Stewardship

For our final project of the season, HCCA partnered with UGRWCD and the BLM to restore wet meadow habitat in Gold Basin. Volunteers helped maintain five existing structures and built thirteen new ones, including one Zuni Bowl, over two days. These efforts support Gunnison Sage-Grouse habitat by improving water retention and vegetation growth by minimizing erosion in the area. Thank you to our 26 volunteers who logged 156 volunteer hours over two days!

HCCA partnered with the U.S. Forest Service to map cheatgrass infestations in the Almont Triangle using CheatMaps, a GPS-based app designed for the invasive species’ detection. The event marked the first treatment effort in the area, with 26 volunteers logging 130 hours and identifying 199 cheatgrass infestations across 42 acres—supporting future herbicide applications.

High Country Conservation Advocates joined the City of Gunnison’s Annual Cheatgrass Pull Day, helping tackle this invasive species within the city limits. With 15 volunteers contributing over 60 hours, more than 400 pounds of cheatgrass were removed. The event emphasized the growing need for community involvement to protect native ecosystems from the continued spread of cheatgrass in the Gunnison Country.

High Country Conservation Advocates partnered with Colorado Parks & Wildlife and the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District for...