2016-Wheeler Geologic Area Trail Restoration

Start Date-End Date: 07/25/2016-07/29/2016 Land Manager Office: USFS - Divide Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Lisa McClure Funding Partner: San Luis Valley Great Outdoors - SLVGO Programmatic Partner: San Luis Valley Federal Bank Summary: On this 5-day backcountry adventure, help restore a trail at one of the country's most fascinating natural wonders. Description: About the Stewardship Site This place is a must if you've never been here before!Located near the historic mining town of Creede in the San Juans, Wheeler Geologic Area is the centerpiece of the pristine La Garita Wilderness. At Wheeler, a mound of volcanic ash has eroded over millions of years into a landscape that is filled with unworldly beauty. The geology here, which includes an amazing series of pinnacles and spires, is so unique and astounding that the area became Colorado's first National Monument in 1908. About the Volunteer Experience Though Wheeler is accessible by an ATV and 4x4 Jeep road, volunteers will backpack into basecamp via the 9-mile long East Bellows Trail. VOC attempted to assist with trail restoration at Wheeler in 2014 and 2015, but was unable to access the site due to inclement weather and road washouts. This year, VOC is prepared to backpack-in in order to get some critical, long-overdue work done! Volunteers can expect moderate-to-difficult work which includes closing unsafe user-created trails, clearing corridor, building structures that help control erosion, and reconstructing sections of washed-out trail. Meals and camping will be provided. Note: Due to the backcountry nature of this project, volunteers are required to register for all five days of the project. Volunteers not registered for the entirety of the project will be removed from the registration list. About the Overall Impact Though Wheeler is completely surrounded by Wilderness, a 4x4 and ATV road provides access to the base where a short hike can take visitors to the area. This relatively easy access makes Wheeler Geologic Area a popular option for day use, creating a high need for trail maintenance that addresses erosion issues as well as increases overall safety. The designated trail is being cut in several places, establishing a defined but unsustainable user-created trail that is eroding into the headwaters of West Bellows Creek. Latitude/Longitude: 37.880751, -106.783708 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 20 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 79 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 79 Total Unique Volunteers: 16 Total Volunteer Hours: 772 Staff Hours: 138 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: In a land far away and unknown to many, some of the most other-worldly rock formations grace the landscapes of Creede, Colorado. 16 intrepid volunteers adventured into the Wheeler Geologic Area to complete essential trail maintenance. Made up of ancient volcanic ash and located in the La Garita Wilderness, the Wheeler Geologic Area is host to some of the most unique vistas in all of America. After three attempts in as many years to work on these ever-eroding trails, this crew of volunteers finally overcame the washed out roads and accomplished an impressive amount of work during the 5-day adventure. From July 25-29, volunteers collectively contributed a whopping 772 hours of work, built 35 drainage structures, cleared over 900 feet of overgrown corridor, constructed 13 waterbars, 5 rock check steps, 7 timber checksteps, built 200 feet of rerouted trail, and built a 6 foot 13 inch retaining wall! This hearty crew enjoyed the delicious pairings of seasoned crew chef Tim Zvada, and reveled in the beauty of the region during day hikes around the Wheeler Geologic Area throughout the week. Thank you all of these hard-working volunteers and to our great project sponsors Rio Grande National Forest, San Luis Valley Great Outdoors and San Luis Valley Federal Bank. Look out for more outdoor stewardship fun in our September and October projects - now open for registration! 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: