2017-Beartrack Lakes Trail Restoration - 6/16/2017

Start Date-End Date: 06/16/2017-06/16/2017 Land Manager Office: USFS - Clear Creek Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Ralph Bradt Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Escape into the wild just a short drive from Denver, and help restore a trail! Description: About the Stewardship Site: The Beartrack Lakes Trail, accessing the Mount Evans Wilderness, is the most visited trail on the east side of Mount Evans. This popular loop trail offers users a prime display of vibrant wildflowers, pristine lakes and the occasional wildlife encounter. About the Volunteer Experience: The heavy use of the trail has accelerated erosion, particularly through burn area of the 1998 Beartracks Fire. To help address erosion issues, volunteers will build drainage structures and check dams, as well as clear corridor along a stretch of trail approximately 1-mile in length. This project is best suited for those who can appreciate the allure of a true wilderness area and the need to keep these places maintained. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome! About the Overall Impact: The most significant impact made will be resource protection, along with providing a continued quality recreational opportunity for trail users. Once completed, the restored section of trail will encourage people to stay on the designated route and reduce off-trail degradation. Latitude/Longitude: 39.575558, -105.596895 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 15 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 13 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 2 Total Volunteer Days: 15 Total Unique Volunteers: 15 Total Volunteer Hours: 135 Staff Hours: 8 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: As the most visited trail on the east side of Mt. Evans, Beartrack Lakes Trail is subject to heavy erosion. Last Friday, 15 volunteers set out to restore 2,640 ft. of the trail, building rock steps and drainage structures to make it more sustainable. This Saturday, they'll be back at it again! 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: