Volunteer on the flood-damage North Fork Trail on National Public Lands Day

As a continuation of the great trail work Poudre Wilderness Volunteers do, especially since the September 2013 Flood, the group is hosting a National Public Lands Day event on Sept. 26 and 27 on the flood-damaged North Fork Trail near Glen Haven.

Major work has taken place the last two years on this trail, with bridges and portions of the trail washed away. There is still much work to be done and some of it won’t be completed before snow falls. A portion of the trail is currently open to foot traffic.

“Volunteers have been instrumental in the restoration of the very popular North Fork Trail,” acting Canyon Lakes District ranger Michele White said. “Between volunteers, Forest Service crews, Rocky Mountain Nature Conservancy crews and Colorado Department of Labor crews more than 4,500 hours of hard work has been spent on North Fork in 2015.”

Volunteers of all skill levels can participate, but must be at least 18 years old or 15 years old if accompanied by a parent. No dogs are allowed. Work includes moving rocks and downed trees, reestablishing the trail and helping with drainage issues. Those wanting to volunteer can sign up at poudrewildernessvolunteers.org/restoration. Details will be provided when volunteers sign up. Volunteers need to wear long sleeved shirts and pants (no shorts) and closed toed boots. Be sure to bring water and snacks. Hard hats, gloves and tools will be provided. Volunteers will also receive lunch, an NPLD drinking cup and a T-shirt.

Poudre Wilderness Volunteers is the key contact for the Canyon Lakes Ranger District for public work days. PWV works closely with the Forest Service and are trained by the forest in trail restoration.