*Additional information will be posted in the coming weeks*

The Landscape

With the designation of Bears Ears National Monument on December 28th, 2016, a new layer of protection was granted to some of the most spectacular places in southern Utah, including Indian Creek, access point to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park and located in the northernmost region of the Monument. Paved roads in the area are well traveled by climbers and other recreationists. In the past, SUWA’s Stewardship program worked to manage dispersed camping impacts. In 2025, we will work with a local US Forest Service hydrologist to protect small waterways from natural and human-caused erosion. Our goal is to restore ecological integrity to riparian plant and animal (think beaver!) communities. This project offers an opportunity to train in riparian restoration strategies in the high desert. Read on for more information!

The Work

This project will focus on riparian restoration, with a focus on habitat restoration and flood management through the installation of BDAs, or Beaver Dam Analogs. BDAs mimic and promote beaver activity, encouraging thriving communities of beaver and other wildlife whose ecological role includes maintaining healthy waterways through the slowing of flowing water to create ideal conditions for fish and other aquatic life, while preventing waterway incision and erosion, and setting the stage for natural restoration of native flora such as cottonwoods, coyote willow and other bank-stabilizing plants. BDAs are strong yet permeable structures built of natural materials (wood, stone) designed to encourage restoration of ecological function where disturbances, both natural and human-caused, have disrupted the functional order of life. Expect to engage in:

• Collecting and carrying (alone and as teams) natural materials for use in BDA builds;
• Training and installation of BDA structures along waterways;
• Additional naturalization and stabilization strategies to ensure the highest integrity of the work.

All work tools will be provided, including gloves, eye protection, and ear-protection.

Project Rating

Moderate – Expect walking or hiking on uneven terrain; work vehicles will likely be nearby or a short walk away. Project work may include mid- to heavy-lifting, various tool use such as raking and shoveling, and potential to carry fencing, signage or natural materials.

All projects take place outdoors: Please consider your comfortability working in remote landscapes at varying elevations and under variable weather conditions. Our team strives to ensure that all projects provide meaningful work for volunteers of all abilities. Please reach out to the Project Lead if you have questions or concerns.

Volunteers Needed: (8)
Project Lead: TBD
Contact: volunteer@suwa.org

Itinerary
A general itinerary will be provided to registered volunteers in a Welcome Letter.

• Monday, September 22nd – Thursday, September 25th

Camping & Meals

Specific location of camping site(s) will be provided in the Welcome Letter sent to registered volunteers. Campsites are often remote dispersed sites with no running water or pit toilets.

SUWA provides dinners during the project dates as well as snacks and drinks during workdays. Volunteers are responsible for all additional meals (breakfast, lunch) 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 packlist will be sent along with the project Welcome Letter (4) weeks prior to the start date. If camping gear is a barrier to your attendance, please reach out to the Project Lead to discuss options.

Registration & Acceptance Timeline

A 2025 General Volunteer Application is required for this project.

• Once we have received your application, you will receive a confirmation email within (5) working days of submission.
• We log all applications until (8) weeks prior to the project. At this point, you will first receive an email confirming whether you have been placed on the“project roster” or a “waitlist.” If you are selected for the project roster, you will then complete a Volunteer Agreement.
• At (4) 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 (when applicable), a notification about carpools and/or caravans, and any additional information pertinent to the project.
• Within (2) weeks of the project you will receive a direct call from the Project Lead to answer any additional questions you may have.
• Individuals on the waitlist will be contacted if space opens due to cancellation within (2) weeks of the project start date.

If you have any questions at any point throughout the process, please do not hesitate to contact us here.

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