2015-Weber Gulch Trail Construction

Start Date-End Date: 07/25/2015-07/26/2015 Land Manager Office: Town of Breckenridge Land Manager Contact: Scott Reid Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Realign this short-connector trail using sustainable trail-building techniques. Description: ABOUT THE STEWARDSHIP SITE In this breathtaking alpine setting, there are more than 100 miles of pristine backcountry trail which are used for hiking and mountain biking in the summer, and skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The Weber Gulch Trail is a short-connector trail in the area that is surrounded by several tall peaks and towering trees. ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER WORK The Weber Gulch Trail project will realign an existing unsustainable route and replace it with a sustainable, fun singletrack for non-motorized recreationalists. This is the next in a series of trail realignment projects that have greatly improved the trail network surrounding Breckenridge. The Weber Gulch Trail will build on previous successes including the Turk's Trail and Nightmare on Baldy Trail. The Breckenridge economy survives on trail-based recreation in both summer and winter. This project will enhance previous projects and existing trails in the area, and it is expected that the completion of this trail will result in a significant increase of annual visitors. Free meals and camping will be provided. OTHER WAYS TO HELP It's not all sweat and toil! There are lots of ways you can participate on project days, including as an assistant crew chef. Assistant crew chefs have a fun, vital, and very appreciated role on the project team - keeping volunteers happy and well-fed! Please emailSteve Wallfor more information. PARTNERS Town of Breckenridge Latitude/Longitude: 39.473499, -106.039773 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 150 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 157 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 17 Total Volunteer Days: 172 Total Unique Volunteers: 108 Total Volunteer Hours: 1408 Staff Hours: 74 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Even though it rained all afternoon on Friday, the weather couldn't have been more perfect on Saturday, and the volunteers took to the woods beneath classic Colorado bluebird skies. The project was a trail construction of the Weber Gulch Trail, a new part of the trail network frequented by mountain bikers and hikers in Summit County. With 90 volunteers out in total, the crew was able to construct approximately 3,200 feet of new trail -- including 3 "insloped" climbing turns that will make for a fun ride for mountain bikers -- as well as 3 multi-tier retaining walls. There was a great feast on Saturday night, accompanied by beer fromBreckenridge Breweryand a local musician strumming away on the guitar during dinner hour. The new route is the latest, but certainly not the last, in a long line of VOC projects that improve sustainable access to hike and bike trails in Breckenridge. Successes and Challenges: Great amount of work done. Slightly dissapointing turnout. The rain on friday may have had a baering on that. Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: Description of Work Completed: