Over 200 volunteers will help restore the trail to the Pike National Forest Devil’s Head Fire Lookout on June 2nd and 3rd. The trail, first built early in the 20th century, climbs just over 900 feet to the last manned fire lookout along Colorado’s Front Range. The critical restoration work in Jefferson County will include replacing decaying logs that are being utilized as steps, check dams and water bars. The result will be a trail that is safer, more enjoyable to hike and more resistant to erosion.

The weekend project is being planned and staged by Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. “This trail is a real treasure and is used by thousands of people every year,” says Scott Dollus, Pike National Forest - South Platte Ranger District. “We are thrilled to be able to get this work done with volunteers.” The business community is also playing a major role with financial support from a host of organizations including Oracle.

Families, individuals, schools and businesses are all encouraged to volunteer or bring volunteer teams. The project work is appropriate for people age 12 and up. No experience is necessary and tools are provided. Space for camping and food will be provided.

Pre-registration is required. To register for this project, visit www.voc.org, email voc@voc.org or call 303-715-1010 (800-925-2220 outside the Denver metro area).

About VOC

Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to motivate and enable citizens to be active stewards of Colorado’s public lands. Founded in 1984, VOC has engaged almost 50,000 volunteers in the completion of over 260 trail and habitat projects. Work to date is valued at more than $11.8 million. Projects range in size from 15 to 1,000 volunteers and include building and maintaining trails, planting and removing invasive plants.

VOC also promotes local stewardship throughout the state by providing expertise and resources to help other organizations partner with volunteers. VOC programs to support the conservation community include: V Outdoors (www.voutdoors.org), Colorado’s outdoor volunteer clearinghouse and project management database, leadership and skills training programs, and a model for staging small-scale, adopt style projects.

About VOC’s 2007 Project Season

This year VOC focuses on taking care of what we have, renewing our lands, which in turn help renew our spirit. Many of Colorado’s trails, and the forests, plains and wetlands that provide habitat are in need of restoration. VOC projects are addressing those needs in both urban and backcountry areas from Denver to Grand Junction and Fort Collins to Alamosa. The 2007 project season is possible through generous support from Colorado Garden Show, Coors, Friedman Family Foundation, and Xcel Energy.

For more information about Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado, and how to get involved in caring for Colorado, please visit www.voc.org or call 303-715-1010.