The results are in! This season proved to be another successful year of conservation work and youth development.
In 2016, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps:
- Maintained over 250 miles of trail.
- Constructed and repaired more than 2500 erosion control measures (drains, check steps, water bars, and grade dips).
- Built 160 feet of turnpike to maintain sustainable tread surface and protect sensitive wetland areas.
- Completed 8 rock wall projects to repair and retain trail surface.
- Cleared more than 900 trees from trails to protect trail corridors.
- Planted 8600 native species to restore disturbed areas.
- Removed and restored 23 illegal fire rings and campsites.
- Assisted with building 5 back country bridges to maintain safe access.
- Replaced the cedar shingles to re-roof two historic structures.
- Painted several historic buildings throughout RMNP, including cabins at McGraw Ranch.
- Chinked the logs off the CCC Mess Hall at Lake Irene.
- Contributed to the success of restoring a comfort station at Timber Creek Campground.
- Established an ADA accessible picnic area in Wild Basin.
All of this was accomplished during the cumulative 11,520 hours of volunteer service the program contributed to the National Park Service and USDA Forest Service in Northern Colorado. This amounts to over $270,000 in volunteer contributions to the agencies, based on the estimated value of volunteer time (https://www.independentsector.org/volunteer_time).
In addition to this on-the-ground work completed, Conservation Corps interns completed over 120 hours of leadership and communication trainings, career development activities, and educational programs to further develop youth and engage them in the opportunities available in the field of conservation. This resulted in overall growth in individuals:
- Awareness of careers in public lands and environmental stewardship.
- Understanding of the National Park Service and USDA Forest Service.
- Development of leadership skills.
- Recognition of the importance of sustainable trails and restoration projects.
- Exposure to the natural and cultural history of Northern Colorado’s public lands.
To find out more about specific successes from each crew, check out this year’s End-of-Season Portfolio: End-of-Season Portfolio
Lastly, below are some links to articles documenting the Conservation Corps’ work, ranging from local to national sources.