Dear Friends of Trails for All Interested in Trail Maintenance,
With warmer weather the snow is gone from the lower portions of the trails, but many downed trees (deadfalls) are certainly still there after a windy winter and spring. So, it’s again time to appeal for volunteers to participate in trail maintenance in our beloved San Isabel National Forest. This year our local United States Forest Service (USFS) professional, Jeff Outhier, has asked Trails for All to concentrate our efforts on three trails in the Sangres (Comanche, Venable, and Cottonwood) and two in the Wets (Rudolph Mountain and Lion Canyon). Our first workdays will need to focus primarily on removing deadfalls; folks able to use our handsaws are needed and so are folks able to throw limbs and roll logs off the trail.
Our first workday will be Saturday, June 18 on Comanche Lake Trail. The second will be Saturday, June 25th on Venable Lakes Trail. Additional workdays will be scheduled throughout the remainder of the summer with Thursday, July 14th on Cottonwood Creek Trail already set. Please plan ahead and a find a day or two that you can give-back to the recreational resources that provide us all with so much enjoyment. These trails need your help. Your fellow ‘Trails for All’ volunteers look forward to working with you.
Volunteers meet at the nearest trailhead parking lot at 8 a.m. and return to the parking lot no later than 3 p.m. (volunteers may leave earlier if necessary). All tools will be provided. The workday begins with a short overview of USFS safety instructions, proper use of the tools, and work objectives. After receiving this overview volunteers will need to provide contact information and sign the USFS Volunteer Service Agreement which will then cover volunteers under USFS worker comp insurance.
What to bring:
• Long-sleeve shirt, long pants, sturdy boots, hat or cap, work gloves, and eye protection (prescription glasses or sunglasses are sufficient, or protective goggles will be provided for anyone needing them)–all items are required by the USFS.
• Sunscreen and bug repellent are also a good idea.
• Plenty of water, a snack, and food for lunch–volunteers need a small backpack/daypack for food, water, and personal supplies.
• Please: no dogs are permitted (for the safety of the dogs, the crews, wildlife, and other hikers).
More details and directions to the trailhead for each workday will be sent to volunteers via email.
To volunteer to help with any of these trail maintenance workdays (or for more information), please email Chuck Ziehr, Trails for All trail maintenance coordinator at cz@ziehr.biz. Thank you!