Description
Start Date-End Date: 09/24/2022-09/24/2022
Land Manager Office: USFS - South Platte Ranger District
Land Manager Contact: Mikele Painter
Funding Partner:
Programmatic Partner: Outdoor Afro
Summary: Water access and quality continue to be an issue for the state of Colorado. During the Fall 2021 Outdoor Afro Colorado mountain biking event near Buffalo Creek, participants learned and saw parts of the Buffalo Creek Burn Scar from 1996 and High Meadow in 2002/3. Stewarding where we recreate was a key criteria for this project as was the opportunity for ongoing engagement through a community science approach. Outdoor Afro and Volunteers for Outdoors Colorado (VOC) have partnered with the US Forest Service to co-develop a water monitoring station between the Buffalo Creek Mountain Biking Trailhead and the Meadow Group camp group.
Description: Where You'll Be:
The South Platte Ranger District is located east of the Continental Divide in the central Rocky Mountains and lies adjacent to the Denver metro area in Park, Jefferson, Douglas, Clear Creek, and Teller counties. The South Platte District is 450,000 acres in size with elevations ranging from 5,800' along the South Platte River, to over 14,000' at Blue Sky formerly Mount Evans. This project will take place at the Buffalo Creek Campground in Buffalo Creek (near Pine, CO).
What You'll Do:
Monitor the stations set up from Project #1 in several sections of Buffalo Creek.
What's the Impact:
The data collected at this project will help inform the USFS of the impacts of the Pine Gulch Fire (occurred in 2020) on the stream's water quality.
Latitude/Longitude: 39.33956641062133, -105.33568731363204
Additional Information:
Camping Available: Yes
Physical Difficulty: Moderate
High Altitude Project: No
Desired Number of Volunteers: 8
Total Adult Volunteers Attended: 6
Total Youth Volunteers Attended: 0
Total Volunteer Days: 6
Total Unique Volunteers: 6
Total Volunteer Hours: 36
Staff Hours: 15
Stipend Hours: 0
Project Summary: Project Overview found here:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jho4IaztYJW-ohTex8OVzLWfNStFoBnnyZ2aVHJIKM0/edit
Both OA projects were unique in that we didn't have accomplishment options in VOCOM that reflected the work completed (this was because to my knowledge, VOC has not engaged in stream sediment monitoring projects like this before).
For Project #2, I was not present, however the group completed measuring station set-up and measurements in 3 reaches, which contained 2 pools each. A "reach" refers to a small section of stream about 15 yards long and 10 yards-wide (not a scientific measurement, just my approximation). A "pool" is a small section within a reach where the water collects/slows down.
Successes and Challenges: Successes:
-Group size (6 people) was good for Project #2; finished work in the time planned (3 reaches with 2 pools each)
- USFS appreciated having VOC's logistical support in planning and organizing the event because it allowed Forest Service staff to focus on the sampling design.
-VOC appreciated having the Forest Service staff leading and teaching the sampling methods.
- All parties understood the"pilot" nature of the effort. Everyone was happy to be flexible and adapt as the plan for the two projects evolved over the summer.
Challenges:
- Scheduling2 full-day weekends was difficult for all organizing parties (USFS/OA/VOC) to accomplish, however, this must be balanced with the fact that most OA participants are usually free on weekends.
- It was also challenging to pick up the project initially where Taylor had left off (I was unsure of project commitments, roles, scope of work, etc.)
Lessons Learned: -The sampling process will become easier as the organizational leads (USFS/OA/VOC) become more familiar with the flow of what to do and why.
-Scheduling backup dates for both projects early on next time will be helpful since the projects must be completed in the Fall when the creek flow is at its lowest.
-Recruit VOC volunteer leadership (Ex: Crew Chef) early on next time.
-Establish a good understanding of ideal participant numbers better next time.
Special Notes:
Stewardship Education:
Key Concerns or Comments from Staff or Volunteers:
Description of Accidents/Incidents:
Description of Work Completed:
Details
| 16 and older |
