2018-Herman Gulch Trail Restoration #2

Start Date-End Date: 08/10/2018-08/10/2018 Land Manager Office: USFS - Clear Creek Ranger District Land Manager Contact: Ralph Bradt Funding Partner: Programmatic Partner: Continental Divide Trail Coalition Summary: Restore a popular part of the Continental Divide Trail. Description: About the Stewardship Site: The Herman Gulch Trail, situated in the high country of the Arapaho National Forest and part of the iconic Continental Divide Trail, starts at 10,332 feet and climbs nearly 1,700 feet to the stunning Herman Lake. The gulch area has it all: mountain and valley views, beautiful streams, cascades, lush meadows filled with wildflowers, and it's even close to Denver. This special area has long been a Colorado favorite, but a sharp increase in usage of the trail in recent years is causing damage to the fragile ecosystem and wildlife habitat in the area. About the Volunteer Experience: Volunteers will do an important service for a very popular trail. Over-loved trails often have significant maintenance needs, and the Herman Gulch is no exception. On this project volunteers will work along the three miles of trail leading up to Herman Lake, constructing drainage features, building rock steps, and closing and restoring trail, among other tasks. The tasks will be difficult and/or technical in nature, and may require hiking long distances at high altitude, and as such this project is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy a challenge. About the Overall Impact: High-use coupled with limited resources for regular trail maintenance has led to significant damage on this beloved trail. This weekend project will allow volunteers to address many of the needs along the trail, creating a more sustainable experience for hikers and bikers for years to come. Need-to-Know Details: Minors:All youth under 16mustbe accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on single-day projects. Cancellation:Our land manager partners rely on VOC volunteers to accomplish critical stewardship needs, and our projects often have wait lists. If you need to cancel, pleasecontact Jamie Burkeat 303-715-1010 ext. 116 as soon as possible so we can free your spot for another volunteer and have a full workforce. Latitude/Longitude: 39.702510, -105.854277 Additional Information: Camping Available: No Physical Difficulty: Moderate, Difficult High Altitude Project: Yes Desired Number of Volunteers: 25 Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 27 Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 2 Total Volunteer Days: 29 Total Unique Volunteers: 29 Total Volunteer Hours: 234 Staff Hours: 2 Stipend Hours: 0 Project Summary: Adopt project managed by volunteer Steve West. Successful project with no adversity to report. 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: