2014-Little Thompson Flood Restoration

Start Date-End Date: 06/14/2014-06/14/2014 Land Manager Office: Land Manager Contact: Funding Partner: United Methodist Committee On Relief - Rocky Mountain Conference Programmatic Partner: Summary: Help with critical flood restoration efforts along the Little Thompson River. Description: STEWARDSHIP SITE In September 2013, the Little Thompson River experienced a catastrophic flood event estimated to be three times the magnitude of a 100-year flood event. The high peak flow combined with the extended duration of the event resulted in significant changes in the river corridor along with significant damage to infrastructure. The river has migrated significantly in several areas, cut new channels, and lost much of its previous ecological function. In addition, this migration has resulted in the destruction of numerous irrigation diversions, roads, embankments, bridges, and other infrastructure. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY Volunteers will remove debris from the Little Thompson River corridor where accumulated materials threaten to cause further flooding or downstream damages during spring runoff or heavy thunderstorms. Volunteers will play a critical role in minimizing detrimental impacts on public water supplies, wildlife habitat and public infrastructure. OTHER FUN STUFF Meals: A light breakfast and lunch will be provided to all volunteers. PARTNERS & SPONSORS UMCOR Xcel Energy REI The Boeing Company Oracle Clif Bar & Company The Anschutz Foundation Anadarko Latitude/Longitude: 40.299109, -104.998720 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Easy, Moderate High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 90 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 68 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 6 Total Volunteer Days: 73 Total Unique Volunteers: 74 Total Volunteer Hours: 657 Staff Hours: 71 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: On June 14th, 73 volunteers worked on 7 properties severely affected by the September 2013 floods. Volunteers worked to un-girdle trees that had been wrapped in debris and removed natural and manmade materials from riverbanks and surrounding areas. Participants were able to clean 15 acres of affected land. These efforts will ensure flood materials won't cause further flooding or downstream damages during spring runoff or heavy thunderstorms. Volunteers played a critical role in minimizing detrimental impacts on public water supplies, wildlife habitat and public infrastructure.