The Land

The Mill Creek Canyon wilderness study area [WSA] is Moab’s periurban wilderness – magnificent in its scope despite an onslaught of pressures from the nearby community’s thriving recreation industry. The proposed wilderness features a series of canyons cut by perennial streams and ephemeral washes, lush with riparian vegetation. Pinyon-juniper forest fills out the higher elevations, above an expanse of Navajo sandstone domes, fins and arches.

Off-road vehicle use, mountain biking, and popular hiking routes flank the wilderness study area, putting pressure on boundaries and jeopardizing the integrity of the resource.

The Work

Illegal travel into the WSA will be remediated with a variety of techniques, including:

• Raking, vertical mulching, and other surface naturalization strategies;
• Placing heavy stone and downed logs to naturalize the impacted travel area;
• Installation of education signage to prevent future incursions.

Volunteers Needed: Prearranged Group
Project Lead: Jack Hanley

Itinerary
A comprehensive itinerary will be provided to registered volunteers.

• Saturday, March 18th 

Please Note: This project is reserved for students participating as part of the University of Utah’s Spring 2023 Alternative Break Program. It is not open to general registration.

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

Specific location of camping site(s) will be provided in the Welcome Letter sent to registered volunteers.

SUWA provides elect meals and snacks during the project. Volunteers are responsible for all additional meals not specified in the Welcome Letter 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 at least (2) 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.” Individuals on the Waitlist will be contacted if spaces open due to cancellation within (2) weeks of the project start date.

At least (2) 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 additional information in a Pre-Departure email. You will also receive a direct call from our Project Coordinator to answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions at any point throughout the process, please do not hesitate to contact us here or by calling  (435) 259-9151.

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