2014-Wilderness 50th Anniversary Project: Hell's Hole Trail (Women's only Crew)

Start Date-End Date: 06/28/2014-06/28/2014 Land Manager Office: USFS - Clear Creek Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Ralph Bradt Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Help repair a flood-damaged trail in a magnificent high alpine meadow, with views of glistening peaks in every direction. Description: WILDERNESS 50th 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Wilderness Act of 1964. The Act was charged with protecting 9.1 million acres of federal land across the country and administered by four agencies: the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. Upon signing the Wilderness Act in 1964, Lyndon Johnson stated "If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt, we must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it." The anniversary of the act is a chance to highlight the importance of these lands and to recognize the efforts to preserve them for years to come. Important: This volunteer opportunity is in celebration of the contribution of women to preserving wilderness areas and is reserved for women only, with a women's-only crew. STEWARDSHIP SITE VOC returns to Hell's Hole, a scenic cirque in the Mount Evans Wilderness, to restore this glacial valley trail. This valley is home to abundant aspen, diverse wildlife and the rare, yet hearty Bristlecone Pine. Bristlecone Pine are suited to thrive in areas at high elevation with subfreezing temperatures and persistent winds. The Hell's Hole name may sound unappealing, but the area is actually quite scenic with several stunning peaks as a backdrop. The trail is located 9.7 miles south of Idaho Springs in the West Chicago Creek Campground. VOLUNTEER PROJECT - WHAT & WHY Volunteers will help clean out drainage structures intended to preserve the walking surface of the trail that was heavily damaged by recent flooding. Participants will also prune the area adjacent to the trail ensuring visitors have a safe corridor to walk through. PARTNERS & SPONSORS U.S. Forest Service- Clear Creek Ranger District Xcel Energy The Boeing Company REI Oracle Lockheed Martin Clif Bar & Company Latitude/Longitude: 39.676932, -105.660003 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Moderate High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 14 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 3 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 3 Total Unique Volunteers: 3 Total Volunteer Hours: 33 Staff Hours: 0 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: