event_title: Habitat Improvement Project

event_time_zone: America/Denver

event_start: August 25, 2019 08:00

event_duration: 480

event_end: August 25, 2019 16:00

event_address: 2770 US-50, Grand Junction, CO 81503, United States

event_description: BHA is supporting Colorado Park and Wildlife (CPW) efforts to help improve wildlife habitat on the Uncompahgre Plateau and we need your help! CPW District Wildlife Manager, Kevin Duckett is leading this work project and our activities will help to make this area more productive for Deer and Elk on the Plateau during critical winter months.Project Description:Removal of Pinyon Juniper re-growth in mechanically treated areas east of Gateway on the Uncompaghre Plateau.  These areas have been identified and previously treated as target areas that historically have produced communities of Mountain Mohogany, Sagebrush and other shrub communities. These shrubs are a vital component for increasing pounds of forage per acre throughout the year in this area.  These areas have seen a re-growth of Pinyon Juniper that if left untreated, will interfere with the regrowth of these shrub communities that are so vital to wintering wildlife. The District Wildlife Manager has asked that we help with this removal to increase food options for the wildlife in this area specifically Mule Deer.We are planning on meeting at the City Market on Orchard Mesa at 8am on Sunday, August 25th - and carpooling to the location on the Plateau east of Gateway via the Niche (4 wheel drive vehicles with high clearance). This should take about an hour or so to get there.  We plan on this project taking a better part of the day as we are trying to get as much done in one shot as possible. We are looking for volunteers to cut trees on these areas that range from saplings up to 10 years of age. These can range from less than one inch in diameter up to 6 or 8 inches.  There will be a couple people with chain saws for the bigger stuff but most of it can be cut with hand held bow saws or pruning saws.  There will also be a number of these trees that can be cut with loppers or pruning shears.BHA will be providing lunch for the day and we will need for folks to give us a heads up if you plan on attending this project to we can plan accordingly.What to Bring:Plenty of WaterWork GlovesHand saw or shears is you have themSunglasses/eye protectionWork BootsSun protectionGreat AttitudeSnacks