Volunteer on the flood-damage North Fork Trail on the flood’s anniversary weekend

In September 2013, flood waters greatly impacted northern Colorado. As part of the flood recovery process, the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers continue to help the Forest Service by coordinating volunteer trail work. The next scheduled trail restoration workdays open to the public are Sept. 13-14 on the North Fork Trail near Glen Haven.

Major work is required on this trail, with bridges and portions of the trail washed away. Volunteers have already done a lot of work on this trail, including building approximately 1.7 miles of new trail. There is still a lot of work to be done and some of it won’t be completed until next year. But, each section of trail that is repaired or rebuilt moves the Forest Service that much closer to being able to open it.

Volunteers of all skill levels can participate, but must be at least 18 years old or 16 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 www.poudrewildernessvolunteers.org. Details will be provided when volunteers sign up. Volunteers need to wear long sleeved shirts and pants (no shorts) and work boots. Be sure to bring water and snacks. Hard hats, gloves and tools will be provided. Volunteers will also receive lunch and a t-shirt.

PWV promises that volunteers will be well fed, get dirty and have fun.

PWV has had 26 workdays, with 12 of these open to the public. On Lion Gulch Trail, PWV built 1,600 feet of new trail and repaired another 400 feet of trail and one bridge. The Forest Service has also done work on this trail. Lion Gulch will not reopen this year due to the amount and type of work that needs to be completed.

PWV 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. The outpouring of support for recovery work has been greatly appreciated; however, this work has to be carefully coordinated. There are many crews helping the Forest repair and recover from the September 2013 floods and this work must be organized, prioritized, and meet the various requirements of the U.S. Forest Service. All work done on National Forest System lands must be approved by the forest before occurring.

For additional work about flood recovery efforts or future events on the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, check the web at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/arp/floodrecovery.