2015-Oh-Be-Joyful Trail Restoration

Start Date-End Date: 07/18/2015-07/19/2015 Land Manager Office: USFS - Gunnison Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Tambi Gustafson Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: NOTE: Registration for this opportunity is FULL. If you register, you will be placed on the wait list. As space becomes available, we will move individuals off the wait list. Description: ABOUT THE STEWARDSHIP SITE The Oh-Be-Joyful Trail is one of the most popular wilderness trails in the Crested Butte area, and not just because of its cheerful name. This hiking trail ascends up a gorgeous glacial valley and is bordered by lush greenery. The trail's pristine surroundings also boast a spectacular wildflower display in the spring and summer: look for Colorado's state flower, the Columbine, along with other common species such as the Indian Paintbrush and Avalanche Lily. Why not make a vacation out of your volunteer experience? Crested Butte is a premier spot for outdoor recreation! ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER WORK Due to the high numbers of hikers and equestrian riders that use the Oh-Be-Joyful Trail, attention is needed to maintain its usability, safety, and sustainability. Volunteers will help bring this trail up to more sustainable standards by building turnpikes (elevated trail structures) in wetland areas, restoring single tracks, closing user-created trail braids that go around technical parts of the trail, and clearing trail corridor. Free meals and camping will be provided. PARTNERS U.S. Forest Service - Gunnison Ranger District Latitude/Longitude: 38.8621080, -107.1613700 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 28 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 44 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 43 Total Unique Volunteers: 22 Total Volunteer Hours: 465 Staff Hours: 65 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: On the weekend of July 18-19, 22 volunteers, one VOC staff member, and 3 USFS employees went to the Oh-Be-Joyful trail in the Raggeds Wilderness of Crested Butte, CO. The group made 2 turnpikes during the weekend in areas that had been complete mudpits that were nearly impossible to cross. On Saturday, it rained for a good part of the afternoon, with one scary lightning strike, but the group pushed through. Chef Lisa Thilker went above & beyond, and treated the crew to delicious appetizers, dinner and dessert. Beer was donated by Eldo Brewery (in CB), and Sue Navy talked around the campfire about the history of the area. The turnpikes were completed on the second day, and the Forest Service was very pleased with the volunteers work. Volunteers went home tired, sore, and very happy. Successes and Challenges: The work conditions were VERY muddy. Volunteers were sinking, and boots/pants were ruined. On top of that, it rained nearly all of Saturday afternoon. However, volunteers kept their spirits up, and worked really hard. The final product of 2 turnpikes was pretty incredible, and volunteers felt a lot of pride about their work. Lessons Learned: If we want this to be a volunteer run project in the future, we will need to have better communication in the fall/winter with Jennisons and project team. Also, Crested Butte is a very popular destination. We had a wait list of nearly 60 people that wanted to be on this project. Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Provided by USFS/VOC staff, and local Sue Navy. Sue talked about the history of the area, and who recreates in this wilderness. Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: This was originally supposed to be a volunteer-led project by the Jennisons'. They were not ready for that kind of commitment this year, so staff time was put into communications, packing, and team meetings. They may be ready for that kind commitment next year, but will need a little guidance. Description of Accidents/Incidents: There was a scary lightning strike on Saturday on the trail. Staff led volunteers to the trees, where we spread out. We watched the sky for 15 minutes, but there was no more lightning or thunder. Description of Work Completed: