2016-Quandary Peak Trail and Ecological Restoration

Start Date-End Date: 09/17/2016-09/18/2016 Land Manager Office: USFS - Dillon Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Ben Hanus Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Colorado Fourteeners Initiative Summary: Leave your mark on this popular fourteener in a positive way - via trail maintenance and habitat restoration! Description: About the Stewardship Site At 14,265 feet, Quandary is Colorado's 13th-highest peak. It is named after a group of miners who were unable to identify specific minerals they found on its slopes in the 1860s, which caused them to be in a "quandary." Located six miles south of Breckenridge, Quandary is also the second-most hiked Colorado fourteener due to its proximity to Denver and its trailhead that is very accessible year-round. The elevation gain of 3,450 feet to the summit may take hikers' breath away; however, the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and encounters with Rocky Mountain goats are equally heart pounding. About the Volunteer Experience Quandary Peak's access trail receives nearly 700 visits each week! This heavy amount of traffic has resulted in many hikers creating their own informal trails, coined "social trails," which aren't sustainable and are hurting the environment. This project will focus on addressing these overuse issues that are causing degradation to the fragile ecosystem. The first project worksite is at an elevation of 11,800 feet, and volunteers will help close an unsustainable and eroded trail. Tasks will include transplanting native willows and grasses to help reestablish vegetation, and hauling dirt and building restoration checks to retain soil and transplants. The second worksite is at an elevation of 12,500 feet, and volunteers at this area will conduct maintenance that includes trail narrowing and installing check steps. Please note that this project is best suited for experienced volunteers who are acclimated to high altitude. Volunteers are sure to get a great workout, and bonus effects of this workout include free meals and camping, comradery, a sense of accomplishment, and improved hiking trails for everyone to enjoy! About the Overall Impact Although the unique high alpine plants at Quandary Peak are able to withstand extreme temperatures and climate conditions, a lot of trampling human feet can do a lot of damage! By caring for the alpine tundra via trail restoration and improvement, erosion reversal, and revegetation - while still allowing hikers access to the summit - volunteers will help to preserve and protect the natural integrity of Quandary Peak for years to come. Latitude/Longitude: 39.3973, -106.1064 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 30 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 31 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 31 Total Unique Volunteers: 19 Total Volunteer Hours: 315 Staff Hours: 60 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Fall is now setting in. The colors of the leaves, and crisp, cold air were evidence that the seasons were indeed changing. the temperature for the campground on Friday night was a balmy 30 degrees. Volunteers quickly ate breakfast in the grey dawn awaiting the warm rays of the sunshine. The Quandary Peak Trail Project had 3 different sections that needed working on. The first section was the restoration of section of trail that had been braided by trail users and was quickly growing in size and impairing the immediate habitat. Several volunteers worked in this area closing the social braid, building a small retaining wall, a drainage feature, and a log support structure. Volunteers also transplanted 11 different plants to the newly restored area. The second section of work was the building of 6 timber steps that were used to retain a steep section of trail that was in danger of eroding away. Each step composed of three timber logs secured in place by 6 pieces of 3' rebar pounded into ground. The tread itself was then filled with crushed rock and soil. The third section was located at 12,500 feet, high on the exposed mountain side of Quandary Peak. In this section, where the majority of the volunteers worked, 6 different rock retaining structures were constructed. Each on totalled roughly 10' in length, and were 3 - 4 tiers high. These walls will eventually come together to form one long retention structure that holds the sedimentation in place so the alpine vegetation can continue to grow. The work at this location was challenging due to the altitude, the wind, and the slow nature of the work. Both days volunteers braved the fierce winds and were able to conduct some meaningful work. Successes and Challenges: Successes: Creating a happy working relationship with the staff at CFI. Returning all volunteers to camp on Sunday safe and sound - with no reports of altitude sickness. Being able to keep volunteers motivated despite the cold temperatures and the difficult nature of the work. Challenges: Camping logistics. Having to figure out a way to get everyone to camp after the Forest Service decided to close the access road one week prior to the project. Communicating to everyone how the shuttle would work, and attempting to place the VOC signs in a manner that would lead volunteers up to the campsite through the closed road signs. Bathrooms were not provided by CFI or VOC. There were no facilities located close to camp. We had to dig a trench for volunteers to use. Low number of volunteers attending - not sure why, many cancellations prior to the workday - could be location, camping logistics, or weather related. Lessons Learned: Nice to set up the Crew Chef tent with wall attached for cold weather. Always double check Crew Chef list to make sure that everything needed for the weekend is packed. Special Notes: We are cultivating a healthy relationship with CFI in the hope that next season we will increase the amount of projects that we will collaborate on. Stewardship Education: CFI staff was able to explain the fragile nature of the alpine environment and why the work that we were doing was so important to the health of the ecosystem. Volunteers got up close and personal with a family of Mountain Goats that were very curious about the work that we were doing. Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Quandary Peak has a very high amount of activity from trail users. Interactions among users was very positive, but it represented first hand how the high use and popularity of these areas can have a negative effect on the land. Description of Accidents/Incidents: There were no accidents or incidents to report. Description of Work Completed: