Escalante River, UT
DatesSep 9th - Sep 15th 2012 Service ProjectRussian olive eradication, riparian restoration Free DaysExploring slot canyons, photography, day hiking AccommodationsCar and tent camping Trip RatingStrenuous : Car and tent camping. Sawing, lopping, digging, tree cutting & dragging. LeadersJohn McLean Equipment |
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is best known for its central attraction, Lake Powell, but it's the Escalante River that forms the wonderful network of canyons between Waterpocket Fold to the east and the Straight Cliffs of the Kaiparowits Plateau to the west. This wide, deep redrock canyon cuts numerous narrow slot canyons and is surprisingly riparian with springs hidden deep in shaded walls. Our work will be a continuation of twelve year's work eradicating Russian olive in the Escalante watershed (over 42 miles of river have been cleared from the reservoir up). We'll use saws and loppers and apply an herbicide to the stumps. This invasive non-native tree is well known for choking rivers and streams in the west. The incidence of Russian olive in the area is such that it is possible to get it out of the corridor and keep it from expanding its grip. The miles of river that have been cleared are much more pleasant for hiking, kayaking and rafting, and our project will assure that the native trees continue to thrive. We'll set up a tent camp near a backcountry cabin adjacent to the Escalante River, about a mile below the Highway 12 bridge. We'll have access to a kitchen and bathroom during the week, but otherwise camping out. We'll be able to drive right to the cabin, so camping out in your vehicle for the week is also an option. During the week, we'll make short hikes to the worksite each day. Check out more photos from last year's fall Glen Canyon project in our gallery.
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