2017-Pikes Peak South Slope Trail Construction at Lake Moraine

Start Date-End Date: 07/08/2017-07/09/2017 Land Manager Office: City of Colorado Springs Land Manager Contact: Sarah Bryarly Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Summary: Spend a weekend in the high country building "the missing link" on Pikes Peak's pristine South Slope. Description: About the Stewardship Site: The South Slope Recreation Area encompasses three pristine reservoirs at 11,000 feet in elevation, on the south side - the "hidden" side - of Pikes Peak. This beautiful area was actually off-limits to the public for a century, until a collaborative effort among local volunteer groups worked to reopen the area in 2014. On this project, volunteers will construct an important segment, known as "The Missing Link" that will further connect the trails and backcountry roads that circumnavigate Pikes Peak. About the Volunteer Experience: This project is perfect for the adventurous volunteer who wants to work hard while spending a weekend in the high country! Work will consist of roughly 2,000 feet of basic trail construction with a few small structures (including a mono wall, retaining wall, climbing turns and a drainage feature) dotted throughout the trail section. Hard work will be rewarded: because this area is open by permit only, volunteers will have an exclusive camping experience alone under the stars! As an added bonus, our crew chefs will whip up a delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. There could be up to 100 volunteers, so this project would be an excellent time to get outside and meet people from all around the state! About the Overall Impact: Once complete, the new trail will keep users on a sustainable route that will protect the watershed and reduce impacts to the surrounding ecosystem. This includes an important population of Greenback Cutthroat Trout - a federally listed endangered species native to Colorado that was once thought to be extinct - recently discovered in the area. NOTE:MINORS ON VOC PROJECTS All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or olderon overnight projects. Latitude/Longitude: 38.812337, -104.995112 Additional Information: Camping Available: Yes Physical Difficulty: Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 75 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 149 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 5 Total Volunteer Days: 154 Total Unique Volunteers: 88 Total Volunteer Hours: 1337 Staff Hours: 71 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: The Pikes Peak South Slope Trail Construction Project began with a stormy weekend weather forecast. Driving through some heavy rain and sleet, we arrived Friday evening to setup the camping area and flag the access to the work site. By sunset Friday, many volunteers had arrived eager to get to work Saturday AM. Saturday morning was crisp as the sun crested the nearby mountain tops. Dew clung to the volunteers' tents as they exited in cascading order and headed to the sweet smells of breakfast and coffee. After a morning brief about the project's significance and work schedule, a few words were said from a member of the local mountain biking group (and partner) Medicine Wheel, and also Colorado Springs Parks, Trails, and Open Space. The 85+ volunteers were then split into their new teams, began introductions, and coordinated shuttles down to the work site. The 20 minute car-ride, elbow to elbow, became the foundation that bonded the new trail crews. An additional 15 minute walk-in, following pink flagging, lead to the top of a meadow where the new trail section was marked. The eight work crews were swift and efficient, covering almost 2000 feet by lunch. Views of the Pikes Peak summit and the faint sound of screeching brakes from the COG train provided the background ambiance. Come noon, the clouds began to accumulate and grow in size. An hour later, rumbles of thunder forced the work day to be cut short and commenced the trek back to camp. On the way, many volunteers pulled off above Lake Moraine to get a unique shot of Pikes Peak's south face. An early arrival to camp meant more time to swap stories, play Frisbee, and hike around McReynolds Reservoir in between rain/storm spurts. A raffle and thank-you to volunteers happened moments before the delicious fajitas and home-made cake was enjoyed, courtesy of the wonderful Crew Chefs. Volunteers were in bed early, ready to go another round on Sunday. A few volunteers opted out of Sunday's workload, but over 65 volunteers were able to push on and get our total trail construction distance to 4200'. Work ended at 1pm and volunteers headed back to camp to pack their gear and say final goodbyes. Successes and Challenges: Successes: Despite inclement weather in the forecast, we had very high turnout for the event. With 100 people registered, 88 turned out to volunteer on Saturday. Letting people into the Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) locked gate led to a very accurate check-in of volunteers. Doubled the amount expected of trail to be complete. Challenges: Making the call the end work early on Saturday due to weather concerns. Letting in volunteers one-by-one through the CSU locked gate. Keeping an eye on a couple small fires started from lightning strikes on Friday PM which were fought by local fire agencies. With the large number of volunteers who showed up despite the weather, a run for more food was need. Lessons Learned: Always make sure that extra trail is marked beforehand so volunteers don't run out of work. Bring enough nametags for all volunteers. Make sure flagging to work site is very clear (bring extra flagging in day-of backpack). Give radios out to crew leads before they split into their groups. Special Notes: If a project is done in this same area, it would be awesome to coordinate another group photo on the NE side of Lake Moraine with Pikes Peak in the background. Stewardship Education: Volunteers were educated about the reasoning for the sustainable route choice, to protect the native Greenback Cutthroat Trout that were found the area's water. Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers: No glaring concerns of volunteers or staff. When the thunder started around 1pm Saturday, many volunteers looked visibly concerned. The call to leave the trail was made very shortly thereafter. Description of Accidents/Incidents: There were no accidents or incidents. People drank plenty of water and rested as needed. Description of Work Completed: