2017-Eastern San Luis Valley Trail Construction

Start Date-End Date: 05/20/2017-05/21/2017 Land Manager Office: BLM - San Luis Valley Land Manager Contact: Sean Noonan Funding Partner: San Luis Valley Conservation & Connection Initiative Programmatic Partner: Crestone, Town of, NPS - Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Summary: Trail-building for all levels at the base of the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains! Celebrate the first annual Colorado Public Lands Day by taking care of Colorado's public lands! Description: About the Stewardship Site: The Eastern San Luis Valley Trail System winds through pinon pine and juniper forests at the base of the towering Sangre De Cristo Mountains just outside the town of Crestone. The nearby Baca National Wildlife Refuge, known for hidden wetlands and an enormous elk herd, will provide facilities, an area to camp, evening presentations led by the Refuge Manager as well as a tour of the refuge for those who can stick around after work on Sunday. About the Volunteer Experience: This project offers something for everyone, no matter your level of experience. The relatively loose soil in the area makes for easy digging, but may require additional structures and rock armoring in places to ensure the sustainability of the trail. There will be duties that range from light shovel work and raking, to moving large rocks and building rock monowalls and armored drains - and you'll all learn what those are! About the Overall Impact: The goal of the Eastern San Luis Valley Trail system is to develop a series of connecting trails linking the Baca Grande Sub Division, the Town of Crestone, Crestone Charter School and public lands including the BLM and the Baca National Wildlife Refuge. This will provide opportunities for recreation and a natural experience close to one of the San Luis Valley's population centers, which will benefit local residents as well as visitors. Though there are several nearby trailheads that access public lands in this area, most climb quickly into the exposed trails of the Sangre De Cristo mountains, whose steep slopes often hold snow into the warmer months.The Eastern San Luis Valley Trail System will travel through more mellow public land at lower elevations, providing access for a wider variety of users and extending the season of use further into the winter and earlier into the spring. NOTE: MINORS ON VOC PROJECTS Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on overnight projects. Latitude/Longitude: 37.990390, -105.685542 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Easy, Moderate High Altitude Project: No Desired Number of Volunteers: 50 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 87 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0 Total Volunteer Days: 83 Total Unique Volunteers: 49 Total Volunteer Hours: 766 Staff Hours: 104 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Part of VOC's inagural Colorado Public Lands Day celebration, Volunteers began the construction of a 3 mile long trail on BLM land near the town of Crestone that will be part of the Eastern San Luis Valley Trail System eventually connecting the Baca Subdivision to the Crestone Charter School, the Town of Crestone, and adjacent public land. Successes and Challenges: Very difficult trail construction because of loose soil type and rocky terrain. Over a hundred feet of rock wall was built to preserve the critical edge. High rate of attrition just before the first day of the project because of advers weather in the front range. Camping was located at the Baca National Wildlife Refuge which was an ideal location with ample parking, soft grass for tents, flat level kitchen area, water, electricity and restrooms. Ron Garcia the refuge manager would like to host VOC next time we work in the area. Lessons Learned: Special Notes: Stewardship Education: Volunteers were treated to a tour of the Baca Wildlife Refuge after work on sunday. Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: Description of Accidents/Incidents: none Description of Work Completed: