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The Coalition for the Upper South Platte (CUSP) is always looking for volunteers!
Who should apply?
Conscientious, motivated individuals interested in improving the natural resources and heritage in the Upper South Platte Watershed.
Why should you apply?
You will receive valuable experience, and feel a sense of accomplishment by being part of a successful team who helps to improve the natural resources within your watershed.
For groups or individuals with time or physical limitations, CUSP gratefully accepts donations. You can download our Membership/Donation Form (58k PDF file) and mail in your contribution! Or call our office and charge your membership to your Visa or MasterCard, 800-420-9110, 719-748-0033, or our Denver area number 720-249-4308.
GoodSearch has chosen CUSP for their nonprofit support program. This Yahoo-powered search engine will help CUSP with funding to continue our important watershed work by donating 50% of their advertising revenue.
Just go to www.goodsearch.com and enter Coalition for the Upper South Platte as the charity you want to support.
Orvis
Trees for Trout Project
Quadruple your contribution to help CUSP, Orvis, Trout Unlimited, and the Nat’l Fish and Wildlife Foundation turn burned trees from the Hayman fire area into a healthier habitat in the Upper South Platte watershed. Click here for more information.
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FIRE RESTORATION
 Rake, seed and mulch in areas of no or minimal growth, soils are raked to increase the rate of success when spreading grass seed. New growth aids in retaining soils which would otherwise enter waterways, causing sedimentation. Then areas are mulched to hold moisture and expedite germination.
 Shrub and tree planting – CUSP and volunteers continue to plant on public lands and private properties within the burn areas. Thanks to a generous donation, thousands of shrubs will be planted on US Forest Service land this season.
 Erosion control – This effort is vital to reducing sedimentation of rivers and streams. Projects include installing straw bale check dams and diverting debris flows with sandbag walls. These workdays require many individuals and are likely to be scheduled in early spring during runoff.
FUELS REDUCTION
Slash/mulch - As spring arrives, CUSP is deeply involved in a program to reduce fuel hazards within the wildland urban interface forest. CUSP provides a wood chipper and employees to aid in removal of fuels from properties. Volunteer work involves moving and piling woody debris and slash. Projects to aid disabled or community members in need of assistance are a priority.
Slash Collection Site – To serve the Teller County community and decrease fire risk in private owned land areas, CUSP has agreed to administer the Slash Collection Site in Divide, CO. CUSP will need volunteers to help staff with gathering client information and slash unloading assistance. The resulting mulch at the end of the season will be used for a variety of environmental projects.
TRAIL RESTORATION
Signal Butte Trail is a short steep trail located north of Divide. The trail provides spectacular views of the Hayman area and the surrounding forest from atop its volcanic dome. Workdays accomplish trail stair maintenance and construction, rerouting the trail, and back slope enhancement.
Burning Bear Creek Trail is a heavily used equestrian trail, north of Grant below Guenella Pass. Many areas of the trail cross a creek, contributing to high levels of sediment in the waterway. Workday tasks include creating hardened water crossings and durable tread surfaces, restoration of damaged areas, and enhancing water drainages.
Gill Trail traverses the South Platte River just below Cheesman Reservoir. The southern trailhead has been closed since the Hayman fire and is slated to open Memorial Day weekend. Help us restore this valuable recreation trail which leads to some great Colorado fishing opportunities.
RIVER RESTORATION
Riparian areas – Tarryall Creek, Eleven-Mile Canyon, South Platte River, Trail Creek, Four-Mile Creek, Three-Mile Creek and Buffalo Creek are essential waterways. Volunteers are needed for riparian planting and bank stabilization projects.
PROJECT DIFFICULTY:
Easy – little to no physical work, no special skill
Intermediate – mild physical exertion
Hard – physically challenging or special skills required
For more information, feel free to email CUSP at
or contact the Lake George office at 719-748-0033.
Special Thanks to Our Volunteers!
Read more about our volunteers by clicking here.
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