2012-Ute Park Trail Construction

Start Date-End Date: 08/18/2012-08/19/2012 Land Manager Office: Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Parks and Recreational District Land Manager Contact: Michael Weinbrecht Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Help construct a new multi-use trail in the heart of the White River Valley. Description: STEWARDSHIP SITE Meeker is located in a beautiful area of northwestern Colorado, in the heart of the White River Valley. The area boasts abundant wildlife, a unique palette of flora, and beautiful views. This project takes place along the spectacular China Wall, a beautiful land formation and icon for the Town of Meeker and its visitors. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY Help construct a new trail that will connect the new Phillip and Dorcas Jensen Memorial Park with the existing Ute Park.The trail will allow only pedestrians and bicyclists and will wind through pinon and juniper forest and shrublands along the China Wall land formation. The trail crosses between land owned by the Bureau of Land Management and the Town of Meeker. Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn and practice trail construction skills on this moderate trail. PARTNERS Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Parks and Recreation District OTHER FUN STUFF Meals: Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch Camping: available Friday and Saturday nights Latitude/Longitude: 40.03870010375977, -107.89250183105469 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 90 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 65 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 8 Total Volunteer Days: 83 Total Unique Volunteers: 39 Total Volunteer Hours: 864.5 Staff Hours: 56 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: 35 volunteers braved a 1.5 mile rigorous hike to the top of Dorcas Jensen Memorial Park, just outside of Meeker to build 1000 ft of new trail. The trail will be part of an ambitious new system that will allow Meeker residents and visitors to hike from the northwestern most part of town to Ute Park, which is situated just outside of town to the south. Check out upcoming VOC projects here: This was the first time working with the White River BLM field office and the Eastern Rio Blanca Rec District. Both partners did a great job of recruiting local volunteers.