2013-Gunnison River Habitat Restoration & Canoe Trip Stewardship Adventure

Start Date-End Date: 09/05/2013-09/08/2013 Land Manager Office: BLM - Grand Junction Field Office Land Manager Contact: Andy Windsor Funding Partner: Centennial Canoe Outfitters, Inc Programmatic Partner: Summary: Join us on a four-day canoe trip as you help the Bureau of Land Management perform a crucial weed inventory necessary for the development and preservation of the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area. Description: STEWARDSHIP SITE This canoe trip will follow a 27-mile stretch of the Gunnison River as it flows through the Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area (NCA). This gentle stretch of river flows by desert bluffs and through 800-feet-deep, red-rock canyons. Cultural and historical sites from the past 10,000 years as well as geological and paleontological resources covering 600 million years are also located along the river. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY This four-day canoe trip will enlist volunteers as citizen scientists, helping the Bureau of Land Management conduct a weed inventory, a high priority project. This information will help the BLM treat and stop the spread of weeds, as well as enable the BLM to move forward with the recreational development of the area. After some instruction in weed identification, volunteers will be taking an inventory of Russian olive, knapweed, whitetop, and other weeds. Volunteers will then mark the location of these weeds on photographs. IMPORTANT INFORMATION There is a $240 non-refundable fee. Registrants' spots are not reserved until payment is made in full. Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Reservations for this trip are currently full. To be added to the waitlist, please follow the registration procedures. If a spot opens up, you will be contacted to confirm your interest and required to submit payment to secure your registration. PARTNERS/SPONSORS BLM Grand Junction Centennial Canoe Patagonia- Denver Store OTHER FUN STUFF Meals: Tasty meals will be provided by Centennial Canoe, Thursday morning through Sunday afternoon. Activities: During each of the four days there will be opportunities for leisure activities, including exploring canyons, hiking to see ancient rock art and a beautiful waterfall in Dominguez Canyon, or just kicking back and enjoying the beauty of Colorado's newest National Conservation Area. Trip members are encouraged to bring their own musical instruments to add to the evening entertainment around the campfire. Members of the BLM staff will do an educational presentation on the area. Raffle prizes will also be awarded. Latitude/Longitude: 38.973, -108.453 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Easy High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 23 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 22 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 22 Total Unique Volunteers: 22 Total Volunteer Hours: 619 Staff Hours: 98 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: