Description
Start Date-End Date: 08/15/2016-08/19/2016
Land Manager Office: USFS - Divide Ranger District
Land Manager Contact: Lisa McClure
Funding Partner: San Luis Valley Great Outdoors - SLVGO
Programmatic Partner:
Summary: NOTE: Registration for this opportunity is FULL. If you register, you will be placed on the wait list. As space becomes available, we will move individuals off the wait list.
Description: About the Stewardship Site
More than a half million acres in size and nestled deep in the San Juan Mountains near the towns of Creede, Silverton, and Pagosa Springs, the Weminuche (pronounced 'wim-eh-nooch' by most folks) Wilderness is the largest wilderness area in Colorado. It contains some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Rockies and is known for its difficult, rugged, and unspoiled terrain.
About the Volunteer Experience
Volunteers will be guided by Lost Ute Outfitters on horseback for 10 miles into the heart of the wilderness! The main priority on this 5-day project is to remove encroaching willows and address drainage issues on the Squaw Lake Trail and Continental Divide National Scenic Trail which lies deep in the Weminuche Wilderness. The tasks volunteers will undertake are not physically demanding nor do they require technical skills; however, the worksite itself requires daily hikes of up to 4 miles roundtrip at elevation. Volunteers should be aware of this and consider the remote location of this project before registering. VOC will provide a beautiful campsite at Squaw Lake, all meals, expert leadership, and the necessary equipment and tools; volunteers need to bring their own tent, backpack, sleeping bag, etc., as well as recreational gear for fishing, hiking, swimming, running, and just relaxing in the wilderness!
About the Overall Impact
When there are obstructions to a trail, such as large stands of willows, users will create their own alternative route which contributes to a phenomenon known as trail braiding. These unofficial detours, overtime, are likely to cause resource damage and negatively affect the trail's sustainability. By improving the Squaw Lake Trail's capacity to drain runoff, as well as removing willows and other obstacles that conceal the trail, volunteers will help minimize negative effects on the surrounding ecosystems and expand the trail's lifespan for years to come.
NOTE:To help cover outfitter expenses, there is a $375 non-refundable fee for this project. Registrants' spots are not reserved until payment is made in full. Minors (under 18) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Latitude/Longitude: 37.637726, -107.253771
Additional Information:
Camping Available: Yes
Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult
High Altitude Project: Yes
Desired Number of Volunteers: 10
Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 50
Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0
Total Volunteer Days: 50
Total Unique Volunteers: 10
Total Volunteer Hours: 492
Staff Hours: 104
Stipend Hours: 0
Project Summary: What could be better than volunteering and traveling to one of Colorado's most beautiful and remote landscapes at the same time? On August 15th, 10 volunteers grabbed their hiking boots, work gloves and hard hats, along with a tent, backpack, sleeping bag and recreational gear, and prepared for five glorious days of trail adventure deep in the Weminuche Wilderness (pronounced 'wim-eh-nooch') . The Wemichue Wilderness is Colorado's largest wilderness area, and the purpose of this volunteer "vacation" was to address drainage issues on both the Squaw Lake Trail and Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, as well as remove trail-blocking willows. Unfortunately, shrinking budgets make it impossible for agencies to do all the maintenance that our public lands and wilderness areas need, so they rely on volunteers to fill the gap. Without volunteers, our favorite trails would often be impassable. Because the work on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity took place 10 miles into the heart of the Weminuche, there was no easy way to reach the trail work destination. Luckily, there was "horse power"! Volunteers were actually guided on horseback into the wilderness by Lost Ute Outfitters, and the horses helped to haul everyone's gear. There is truly nothing quite like relaxing atop a gentle horse while soaking up Colorado's beauty! During each day of the adventure, volunteers hiked 4 miles to and from their beautiful Squaw Lake campsite to put their hands to work. In total, they refurbished 1.5 miles of trail and removed 31,880 overgrown willows so that future hikers can enjoy a clear pathway that allows them to look at the long views instead of concentrating on trying to find trail tread. Evenings were spent fishing, swimming, hiking, and just relaxing! Thanks to everyone on this project who came to work and play with us in the wilderness. And a huge shout out to Lost Ute Outfitters for providing invaluable support. Few things top seeing the wilderness on horseback, and what a fulfilling way to unwind and recharge!
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Details
| 18 and older |
