Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/30/2012
10:15 am - 1:30 pm
Location
Mt. Communities Fire Dept.
Category(ies) No Categories
This incredibly bright and dedicated group will join CUSP for a day of planting, education and fun in the Hayman Burn Area.
The Mackintosh Academy
Spring Planting, Ponderosa Pine in the Hayman Burn
Workday: Monday, April 30th, 2012
Project location: Meet at Mt. Communities Fire Department, directions below
Project times: Meet at 10:15 am, work until 1:30 pm, with a 30 min. lunch break around noon
Volunteers needed: 20 to 30
Workday Description:
We will be planting Ponderosa pine trees on land deforested by the Hayman Fire in 2002. At over 137,000 acres, this fire was the largest wildfire in Colorado’s recorded history. This site burned so intensely that areas were denuded of vegetation. At first, the soil was deemed hydrophobic, or lacking the ability to absorb water. This unnatural and catastrophic fire created downstream flooding issues and unprecedented erosion problems, resulting in severe sedimentation of Colorado’s primary water supply. Work will include a background and safety discussion. Saplings will be planted in patterns consistent with a natural forest. ‘Legacy planting’ will be used, placing saplings on the northeast side of stumps and downed trees to provide shade during the hottest times of day. The thought behind this method is that a tree thrived in this area prior to the burn, and the legacy being that the stump will nurture the sapling in its place. The primary function of replanting pine is to stabilize soil and reduce erosion in streams supplying the Upper South Platte River and hence, the reservoirs supplying the Denver area. The Upper South Platte River Watershed supplies drinking and agricultural water for more than 75% of all Colorado residents. Post-Hayman impacts have cost millions of dollars to remedy.
Important Notes:
- CUSP will provide all necessary materials, tools and hardhats
- CUSP will provide on-site portable restrooms
- Weather which could create hazardous conditions may cause projects to be canceled or rescheduled; staff will monitor weather and notify you of any changes in a timely fashion
Mandatory Requirements of Volunteers:
Submit a completed CUSP liability release form (each volunteer) and a volunteer sign-up sheet for the group (attached).
Please Bring:
Any applicable medicines (including epi-pen and inhalers)
Sun block and sun glasses or safety glasses
Layered clothing suitable for outdoor work and a coat
We will be working in a burn area; please be prepared to get dirty!
Gloves
Shoes with good tread
Water containers (we encourage the use of reusable containers), refills of water will be provided
Sack lunches
Directions from Denver to Mountain Community (Westcreek) Fire Station:
From C470 take US Hwy 285 south approximately 21 miles to Pine Junction
Turn left on Jefferson CR 126, travel south 25 miles past Deckers
(the road name will change to Hwy 67 at Deckers, the Douglas County line)
Continue south on CO 67 for 9 miles
Turn right on ABBEY RD (CR 73), approximately 0.8 miles past mile marker 92
Turn left at the T intersection on to Westcreek Road, travel less than one mile
Meet at the fire station on the right, at the intersection of Westcreek and Stump Roads
We will caravan from the fire department to the planting site
Important Notes: Cell phone coverage is inconsistent in this area.
GPS and map websites are often misleading in mountainous regions.
Coalition for the Upper South Platte
PO Box 726
Lake George, Colorado 80827
719.748.0033