Volunteers needed for work on Pass

ASPEN – The Independence Pass Foundation needs volunteers the next two Mondays, Sept. 20 and 27, to work on its ongoing effort to remove unsightly, abandoned snow fencing from the high ridges of the pass.

In 2009, the foundation removed about 14 tons of old unused snow fencing from the ridges surrounding the summit of Independence Pass. This year, the foundation’s efforts will concentrate on remaining snow fence in the Mountain Boy area just east of the summit, where another 12 to 15 tons of material remains. The snow fencing was delivered to the pass in the 1960s as part of a project to increase the capture of snowmelt, but the project was abandoned before completion. The old fencing, mainly consisting of metal slats 9 to 12 feet long, was left in place.

The Independence Pass Foundation has been working on removing the fencing for over 20 years, and this year’s project may mark the completion of that effort. The fencing will be brought out by helicopter and stockpiled at the bottom of Mountain Boy Gulch for transportation to Denver and recycling. DBS Helicopters of Rifle will carry out the helicopter work, and Rocky Mountain Recycling of Denver will haul off the material. Travelers on the Pass should expect minor delays around the work site on the 27th, as traffic will be stopped while the helicopter is bringing in loads.

Volunteers are needed on Monday, Sept. 20, to prepare the fencing for removal and on Monday, Sept. 27, to rig loads for pickup. Contact foundation Director Mark Fuller at fulcon@comcast.net or (970) 963-4959 for more information.