening back in Denver, so I couldn’t stick around to help plant the final 10 trees; but don’t think that was an issue. 6. Could the agency have better supported the team’s efforts? How? · N/A 7. Was this project a good volunteer and crew leader experience (i.e., did the volunteers enjoy themselves and did everything appear seamless)? How might we further enhance their experience? · Yes – See John Scott’s comments below. 8. Any Crew Chef issues -- was there enough food and was it on time? · Dawn Healy was a fantastic help and made lots of food. She also picked up Jimmy Johns and delivered it. 9. Any Crew Leader issues -- sufficient number, consistency in work? Did any Crew Leader Trainees graduate? · John Scott was our only VOC Crew Leader, but FDRD and USFS had staff onsite for the project to supplement leadership needs. Everything was sufficient. 10. TA issues? Were construction notes clear and expectations explained to everyone? Were the notes provided at orientation? Were the TAs readily accessible to CLs and Project Team members? . · Ken from USFS oversaw the technical aspect of the tree planting/fencing…he floated and contributed work as needed. 11. TM issues? Did you have sufficient help with the tools? Will you have any Project Team members helping at the next tool maintenance? · FDRD supplied most of the tools on the project, because of the number of projects VOC had going on that weekend. We utilized mostly their tools, but also used VOC post pounders, wheel barrows and gloves. 12. Are there any pieces of “tribal knowledge” that might benefit other project teams/committees? · N/A FROM JOHN SCOTT – CREW LEADER I thought the project went well. The volunteers did a great job overcoming fencing problems and weather problems. We were totally covered for lunch. Great job on that set up. You did a great job getting it all coordinated with FDRD for their parts (ps:I think u will find FDRD to be very very good at working with us and making projects successful and making sure the volunteer has a safe rewarding time no matter what the age) USFS did a good demo on the tree planting. Might not have hurt to have had it listed on paper too- some people need the visual but also the tactile reminders as they do things. I found a few holes where the stake was not pounded in or where the wire wasn't attached or there wasn't a ring to hold the water. Just little things. Easy to correct. I think people just got distracted and forgot. All the holes did have trees in them so the important part was done. The only thing I can think of we might have done better would be we should have warned them in the morning that if we have lightning or hail to retreat to their auto w/o their tools. I think ken and Jen made the call but I think volunteers were confused when it happened. I think if we would have warned them in the morning then told them to just bring their tools to the road or just drop them that would have been better and safer and smoother. Plus if everybody went to their car then stragglers wouldn't stop and hang out at places on the way to their car. Anyway still a pretty minor thing in the whole scheme of things. Great job. Keep up the good work.