CUSP: Transplanting and Planting Trees in the Hayman burn scar 5.8.15

Transplanting and Planting Trees in the Hayman burn scar
Posted on May 8, 2015 by Paige Fulghum

Date(s) - 05/08/2015
9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Registration Open

Workday Description:
In light of recent and tragic fires, the Hayman Fire of 2002 may seem a distant memory, but serious issues continue from the largest fire in Colorado’s history. The Hayman fire was 139,000 acres. The forests under story has come back well including grasses, flowers and shrubs, but native trees take a very long time to regenerate on their own. There is a private nursery located on this property in the burn scar. This particular location’s forest was devastated by the Hayman fire. The project will entail transplanting trees from the nursery and planting them on the tree denuded hillsides of this property. The project is rated both Easy (transplanting) and Moderate/Strenuous (planting on hillsides). These efforts will help to mitigate future flood damage and aid in the healing of the burn scar and ecosystem as a whole.

All work is dependent upon environmental factors – unpredictable weather, runoff and soil movement may alter project and location details.

Important Notes:

• CUSP will provide hard hats; tools and materials necessary to complete project work
• Due to variable weather conditions and safety for our volunteers all vehicles and drivers must remain onsite for the duration of the project
• Portable restrooms will be available on site restroom?
• A safety review and work demonstration will proceed 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 cusp.ws/Volunteer.

Once registered you will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator advising you of project location.

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, VOLUNTEER LISTING 2015, attached.

Please print documents on both sides.

Please Bring:

• A refillable water container
• 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
• Water Igloos to refill your water will be available at site
• A sack lunch

What to Expect:
The burn area and nursery is 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 high flash flood potential; exposure to sun, wind, lightning and rapidly changing weather conditions; working with sharpened tools in areas with unstable terrain and footing; possible falling trees; and 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 drink plenty of water prior to and during the project to avoid dehydration. Please wear appropriate clothing; clothing may become stained or ruined. The difficulty for this project is easy (when working at the nursery) and moderate to difficult (planting trees on hillsides). The minimum age requirement for working in the lower nursery section is eight years of age. The minimum age requirement for transplanting and planting trees on the hill slopes is 12 years of age. This project may not be suitable for expectant mothers.

GPS systems and internet map sites are often misleading in the mountains. Cell phone service will be inconsistent or unavailable.


The Coalition for the Upper South Platte
Post Office Box 726
Lake George, Colorado 80827
719.748.0033
www.cusp.ws