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Chugach National Forest

May 31, 2020 - June 5, 2020

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CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19:

Invasive weed control is a vital and ongoing effort on the Chugach National Forest! We have relatively few infestations, thus our work in controlling weeds has a huge impact. Volunteers will be traveling via train (no additional fee) to Spencer Glacier and Lake area to control dandelions and other non-natives along trails and developed sites. Work will consist of a 4-mile hike with 1,500′ elevation gain. The crew will stay at Spencer until Wednesday before departing to camp at Porcupine Campground in Hope, AK to control non-native species along Hope Point or Gull Rock Trail. Hope Point Trail is extremely steep and climbs approximately 3,500′ in about 2 miles. The group will also control European bird cherry in the town of Hope.

Host

US Forest Service

Accommodations

Car Camping Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

Backpacking 1 mile to basecamp (Day hiking up to 4 miles each work day)

Project Rating

Difficult

Minimum Volunteer Age

16

Maximum Group Size

12

Area and Attractions

The crew will begin their work in beautiful Spencer, a backcountry location that will be accessed by a free, scenic train ride. While working on the Spencer Bench Trail, the crew will have spectacular views of Spencer Glacier and Spencer Lake. Because of the remoteness of the site, there will be very few people besides our group, making for peaceful solitude. For the second part of the trip, the group will stay in Porcupine Campground in Hope, AK. Here volunteers will focus on the very steep Hope Point Trail, which provides spectacular views, as well as working within the historic town of Hope, AK. During free time, volunteers can arrange to go to several towns on or near the Kenai Peninsula, including Seward, Girdwood, Hope, and Whittier.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will be staying at tent camping sites. The Spencer campsite includes tent pads, picnic tables, vault toilet, potable water, and bear boxes. Access to the campsite is via train and then a one mile walk. The Porcupine Campground provides a vault toilet, drinking water from a hand well, and picnic tables. Volunteers should bring their own tent, sleeping pad and bag, cup/bowl/eating utensils, solid rain gear, and personal items. Volunteers will need to carry their personal gear and a portion of the food/tools/cooking gear to base camp.

Travel

Airport Pickup Provided from Ted Stevens International Airport. Airport pickup and dropoff times will be sent to registrants when the trip is confirmed.

Location

Chugach National Forest
AK United States
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