2014-Lost Creek Trail Restoration in Mt. Evans Wilderness

Start Date-End Date: 07/12/2014-07/12/2014 Land Manager Office: USFS - Clear Creek Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Ralph Bradt Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Help restore the Lost Creek Trail in the beautiful Mt. Evans Wilderness. Description: STEWARDSHIP SITE Mt. Evans Wilderness consists of 74,401 acres located approximately 40 miles west of Denver. The area boasts two 14er peaks and numerous unique features, including evidence of past glaciers, small regions of arctic tundra, a wide variety of vegetation, and several species of wildlife.The section of the Lost Creek Trail volunteers will be working on has been in existence since the early 1900's. For over a hundred years the historic trail has provided access to the Bear Creek Guard Station, the first guard station built in the state of Colorado. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY Due to recent flooding and the failure of drainage structures, this section of the Lost Creek Trail (between the trailhead and Bear Creek) has become deeply trenched. Volunteers will help install check dams and drainage structures to improve sustainability and usability of the trail. PARTNERS & SPONSORS U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Clear Creek Ranger District Xcel Energy REI ?Lockheed Martin The Boeing Company Clif Bar & Company National Forest Foundation OTHER FUN STUFF Meals: Snacks; NO lunch provided - please bring your own sack lunch Latitude/Longitude: 39.74020004272461, -105.59829711914062 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 30 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 26 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 3 Total Volunteer Days: 29 Total Unique Volunteers: 29 Total Volunteer Hours: 278 Staff Hours: 38 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: The Mt. Evans Wilderness, located approximately 40 miles west of Denver boasts two Fourteeners peaks and numerous unique features, including evidence of past glaciers, small regions of arctic tundra, a wide variety of vegetation, and several species of wildlife.This historic section of the Lost Creek Trail has been in existence since the early 1900's, providing access to the Bear Creek Guard Station, the first guard station built in the state of Colorado. On July 12th, VOC volunteers helped restore the trail from the significant damage that occurred from the September 2013 floods. VOC volunteers worked to address the deep trenching on the trail by constructing approximately 70 check dams, rolling grade dips and other drainage structures, refurbishing another 3 drainage structures and installing 5 rock steps. 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: