Motorized and non-motorized advocates to lead 50+ volunteers in major maintenance project on National Trails Day
Salida Mountain Trails (SMT) and Central Colorado Mountain Riders (CCMR), in collaboration with the Salida Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service, will lead a large volunteer event on National Trails Day to restore part of the iconic Rainbow Trail near Salida, Colorado.
With 50+ volunteers signed up to help, organizers will collectively invest about $10,000 in the trail on this one day alone. This in-kind estimate uses the current volunteer rate of $28.54/hr, plus tools, transportation and other materials.
This project is a perfect example of the power of shared stewardship, with motorized and non-motorized trail advocates working together to get more done. In this case, SMT and CCMR will be making the Rainbow Trail more sustainable and user-friendly, and addressing issues stemming from the 2019 Decker fire and subsequent rainstorms.
“Our organizations have a history of working together to make this shared trail safe, sustainable and fun for all users,” said Jon Terbush, executive director of Salida Mountain Trails. “We’re proud to continue that partnership with a joint volunteer project that adds tremendous value to a treasured local asset.”
“CCMR has adopted several segments of the multuse Rainbow Trail,” said Bob Daniel, president of CCMR. “Our goal on this joint workday is to make this segment safer for all users. CCMR and SMT have held several joint workdays and we work well as a team.”
The event will take place Saturday, June 4, from 8:30a.m.-2:00p.m. Sweetie’s Sandwich Shop and Soulcraft Brewing are generously donating lunch and libations for all volunteers. SMT will also provide all volunteers with a commemorative Rainbow Trail hat. Photos from the event can be provided upon request.