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Trail Restoration Projects

The IPWA coordinates with the U.S. Forest Service to develop a prioritized inventory of projects each year and over a multi-year timeline (such as bridge repair, tree removal, trail reconstruction, grading etc). These trail projects are aimed at creating safe and passable trails and restoring natural areas to enhance the public's enjoyment of the wilderness.​ 

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Trail work projects include:

  • cutting away fallen trees impending the trails

  • rebuilding washed-out bridges

  • improving trails by grading and adding berms, retaining rock walls and turnpikes

  • maintaining and improving water diversions to prevent trail erosion

  • protecting fragile areas by redirecting trails, removing social trails and restoring eroded areas

  • removing invasive species 

  • restoring camp sites, signs, removing illegal fire rings and doing trail clean-up

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Trail restoration crew working on revegetation

Cross cut sawyer training crew

Did you know...

 

The Wilderness Act prohibits the use of most motorized equipment and transport in the wilderness? Click here for more information.

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This means that chain saws are prohibited, so trail work is done using traditional non-motorized tools. IPWA works with the Forest Service to offer Crosscut Sawyer training for volunteers (note: Basic or Wilderness First Aid Certification is required to take this training). 

Interested in joining us for a trail restoration project? 

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Our volunteer trail restoration crews help maintain the trails for the safety and enjoyment of all. Trail projects include trail restoration projects, tree clearing cross-cut saw crews (with additional training/certification requirements), and removal of invasive weeds. Some trail projects may include volunteers from sister organizations.

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These projects are open to volunteers and members of the public who meet the following criteria:

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  • Can do medium to heavy duty trail work and are in good physical condition. These projects can be physically demanding with worksites that may be difficult to access and/or take place at high altitude. Tasks are often more technical, such as building rock walls or constructing trail steps.

  • Bring your own gloves, food and water; other tools provided

  • Volunteers are required to be 16 or older. Participants aged 16 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian. All participants (and legal guardian/parent if applicable) will sign a waiver on the event day. 

  • Questions about volunteering for a trail project? Contact the IPWA Trail Project Coordinator Bryon Lawrence at ipwatrailcrew@gmail.com.

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The IPWA also organizes trail projects in conjunction with other volunteer-based organizations. In the past, the IPWA has conducted trail projects with the Colorado Mountain Club, Wildland Restoration Volunteers, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, Rocky Mountain Conservancy, Teens Inc. and Boy Scouts of America. If you're part of an outdoor group and would like to work with us on a trail project, let us know!

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