July 13-14, SE of Clint's Well, AES Unit 5A Volunteer Project

[rthrbhntng]

Arizona Elk Society volunteer work project July 13-14, 2013

Buck Springs, which is in the Coconino National Forest north of Payson, is a unique place with very high value for wildlife. The area is home to a great elk population as well as turkeys, bears, songbirds, native fish and a host of other important wildlife species. One of the keys to making a good place into a great place for wildlife and wildlife enthusiasts is helping to restore the function of the wet meadows that are so important to wildlife. At one time, these meadows acted like giant sponges and stored moisture, slowly leaking the water into the creeks, maintaining the riparian community. Many of these meadows and the associated riparian areas are overrun with young pine trees that are invading these meadows. Unless removed, in time, the meadows will be entirely overrun with pines and the water storage role for the meadows will be lost.

 

In a cooperative venture, volunteers from the Arizona Elk Society, the Forest Service, and Game and Fish will cut these trees down, lop the limbs off, and stack them into piles so they can be burned when dried. There are thousands of trees to remove and the more help we get, the more that can be done. As a result of removing these trees, the meadows will be more open again and the ecological function of the meadows improved.

 

If you enjoy time in the forest, here is a chance to give something back and make the forest a healthier place for wildlife and for your next visit. We will also be restoring the riparian area creek channels for better flow of the water in the creeks. Using unique restoration tools we will help restore the ecological function and return water to the sponge meadows.

 

Volunteers of all ages are needed on Saturday, July 13th, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, July 14th, 8:00 a.m. to noon. to assist in the project!

 

The Arizona Elk Society will provide meals on Friday evening (dinner at 6:30pm), all day Sat. (breakfast at 7am), and Sunday breakfast and lunch. We need 100-120 volunteers in camp for this weekend event. All the necessary tools will be provided but please bring your own gloves. We have plenty of room for campers, RVs and tents with restrooms.

 

Camping will be just south of Blue Ridge Ranger Station off HWY 87, near Clint Wells/Payson. Specific directions will be given when you sign up.

 

www.arizonaelksociety.org

[wildwoody]

who do we contact and can we do saturday only. thanks

[rossislider]

Will there be activities children can help with if I bring the whole family or should the little ones stay home?

[wildwoody]

any info, please answer

[rossislider]

If you go to this link you can select which days you can participate. Hope this helps.

 

http://www.arizonaelksociety.org/component/rsform/form/14-work-project-buck-springs-unit-5a-july-13-14-2013

[CouesWhitetail]

Don't forget that anyone participating in events like this one are eligible to win a gun and many other great prizes in our CouesWhitetail.com Wildlife Conservation Challenge.

 

All you have to do is attend the event and write about it in the forum. Take pics too if you can. This helps spread the word and you just never know who might be inspired to help at the next event. oh and if you wear some CWT gear you get extra entries!

 

for more info on the contest:

http://www.coueswhitetail.com/2013/04/coueswhitetail-com-wildlife-conservation-challenge/