Description
Start Date-End Date: 05/13/2017-05/14/2017
Land Manager Office: USFS - Salida Ranger District
Land Manager Contact: Ben Lara
Funding Partner:
Programmatic Partner:
Summary: Gaze at majestic snow-capped peaks as you help repair a trail in beautiful Chaffee County.
Description: About the Stewardship Site:
This site is strategically located at the base of Chalk Creek Canyon, which attracts visitors who enjoy nearby hot springs, hiking access to the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a well-developed system of off-highway vehicle trails, and the infamous ghost town of St. Elmo. Chalk Creek, bordered by the 14,000-foot peaks Mount Antero and Mount Princeton, is named after the white kaolinite cliffs created from hot spring deposits. The area is also home to significant mining sites, historic railroad grades and picturesque natural environments.
About the Volunteer Experience:
Volunteers will build roughly 1,200 feet of new trail and complete the construction of natural stone steps on another 1,300-foot section of trail. There may be a need for light restoration work on existing portions of the route. This project is perfect for new volunteers who want to get outdoors for a weekend of exciting work, as well as for veteran volunteers who appreciate the art of a well-built stone step and the satisfaction of a new trail .
About the Overall Impact:
The improvements made will allow for a more diverse user group to utilize this trail system, thus increasing visitor numbers and providing a boost to local tourism. The trail will provide a recreation opportunity in an iconic area of the San Isabel National Forest. This trail is designed to provide a quality experience for families; including picnic sites, interpretative panels, a waterfall viewing deck and rest benches. It also is in close proximity to five U.S. Forest Service campgrounds and several dispersed camping areas.
NOTE: MINORS ON VOC PROJECTS
All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on overnight projects.
Latitude/Longitude: 38.716117, -106.231098
Additional Information:
Camping Available: Yes
Physical Difficulty: Difficult
High Altitude Project: Yes
Desired Number of Volunteers: 50
Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 99
Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 2
Total Volunteer Days: 101
Total Unique Volunteers: 59
Total Volunteer Hours: 970
Staff Hours: 52
Stipend Hours: 0
Project Summary: Surrounded by snow capped mountains, Agnes Vaille Falls, and a cold mountain stream, volunteers thoroughly enjoyed the setting that Chalk Lake Campground provided for them. A typical Colorado spring weekend in the mountains with blue skies, warm temp's, reminded everyone why we choose to live in such a beautiful state!
Almost 60 volunteers eagerly anticipated the start of the day on Saturday while enjoying breakfast and basking in the warm sun. A short hike later and volunteers were being introduced to the place that they would call home for the duration of the weekend. Volunteers were treated to a full rock skillsworkshop as the majority of the work consisted of constructing stone steps, stone walls, and armored crossings. Needless to say, half price tickets to nearby Mt. Princeton Hot Springs were greatly appreciated!
When it was all said and done, volunteers were able to complete much needed restoration work on the entire half mile of the Agnes Vaille Falls Trail. This work would not have been possible if it was not for the skilled leadership of VOC Crew Leaders, the Forest Service Staff, and the tenacity and grit of the volunteers who committed their time to the preservation of public lands over the weekend!
Successes and Challenges: Successes: Great weather, amazing campground, good food, free beer, half price tickets to the hot springs,technical work, scenic views, and great people!
Challenges: Slightly discolored water from the pump at the campground, minimal TP in the restrooms, wind gusts.
Lessons Learned: Make sure to coordinate with other Project Teams regarding equipment when there are two overlapping projects on the same weekend.
Special Notes: No special notes.
Stewardship Education: Rosemary Schiano graciously gave her well recieved "Bear Talk" on Saturday afternoon right after dinner. Volunteer campers always find this discussion interesting which creates a interactive conversation among everyone regarding proper LNT practices and awareness when camping in the out of doors.
Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Nothing to mention.
Description of Accidents/Incidents: A couple of pinched fingers. Nothing out of the ordinary when working with rock for two days straight. Neither of the injuries were extensive enough to report.
Description of Work Completed:
Details
| 16 and older |
