VWRC needs volunteers to help inventory/map and treat invasive plants on Prescott NF lands

The Verde Watershed Restoration Coalition (VWRC) is planning to Inventory/Map and treat invasive plants on Prescott NF lands on the Upper Verde River from Hells Canyon down to the confluence with Sycamore Creek.  We plan to accomplish these 16 miles with the help of volunteers, VWRC Stakeholders and agency personnel.

The work will entail hiking along the river in the riparian corridor where we will map the following plants:  Tamarisk, russian olive, arundo and paradise tree.  We will also be looking for other secondary weed infestations.  Plants that are found will be cut down using hand saws and loppers and herbicide will be applied to the cut stump of the plant.  The work requires the ability to walk on uneven rocky terrain through sometimes dense vegetation and possibly getting wet due to river crossings.  We will need folks to help with the following activities: mapping (collecting GPS points and infestation data), cutting plants with loppers and hand saws and hauling debris out of the high water zone.


We have split the project area up into two sections to be mapped and treated.

Section 1:  Verde River from Hells Canyon to private property boundary at Perkinsville.  Approximately 6 miles.
Dates:  February 25-March 2, 2013
Participants needed:  12-16 people per leg Time commitment:  To reduce travel cost and time we are requesting participants try to commit to 2 days of work if possible, POV travel for shorter time periods is okay.  Longer participation is also an option!
Meeting location for transport to project site:  Meet at Chino Valley Ranger District office, 735 N. Hwy 89, Chino Valley.
Leg 1:
2/25/13 Leave PNF-CVRD @ 7 :00 AM
2/26/13 Return to PNF-CVRD @ 5:00 PM
Leg 2:
2/27/13 Leave PNF-CVRD @ 7 :00 AM
2/28/13 Return to PNF-CVRD @ 5:00 PM
Leg 3:
3/1/13 Leave PNF-CVRD @ 7 :00 AM
3/2/13 Return to PNF-CVRD @ 5:00 PM
Scope of Work:  From Bear Sighting (approximate 1/2 point) participants will hike upstream and/or downstream to map, remove and treat infestations.  A group can also access the river from Perkinsville, working upstream.
Camp:  A spike camp will be set up at Bear Sighting for camping.

Section 2:  Verde River from Perkinsville to to confluence with Sycamore Creek.  Approximately 10 miles.
Dates:  March 4-9, 2013 and depending how much is accomplished March 11-15, 2013
Participants needed: 6 people per leg
Time commitment: Due to logistics of having the railroad transport people and equipment, we are requiring participants commit to a 2 or 3 day leg (or the whole week if you can)
Meeting location for transport to project site:  Verde Railroad Trail Depot, Clarkdale
Leg 1: (3 day)
3/4/13 Leave Clarkdale @ 5 :00 AM
3/7/13 Return to Clarkdale @ 5:00 AM
Leg 2: (2 day)
3/7/13 Leave Clarkdale @ 5:00 AM
3/9/13 Return to Clarkdale @ 5:00 AM
Leg 3: (3 day)
3/18/13 Leave Clarkdale @ 5 :00 AM
3/21/13 Return to Clarkdale @ 5:00 AM
Leg 4: (2 day)
3/21/13 Leave Clarkdale @ 5 :00 AM
3/23/13 Return to Clarkdale @ 5:00 AM
Scope of Work:  From private property boundary at Perkinsville participants will hike downstream to map, remove and treat infestations.
Camp:  Group will camp along river.  Train personnel will transport people, gear, equipment, water, etc at pre-determined cache spots.


If you are interested in participating in this important project please contact Anna Schrenk at:  anna.schrenk@verdewrc.org or 951-236-6652 or Albert Sillas at: asillas@fs.fed.us or 928-567-1124

Anna Schrenk
V.W.R.C. Program Coordinator
P.O. Box 2535
Cottonwood, AZ 86326
951-236-6652
anna.schrenk@verdewrc.org