Date/Time
Date(s) - 07/30/2016
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Category(ies)
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, STEM Group and CUSP
11 Mile Reservoir, Landis Ranch, and Happy Meadows
Water Monitoring
Workday: Saturday, July 30th, 2016
Project Locations: 11 Mile State Park, Landis Ranch, Happy Meadows
Difficulty Rating: Easy / Moderate
Project Times: 9:00 am- 3:00 pm
Meeting Location: To Be Determined
Map Link:
Number of Volunteers Anticipated: About 40
Workday Description:
There have been collaborative efforts in monitoring stream temperature at various sites along South Park streams since 2011. It was found that stream temperature fluctuates daily with differences of 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit. All of the South Park streams have a large number of instances where the regular temperature standards were exceeded and on the South Fork and the Main Stem, both acute and chronic temperature standards were exceeded in each of the four monitoring seasons. The results to date demonstrate a summer stream temperature problem in South Park.
Ongoing monitoring will be important to further test the conclusions of this report and to track future trends. The STEM group will come out to test three different water locations in the South Park area, to include Eleven Mile and Happy Meadows and the Landis Ranch.
Our sampling will aid in the ability to correlate additional water quality parameters including pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, and basic anions (nutrients) and ions (metals). We will also be performing macroinvertebrate sampling. Macroinvertebrates act as stream health indicators and are sensitive to changes in water temperature and chemistry. There have not been any extensive macroinvertebrate studies done in South Park although there is some snapshot data in limited areas around the county.
Important Notes:
- CUSP will provide hard hats, materials and necessary tools to complete project work
- All vehicles must remain on site for the duration of the project
- Bathrooms are available at 11 Mile State Park Camp Grounds
- A safety review and work demonstration will precede the project work
- Weather, which could create hazardous conditions, may cause the project to be canceled or rescheduled; staff will monitor weather and notify you of any changes, which will also be posted to this page.
Requirements of Volunteers:
Prior to the project each volunteer must submit a completed Liability Release form, CUSP 2015 Release Form, the group also needs to submit a Volunteer Listing, CUSP 2015 Volunteer Listing, attached.
Please print documents on both sides.
Please Bring:
A daypack to carry water and lunch
Refillable water container, we will have extra water for refills
Any applicable medicines (including epi-pens, insulin and inhalers)
Sunscreen
Sunglasses or safety glasses
Long pants and long sleeved shirts are strongly recommended
Work gloves (we will have some if you do not)
Sturdy shoes with good tread; no sandals please
A sack lunch
What to Expect:
This project will occur in an exposed mountain environment. Please be aware and prepared for potential hazards, including but not limited to: driving on mountainous roads with loose gravel and flash flood potential; exposure to sun, wind, lightning and rapidly changing weather conditions; working with sharpened tools in areas with unstable terrain and footing; hiking at significant elevation. Medications may have adverse effects in sun, heat or altitude; please list medications and medical conditions on the CUSP release form so staff may be aware of potential concerns. Know your limitations and inform staff immediately if you become ill or injured. Be prepared to exit quickly in the event of an emergency or changing environmental conditions. Please be prepared to hike up to a total of five to seven miles at high elevation in varying weather conditions. Please drink plenty of water prior to and during the project to stay hydrated.
GPS systems and Internet map sites are often misleading in the mountains. Cell phone service will be inconsistent or unavailable.
The below office number can be contacted in case of emergency.
The Coalition for the Upper South Platte
Post Office Box 726
Lake George, Colorado 80827
719.748.0033