2016-Newmont Mining SWAT at Castlewood Canyon State Park

Start Date-End Date: 10/28/2016-10/28/2016 Land Manager Office: CPW - Castlewood Canyon State Park Land Manager Contact: Joe Marquez Funding Partner: Newmont Mining Corporation Programmatic Partner: Summary: Newmont Mining will install and restore several hand built timber steps that are an integral part of Inner Canyon and Lake Gulch Trail System. Volunteers will also have a chance to do some minor bridge repair on one of the foot bridges that spans Cherry Creek. Description: Castlewood Canyon State Park is a Colorado state park near Franktown, Colorado. The park protects a unique part of Colorado's history (the Castlewood Canyon Dam). ?????????????????????????????????????????Nature lovers and groups enjoy environmental diversity on several hiking trails ranging from mild to moderate.The trails range from .5 to 4 miles and can be combined for longer journeys.The winding Cherry Creek flowing along thecanyon floor provides wonderful rest stops.?Pets,on a leash,are welcome on most trails, except the new East Canyon Preservation Area trail. Thenatural amphitheater and the Bridge Canyon Overlook gazebo perched on the edge of the canyon are unique places for weddings or other outdoor ceremonies.Casual groups and families enjoy the picnic areas at both entrances.Remnants of geologic and local history combine when the then Castlewood Dam burst in 1933, sending a 15-foot-high wave of water into Denver.Ruins of the original ill-fated dam and the historic homestead still exist for hikers to see. Latitude/Longitude: 39.3355 N, 104.7453 W Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Easy High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 15 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 13 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 13 Total Unique Volunteers: 13 Total Volunteer Hours: 104 Staff Hours: 24 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: On a rare overcast day in Colorado, 13 volunteers from Newmont Mining showed up to assist Colorado Parks and Wildlife in restoring a brief section of trail at Castlewood Canyon State Park. After a brief introduction and tool distribution, we set off towards the canyon. The trail dropped quickly towards the bottom and the signs of erosion were evident along the steep and windy path. Once we reached the bottom we were greeted by the light bubbling of the Cherry Creek. Volunteers began removing old planks from the footbridge and extracting the remains of the old staircase that provided access to the rest of the trail. As the demolition drew to an end the construction of new steps and the replacement of the bridge planks began. The group from Newmont Mining bolted down four new planks on the bridge and were able to sucessfully install 5 timber steps complete with crushed rock for the platform. Volunteers also closed two social trails and reconstructed an armored drainage feature. Lunchtime was welcome by all as we sat under a nice cliff overhang that provided shade and soft sand for comfort. Successes and Challenges: Successes: Doing small but effective trail maintenance tasks that will have lasting impacts. Working with people from around the world - there were people from Ghana, South America, Australia, China, and America. Challenges: A short day did not allow us to finish the staircase. There were some difficulties building around rock and the power tools were running out of energy. Lessons Learned: Always bring extra tools beyond what the land manager deems necessary. Special Notes: No speecial notes to be considered. Stewardship Education: We were able to have a conversation regarding the significance of "why" we build sustainable trails. Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: The only concern was the poison ivy. Description of Accidents/Incidents: There were no accidents or incidents. Description of Work Completed: The group from Newmont Mining bolted down four new planks on the bridge and were able to sucessfully install 5 timber steps complete with crushed rock for the platform. Volunteers also closed two social trails and reconstructed an armored drainage feature.