Description
Start Date-End Date: 07/10/2015-07/10/2015
Land Manager Office: USFS - Boulder Ranger District
Land Manager Contact: Beverly Baker
Funding Partner:
Programmatic Partner:
Summary: Help eradicate the Spotted Knapweed from the rugged and scenic Spruce Gulch, near Boulder.
Description: ABOUT THE STEWARDSHIP SITE
Spruce Gulch is a rugged area of National Forest land close to Boulder, yet with a remote feel. Unfortunately, the invasive weed spotted knapweed has established itself within the area. Knapweed outcompetes native plants through a relentless strategy consisting of three components: 1) a tap root that takes up water faster than its neighbors; 2) high seed production for quick spread; and 3) low palatability to discourage herbivores. Help preserve Spruce Gulch's native Colorado ecosystem by eliminating this invasive weed!
ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER WORK
For the sixth consecutive year, VOC volunteers will dig and pull the aggressive spotted knapweed, in which its eradication is a priority in Boulder County and most of Colorado. To access the site, volunteers will hike up to two miles each way, gaining about 600 feet on the way in.Poison ivy and rattlesnakes are present at the site and the area is full of boulders, down trees and other flood debris, so volunteers will be required to wear long pants and sturdy footwear with closed toes and ankle support.
PARTNERS
USFS - Boulder Ranger District
Latitude/Longitude: 40.04970169067383, -105.21430206298828
Additional Information:
Camping Available: No
Physical Difficulty: Difficult
High Altitude Project: No
Desired Number of Volunteers: 25
Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 25
Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 1
Total Volunteer Days: 26
Total Unique Volunteers: 26
Total Volunteer Hours: 243
Staff Hours: 18.5
Stipend Hours: 0
Project Summary: A succesful day and large number for this project. We should continue doing it on Fridays. Jim J. reports that after 6 years, the knapweed population on Forest Service land is being noticeably reduced and is now limited to riparian areas.
Successes and Challenges: This project was rescheduled due to flooding in Spruce Gulch after a heavy rain in June. We were able to retain one key corporate group and filled the other registrations back up nicely.
One troublesome volunteer (Lori Burke) was tough to manage. Unprepared with limited water and day pack.Also vocally upset and grouchy much of the day. Did not overtly effect other volunteers too much.
Lessons Learned:
Special Notes:
Stewardship Education:
Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers:
Description of Accidents/Incidents:
Description of Work Completed:
Details
| 16 and older |
