Hayman Remembrance Project with VOC

2012 marks the 10th anniversary of the Hayman Fire, the largest fire in Colorado’s history that burned 138,000 acres and 133 homes in 20 days. Most of the fire (72%) stayed on the Pike National Forest south and west of Denver and northwest of Colorado Springs. While the land is slowly healing, the fire’s devastation continues to negatively impact surrounding water, plant, and wildlife resources.

VOLUNTEER PROJECT – WHAT & WHY

Due to the fire, the soil in the Trail Creek area remains loose and unable to efficiently soak up water. Run-offs loaded with sediments deposited into the South Platte River have affected major water reservoirs that provide over 75% of Colorado’s water for municipal, industrial, and agricultural uses.

Be part of this important effort to help minimize the damage to Colorado’s precious water supply.  This is also a unique opportunity to experience first-hand changes on the land 10 years after Colorado’s largest fire on record.

Volunteer work will involve building erosion control structures, planting willows, removing invasive weeds, and planting native vegetation seeds. Volunteers will hike less than a mile to the project area, and work will be on uneven terrain, off trails, on hillsides with slight slope, loose soil, and in or along creek beds. Easier work will involve seeding near the roadside. For volunteers who want more challenging work, some work sites will require maneuvering along steep streambanks with loose soil, and placing large rocks and logs.

PARTNERS

The National Forest Foundation

Volunteer for Outdoor Colorado

U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Pike Ranger District

OTHER FUN STUFF

Meals: light breakfast; lunch