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Volunteer trail, outdoor projects kick off in May

Trina Ortega
Special to The Aspen Times
Photo by Suzie Romig
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New trail construction at Wulfsohn Open Space, maintenance of the well-loved Arbaney-Kittle Trail, a backcountry, multi-day trip repairing the Pyramid Peak route, and removal of invasive species in both Aspen and Rifle are among 10 work projects scheduled for the Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) 2011 season.

“With so many different offerings, RFOV hopes every citizen who appreciates the recreational opportunities on and natural beauty of our public lands in the Roaring Fork and Colorado river valleys will find one or more projects on which to volunteer,” said RFOV executive director David Hamilton.

Based in Basalt, RFOV is dedicated to promoting volunteer stewardship of public lands by completing sustainable trails and long-lasting conservation projects. The group has helped land managers and other organizations create and maintain dozens of trails and natural areas since 1995.



RFOV kicks off its 16th season in May with four Thursday evening projects at Wulfsohn Open Space in Glenwood Springs. Just above the Glenwood

Meadows shopping area, this unique piece of city-owned property offers a quick get-away for residents and visitors alike. In collaboration with Two Rivers Trails, RFOV aims to complete one mile of additional new single-track uphill from the main Wulfsohn Trail.




The Wulfsohn evening work is one of two evening projects on the 2011 schedule; volunteers can also work Tuesdays in July to help maintain the Ute Trail in Aspen.

Work at both sites begins at 4 p.m., but volunteers are encouraged to join anytime throughout the evening.

Other work projects are:

June 4, for National Trails Day, maintenance on the Arbaney-Kittle Trail in Basalt.

June 25, a weed pull at Moore Open Space in Aspen

July 5, 12, 19 and 26, Tuesday evening weed pulling on the Ute Trail in Aspen

July 9, building a new stream crossing on the Capitol Creek Trail southwest of Snowmass

Aug. 4-7, Pyramid Peak project in partnership with the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative. Limited to eight volunteers.

Aug. 20, continued construction of the Tootsie Roll Trail on Smuggler Mountain in Aspen.

Sept. 24-25, phase II of improving the Hanging Lake Trail in Glenwood Canyon in partnership with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado.

Oct. 1, a reroute of the Weller Trail on Independence Pass.

Oct. 15, tamarisk removal along the Colorado River in Rifle.

“All of these projects have something to offer,” Hamilton said. “Highlights include developing the new trails at Wulfsohn Open Space in Glenwood and relocating a section of trail in the incredibly scenic Capitol Creek drainage.

“The Smuggler work marks the culmination of three years in reclaiming and adding trails to an Aspen-area favorite. The weed pull and tamarisk removal have compelling conservation value. There are so many good projects. Everything is important,” Hamilton said.

In addition to the regularly scheduled projects, volunteers who would like to mentor others on trail work days can participate in one of two Crew Leader Training weekends to be held in Glenwood Springs on April 30 and May 1 in Glenwood Springs or in Aspen on July 30-31.

RFOV also can provide the technical assistance, tools, and logistical support to help nonprofits, businesses, schools, and other organizations conduct trail work days.

“These work days combined with RFOV’s Adopt-A-Trail program will involve more volunteers and improve even more miles of trails, while also meeting the interests, and volunteer needs of local groups,” Hamilton said.

Complete project information and a link to sign up for work days are available at http://www.rfov.org.

For questions, email rfov@sopris.net or call 927-8241.