The Land

The Behind the Rocks wilderness study area rests adjacent – and out of earshot – to the bustling community of Moab. Massive Navajo sandstone domes and fins, steep cliffs, and arches define a labyrinthine landscape featuring extreme topographical constraints. Sparse juniper and desert shrubs pock the area. Recreational use within the WSA is limited to hiking. However, the boundaries of the WSA experience heavy motorized travel, leading to frequent and impactful incursions into this protected landscape.

The Work

Our crew will work to rehabilitate and restore wilderness characteristics through a series of approaches, which may include but are not limited to: reclaiming impacts of non-permitted motorized travel, repairing or establishing temporary, artificial barriers where vegetation or cultural resources have been damaged, and removing debris or other trash.  6-8 spaces available.

Work tasks will vary by need, and are slated to include:

• boundary delineation and WSA boundary sign installation
• vertical mulching and track + tread raking
• other manual reclamation (with hand tools) of visually disturbed surface

Our Objective: To remediate the impacts of non-permitted off-road vehicle travel in the Behind the Rocks wilderness study area. To educate on the location and travel restrictions of protected areas.

Itinerary
A comprehensive itinerary will be provided to registered volunteers.

• Saturday, May 2nd: Day 1. Orientation, Workday and Group Dinner [provided]
• Sunday, May 3rd: Day 2. Breakfast [provided]. Workday & End of Project.

Project Rating 

Level 2 – Our most common trip incorporates mid- to heavy-lifting, work in remote landscapes at varying elevations, an increased diversity of tool use, and an emphasis on physical fitness and hiking competency.

Camping & Meals

Volunteers will camp on site. Specific location will be indicated in the Welcome Letter provided to registered volunteers.

SUWA provides (1) group meal per day (plus snacks) during the project. Volunteers are responsible for all additional meals during their stay.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Participants are responsible for their own food, water and camping gear as well as transportation to and from the project site(s). Volunteers should plan to be away from camp all day each of the work days. A recommended pack list will be sent along with the project Welcome Letter two weeks prior to the start date.

Registration

A Volunteer Agreement is required for this project. 

When we have received your form, you will receive a confirmation e-mail within 5 working days of submission. The confirmation e-mail will indicate whether you have been placed on the “project roster” or a “waiting list.”

Three weeks before the start of the trip, you will receive an RSVP to confirm your participation. Individuals on the Waitlist will be contacted if spaces open due to cancellation.

Two weeks before the project start date, registered and confirmed participants will receive a Welcome Letter, with a comprehensive itinerary, including: driving instructions, a Project Map (for mobile devices), a notification about carpools and/or caravans, and additional information in a Pre-Departure email.

If you have any questions at any point throughout the process, please don’t hesitate to contact our program coordinator: volunteer@suwa.org  or  (435) 259-9151.

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