About this Event
Background
In 2019, after a years-long public process, the Coronado National Forest decided to close 160 miles of old roads within the Sierra Vista Ranger District that no longer served the needs of the forest or visitors. These “administratively decommissioned” roads are now technically not for travel. However, until they are physically blocked, many of these roads continue to be used regularly, allowing vehicle traffic in otherwise isolated areas, spreading invasive species, disturbing wildlife, and contributing to erosion. Now is our chance to physically close and renaturalize these roads!
On this trip folks can camp out and join us for the full event, or they can join us just for the day on Saturday and/or Sunday. This work will be done near the historic Brown Canyon Ranch.
What to Expect
We will be working near Brown Canyon Ranch and camping at dispersed sites in the foothills of the Huachuca Mountains nearby. We will have plenty of spots to set up tents or car camp, but there will be no bathroom facilities at camp. The campsite can be accessed with a high clearance 2wd vehicle. There is not potable water available at the campsite. SIA will bring drinking water, but it wouldn't hurt to bring some yourself.
Folks staying through the weekend should bring their own camping gear (or contact us if you need to borrow some) and meals for the weekend — a minimum of two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners, with snacks.
We will be digging up compacted soils, building rock structures to control erosion, seeding the roadbed with native plants, camouflaging the road with woody debris, brush, and rocks, building wildlife-friendly fences, and installing signs to notify the public about the road closures. All of this will entail digging with tools and carrying, moving, and placing objects of various sizes and weights. Some heavy lifting might be required, though no one will be asked to lift more than they feel capable. Be prepared for getting dirty!
Also, be prepared to unplug as cell-phone service is spotty or non-existent out there.
What to Bring
- Water bottle(s), snacks, and food for the duration of your stay.
- Binoculars — this is a fabulous birding spot!
- Sturdy footwear (ex. hiking boots) that you don’t mind getting dirty or muddy.
- Sun protection (ex. wide-brimmed hat, sunblock, long-sleeved shirt and long pants).
- Sturdy pants — we will be kneeling and working in the dirt, sand, and rocks: you'll want pants that are up to the task (if you like working with kneepads and you have some, this would be a great opportunity to bring them as well).
- SIA will provide all tools, work gloves, and other PPE, though if you have a pair of gloves or tools you like, feel free to bring them.
Project Schedule & Location
- Friday (carpoolers and caravaners): Meet at 2:30 p.m. at our office: 3127 N Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719 at the southwest corner of Cherry Ave. and Fort Lowell Rd. to carpool or caravan to the site. There is parking in our lot off Cherry.
- Friday (self-drivers): If you'd prefer to meet us at the campsite, please join us after 5 p.m. in Miller Canyon (directions will be sent to registered participants).
- Saturday: We will start work around 7:30 a.m. (day-trippers should join us at Brown Canyon Ranch by then), work throughout the day with a break for lunch, and end by 4 p.m.
- Sunday: We will start work around 7:30 a.m. (day-trippers should join us at Brown Canyon Ranch by then), work throughout the day with a break for lunch, and end by 4 p.m.), work throughout the day with a break for lunch, and wrap up by 4 p.m. (or earlier). We will return to the office in Tucson by 6:30 p.m.
Questions? Contact Bryon Lichtenhan at [email protected]
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Brown Canyon Ranch Trail, Brown Canyon Ranch Trail, Sierra Vista, United States
USD 0.00
