Trout Unlimited and CUSP West Creek Restoration Project

This project will focus on replenishing/replacing vegetation (Willows and grasses) in an area of West Creek just above the reservoir across from the Fire Station.  The creek has been restructured,  but we need a good volunteer crew to plant willows and reseed grasses. 

If you can help, please e-mail or call Jim Klug at jjklug1@comcast.net or 303-953-8046. 

Our chapter will be providing BIG sandwich LUNCH and refreshments!  Please read on for complete details.

Workday: Saturday, August 25^th, 2012

Project Location: Meet at Mt. Communities (West Creek) Fire Dept., directions below.

Project Times: Meet at 9:00 am, work until 3:00 pm, with a 30 minute lunch break around noon.

We will car pool from the RTD parking lot at Dad Clark and  University just off 470 in Highlands Ranch.  Departure is 7:so AM sharp, please plan to be there by 7:15 AM.

Volunteers Needed: 25 

Description:  

Project work is greatly dependent on environmental factors –unpredictable weather, fire or floods often create changes and new areas of concern or need. Project work may include: 

• Ø  re-vegetation of sites of major restoration:  transplanting willows and/or planting native seed; and installing erosion control matting
• Ø  re contouring and obliterating access routes and/or damaging roads or trails
• Ø  Restoration of ephemeral draws: re-establishing the general structure of stream systems prior to disturbance, including reshaping stream beds to a more natural state, and installation of structures such as log steps and cross vanes 
• Ø  Mitigating areas of noxious weeds that spread in post-fire areas and near moving water
• Ø  Re-purposing burned or thinned timbers to construct temporary log fencing to provide areas of respite for re vegetation  

This work supports recent major river restoration in the Trail Creek corridor, greatly impacted from the Hayman burn, which includes:  stream channel narrowing, and placement of natural materials such as burned trees and boulders (in stream structures) to raise the height of creeks and stabilize steep eroded banks.  Efforts will re-create more natural flows and fight erosion, benefiting downstream fisheries and water supplies from sedimentation.  

Important Notes: 

• Ø    CUSP will provide all necessary materials, hardhats and tools
• Ø    CUSP will provide on-site portable restrooms
• Ø    Please carpool to maximum capacity to reduce impact to restoration area
• Ø    Weather which could create hazardous conditions may cause projects to be canceled or rescheduled; staff will monitor the weather and notify you of any changes in a timely fashion
• Ø    Lunch will be provided by Trout Unlimited Cutthroat Chapter

 Please Bring:

Any applicable medications (including epi-pen and inhalers)
Sun block
Sun glasses or safety glasses
Long sleeved shirts and pants are highly recommended
Work gloves
Shoes with good tread
Water containers for hiking; water is provided. CUSP encourages the use of reusable containers.

What to Expect: 

These projects occur in an exposed mountain environment, at significant elevation.  Please drink plenty of water before and during the project to avoid dehydration.   All participants should wear the appropriate clothing and footwear for outdoor work – please wear clothes that can get dirty.  

Directions from Denver to Mountain Community (West Creek) Fire Station: 

From C470 take US Hwy 285 south approximately 21 miles to Pine Junction

Turn left on Jefferson CR 126, go 25 miles to Deckers

Continue south on CO 67 for 9 miles

Turn right on ABBEY RD (CR 73), aapproximately 0.8 miles past mile marker 92

Turn left at the T intersection on to West Creek Road, travel less than one mile

Meet at the fire station on the right, at the intersection of West Creek and Stump Roads. 

Directions from Colorado Springs to Mountain Community (West Creek) Fire Station: 

From I-25 in Colorado Springs take Hwy 24 (Cimarron Rd.) to Woodland Park

Turn right on to CO Hwy 67, travel north towards Deckers

Turn left on ABBEY RD (CR 73) about 0.2 miles south of mile marker 91

Turn left at the T intersection on West Creek Road, travel less than one mile

Meet at the fire station on the right, at the intersection of West Creek and Stump Roads 

After meeting, we will caravan to the work site. 

Please note that GPS systems are often inaccurate in mountainous areas.

Cell phone service will be inconsistent.