2017-Continental Divide Trail Alpine Tunnel to Hancock Lake Trail Reroute

Start Date-End Date: 07/15/2017-07/16/2017 Land Manager Office: USFS - Salida Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Ben Lara Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Create a more enjoyable and sustainable route for the iconic Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST). Description: About the Stewardship Site: The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDNST) is intended by legislation to be a continuous single-track trail that is remote and scenic, extending 3,100 miles between Mexico and Canada. The Alpine Tunnel was the first tunnel constructed through the Continental Divide in Colorado, and the town of Hancock was founded as a stop for the rail line. It was tough living at 11,027 feet and the town only lasted a few short years; it was abandoned in 1910 when the Alpine Tunnel closed. About the Volunteer Experience: We are excited return to the Alpine Tunnel in 2017 to continue working on the reroute of the iconic CDNST. The main purpose of the Alpine Tunnel to Hancock Lake Trail Reroute is to take the trail off the road and bring it onto a scenic, non-marshy, sustainable trail that preserves the rugged and intimate CDNST experience. Note: This highly technical project is not for the faint of heart and volunteers must be comfortable working, hiking, and camping at high altitude. Those up for the challenge will be rewarded with hot and hearty meals prepared by our volunteer chefs. Of course, every good adventure deserves an incredible campsite...and VOC has definitely got that covered. There will be a maximum of 45 volunteers, so it is a great opportunity to meet lots of new people from around the state. In addition, VOC will provide free breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. About the Overall Impact: Once complete, volunteers will have rerouted 4.8 miles of the current Alpine Tunnel to Hancock Lake Trail away from the road, to a more scenic and remote route that will improve the user experience. Further, the reroute will ultimately protect vegetation and soil through proper trail location, design and construction; as well as prevent excessive erosion and sedimentation to the hydrological system above Chalk Creek. NOTE:MINORS ON VOC PROJECTS All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on overnight projects. Latitude/Longitude: 38.640621, -106.36977 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 30 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 43 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 43 Total Unique Volunteers: 25 Total Volunteer Hours: 419 Staff Hours: 35 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Heavy rains on Friday night set off a series of mudslides that closed the access road to the Hancock Lake Town site, and our project area. A few lucky people managed to arrive before the slides but the majority of volunteers arriving a bit later were cut off from the campground. Dedicated crews of road workers managed to clear the road later that night and the group of dedicated volunteers arrived late into the night and early the next morning to work on the trail. Commitment. Approximately 1250' of new trail was constructed over the course of the weekend. There were 7 different stream crossing structures that were constructed. Each structure was hand made with local rocks that were quarried on site. Volunteers waded into the mud and water to create safe and sustainable crossing for the multitude of trail users that will eventually hike this new and improved section of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Successes and Challenges: Successes: Continuing a long storied tradition of working along one of America's greatest trails! Challenges: Rain and Mud Lessons Learned: Using a Cargo van instead of a 16' rental truck is a great idea for this project. The smaller van was capable of driving down to the camping area with no problems. The ease of access to materials inside was very beneficial. Special Notes: We are now working above treeline on this project. The work that has been done in past years looks great! Stewardship Education: Rosemary Schiano came back and gave volunteers a thorough talk regarding bear safety and LNT practices. Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Nothing to make note of aside from the dangers of driving up a road that is prone to mudslides during rain events. Description of Accidents/Incidents: No accidents or incidents Description of Work Completed: