2016-Indian Creek Trail Restoration - 6/10/2016

Start Date-End Date: 06/10/2016-06/12/2016 Land Manager Office: USFS - Saguache Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Brinkley Messick Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Maintain and restore a trail in an area rife with superb fishing and hiking opportunities. Description: About the Stewardship Site The Indian Creek Trail is part of a loop that spurs off of the popular Middle Creek Trailhead, providing quick access to otherwise remote places in the Rio Grande National Forest. The East Middle Creek in the area is home to a population of one of Colorado's three native cutthroat trout sub-species, the Rio Grande cutthroat trout. This loop trail is also used by VOC's project partner, the Rocky Mountain Flyathlon, which is a unique competitive event that combines trail running and fly fishing to generate funds that support access and improvements to native Rio Grande cutthroat fisheries. About the Volunteer Experience This project will be a mix of trail maintenance and restoration. Volunteers will help close user-created social trails, install signs, build rock drainage structures, widen and rebuild trail tread, clear off blowdown trees and other obstacles, and build cairns (piles of stones used to mark the intended route) as the trail meanders through open meadows. Hiking distances will vary from a half mile to 4 miles to reach project locations, and free camping and meals will be provided onsite. To top off the volunteer experience, there will be an engaging evening presentation on native fisheries, habitat improvement, and the Rio Grande cutthroat trout. Volunteers with valid fishing licenses are encouraged to bring their rods to take advantage of great waters near the campsite! About the Overall Impact This project will immediately improve accessibility, safety, and the overall user experience of the Indian Creek Trail, but for the long term this project will slow the trail's rate of erosion and decrease the amount of sediment that will be deposited into the Indian Creek drainage and Rio Grande Cutthroat habitat (in the upper East Middle Creek). The work done will also ensure the Indian Creek Trail provides access to our National Forest for many years to come. Latitude/Longitude: 38.280340, -106.301801 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 30 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 107 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 3 Total Volunteer Days: 110 Total Unique Volunteers: 41 Total Volunteer Hours: 984 Staff Hours: 145 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Trout, trails, and trees, oh my! Over the June 10-12 weekend, 41 VOC #TrailWizards worked their magic on a heavily used trail near Indian Creek in the beautiful and remote Rio Grande National Forest. Together, the crew built over 4,000 feet of trail, installed signs and rock cairns on the full 4-mile trail, and closed several "social trails" (unofficial, user-created trails that aren't part of an established trail network) to ensure that the area is preserved for future use. Former Colorado Senator Mark Udall lent helping hands alongside his niece and VOC board member, Tarn Udall, to kick off our Faces of VOC campaign! Throughout the summer, various community leaders, local business owners, elected officials, athletes, and celebrities will be participating in VOC projects to highlight the importance of caring for the Colorado outdoors. In addition to the gorgeous scenery and rewarding work, Volunteers enjoyed a presentation about the importance of preserving this unique Cut Throat Trout habitat, thanks to Kevin Terry from Trout Unlimited and Andrew Todd from our project partner, Rocky Mountain Flyathlon. MAD Greens, Upslope Brewing Company, noosa yoghurt, and Three Barrel Brewing Co. provided volunteers with sustenance and snacks all weekend, while Rocky Muontain Flyathon donated great raffle items, including a new Tenkara Fly Rod! After two days of hard work, Boy Scouts and Weekend Warriors alike felt accomplished and excited about the work they completed in this unique area of Colorado - a big thank you to everyone that came out to help! Check back for more Faces of VOC spotlights and volunteering opportunities throughout the summer! 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: