2015-Continental Divide Trail Maintenance at Monarch Pass

Start Date-End Date: 07/25/2015-07/26/2015 Land Manager Office: USFS - Salida Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Brett Beasley Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Join us for important trail maintenance on the Continental Divide Trail, helping to restore this legendary trail for generations to come. Description: ABOUT THE STEWARDSHIP SITE Located about 30 minutes from Salida, this project site is situated along the acclaimed 3,100-mile Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. This beautiful area provides for high-quality and scenic hiking, mountain biking, and photography opportunities. ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER PROJECT This project will focus on trail maintenance to improve a well-used section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, on the north and south sides off the top of Monarch Pass. From Highway 50, a trenched and eroding trail travels steeply until it separates into two trails - one motorized and the other non-motorized - to create a loop segment of the Continental Divide Trail. Volunteers will repair these areas that are poorly maintained and help prevent the impact of erosion on and off the sides of the trail. This project will ensure that the quality of this iconic trail is maintained for generations to come. Free meals and camping will be provided.The campsite at Old Monarch Pass is easy to access, and the project site is close to the trailhead. PARTNERS U.S. Forest Service - Salida Ranger District Latitude/Longitude: 38.504556, -106.328139 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 50 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 64 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 2 Total Volunteer Days: 66 Total Unique Volunteers: 36 Total Volunteer Hours: 673 Staff Hours: 152.5 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Great weather, good volunteers (lower turnout than expected), strong project team, good accomplishments (see accomplishments listed). Successes and Challenges: Radios were forgotten from the VOC project - made communication between crews challenging and as a result, the Project Manager did a lot of running between crews to ensure all were on the same page and had all they needed. Lessons Learned: Ensure all items are brought from Denver office as planned - especially radios. Special Notes: Absolute bikes generously donated the rental of 5 bikes for volunteers to test out on the trails. Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: n/a Description of Accidents/Incidents: n/a Description of Work Completed: