**THIS PROJECT IS FULL** 

SUWA occasionally reserves projects for student groups, nonprofits and other organizations seeking to engage on the issues primary to our mission. 
Contact volunteer@suwa.org for more information. 

The Landscape

Sitting between high desert canyon systems, Cedar Mesa, and the Abajo Mountains sits Elk Ridge, home to the Bears Ears buttes that give Bears Ears National Monument its name. This ridge is home to wildlife, meadows, oak groves, and cultural sites. It offers solitude, vistas of the canyon country below, and the oasis of springs and tall Ponderosa Pines. Co-managed by the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service, the monument as a whole contains an exceptional diversity of cultural sites and continues to be used by Tribes throughout the region for medicinal plant gathering, firewood collection, and other traditional practices. This is a living, breathing, sacred landscape.

With its alluring forests and lush meadows, Elk Ridge has been impacted by recreation and the cattle industry. Intensive grazing well as off-road vehicle travel can impact the natural resources and cultural sites found on Elk Ridge. Supporting responsible recreation is key to ensuring that beautiful places like Elk Ridge can remain wild for years to come. As a result, meadow protection and recreation compliance work is needed in this area.

The Work

Volunteers on this project will support efforts by the Forest Service to protect meadows using log-and-block barriers and focus on campsite clean up. These efforts will protect natural resources and encourage respectful visitation.

Volunteers will:

• Transport and construct log-and-block barriers to protect meadow and riparian ecosystems; 
• Engage in remediation techniques
• Utilize tools such as rakes and shovels
• Install educational signage

All work tools will be provided, including gloves, eye protection, and ear-protection. Volunteers will be trained on log-and-block barrier assembly and tool use.

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 the potential to carry fencing, signage or natural materials. 

All projects take place outdoors: Please consider your comfort level 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: FULL
Project Lead: TBD
Contact: volunteer@suwa.org

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

•  Monday, July 6 – Friday, July 10

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 2026 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.

APPLY NOW