Apply Now <– Submit your application today!
Don’t forget to complete the Volunteer Agreement.

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

Read on to learn more about our project and site!

The Land

Project Site  #1 is Indian Creek in Bears Ears National Monument. The immediate area consists of a broad, gently rolling valley bracketed by the sandstone cliffs of Harts Point to the northeast and Bridger Jack Mesa to the southwest. The valley is bisected by both the major thoroughfare of Highway 211 and Indian Creek itself. From Highway 211, the interior of the valley is a classic western landscape with panoramic vistas, towering sandstone cliffs and spires, and rolling grasslands.

The Indian Creek Corridor is highly traveled by a diversity of recreationists, including: hiking,

biking, cultural resource viewing, camping, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, rock climbing, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, sightseeing and scenic photography. These features attract visitors from around the world, a trend that is increasing with recent media coverage of national monuments in southern Utah.

Project Site #2 is Butler Wash, a repository of cultural heritage, artifacts and present-day sacred sites for local and regional Native American tribes.

The Bureau of Land Management is working to selectively develop high-impact areas in a broad scale effort to manage increased use and travel in the monument. BLM Rangers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about planning efforts related to the designation of Bears Ears National Monument.

Though accessible by vehicle, Indian Creek is a remote region of southern Utah and we request that our volunteers come prepared to respect and accommodate a wilderness setting rich with ecological, cultural and archeological sites. Further information is proved below.

For additional background and resources covering the broader Bears Ears National Monument area, visit the Bureau of Land Management’s website here.

The Work

Our work will establish base infrastructure to manage escalating impacts of growing visitation in bears Ears National Monument. We will be prepping for and installing post & rail and buck & rail fencing at various sites. For those looking for a hearty late fall workout, this project is for you!

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

• preparation/digging for fence installation;
• fence assembly and installation;
• loading and carrying needed materials and tools to site;
• sign and informational kiosk installation

Our Objective: To establish targeted infrastructure that contains and alleviates the pressure and impacts of growing visitation on surrounding natural and cultural resources.

Itinerary
A comprehensive itinerary will be provided to registered volunteers.

• Monday, October 29th: Day 1 at Indian Creek [FULL].
• Tuesday, October 30th: Day 2 at Butler Wash [OPEN].

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 at the Superbowl Campground along the Indian Creek corridor in Bears Ears National Monument. Specific sites will be indicated in the Welcome Letter provided to registered volunteers. Butler Wash is a single day project.

SUWA provides (1) meal per day and 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.