2013-Turret Creek Trail Restoration

Start Date-End Date: 08/29/2013-09/02/2013 Land Manager Office: USFS - Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Dave Neely Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Help build a turnpike on the Turret Creek Trail in the legendary Flat Tops Wilderness. Description: STEWARDSHIP SITE The Turret Creek Trail is located in the amazing Flat Tops Wilderness, an area so beautiful it spurred Arthur Carhart to conceive of the Wilderness Concept-the idea of keeping certain scenic areas in the National Forest system undeveloped by designating them as wilderness. The trail passes through stands of aspen trees and meadows filled with wildflowers, all of which is part of a vast, gently-rolling alpine plateau. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY Part of the Turret Creek Trail is prone to becoming water-logged. Volunteers will be constructing a turnpike along this marshy section to elevate the trail above the wet ground and to provide a stable trail base for hikers and horses. IMPORTANT INFORMATION Requires an approximately 3 mile hike to the base camp. As this is a backpacking trip, volunteers must supply their own backcountry gear. Volunteers must commit to the entire five day project. PARTNERS USFS Eagle Ranger District OTHER FUN STUFF Meals: Lunch Thursday August, 29th through lunch Monday September, 2nd will be provided. Camping: Free camping will be available. To register click here: http://bit.ly/ZrX5PB Latitude/Longitude: 39.811, -107.185 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 15 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 20 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 20 Total Unique Volunteers: 5 Total Volunteer Hours: 264 Staff Hours: 80 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Successes and Challenges: Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Up until two weeks before the project, there were 12 participants. 4 late cancellations and 3 no shows resulted in extremely low numbers. Project Manager reported that the land managers were still happy with the work that was completed, despite the minimal turnout. Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: On Thursday, August 29, 5 volunteers hiked into the Flat Tops Wilderness for a weekend of trail restoration efforts along Turret Creek. Volunteers worked hard for four days to construct a 33 ft turnpike and drainage ditch. The work completed by volunteers will play a crucial role in increasing safety and sustainability for users of the trail.