Roaring Fork Outdoor Volunteers (RFOV) would like to hear about any project concepts you might have which will be suitable for implementation by volunteers. Our Project Selection Committee takes requests for proposals (RFPs) in late summer and we conduct project scouts during late summer/early fall for the upcoming year. Any future project ideas are worth discussing. Hopefully you are aware of our organization, our mission, and our project parameters.
Since 1995, RFOV has engaged more than 12,800 volunteers on 137 large-scale projects. In 15 years we have built 26 miles of new trail, helped maintain another 241 miles, planted more than 11,200 trees and shrubs and 11 acres of wetlands. In total, RFOV has completed projects worth several million dollars in value to our trails, public lands, and community.
The scope of our work covers a broad range of categories: tree and/or wetland plantings, trail rehabilitation and new trail construction, wildlife habitat improvement, campsite or resource improvement and restoration, etc. In short, long-lasting projects. We also like to distribute our projects throughout the Roaring Fork Community of Rifle to Aspen, and 10 to 12 project sites are scheduled per year.
Volunteer turnout on RFOV projects averages between 20 and 60 volunteers per project, a number we hope to increase as we continue to build our organization. Volunteers are recruited from throughout the community and come from up and down the valley to attend our projects. Projects are typically one or two-day events and are held on a weekend. RFOV can leverage your ability to accomplish projects by supplementing with additional resources. We possess tools for most activities for 75 volunteers, a cadre of trained crew leaders (projects are sectioned for crews with 4 to 8 volunteers each), and a few experienced technical advisors to assist in design and planning.
Any project concept is worth discussing and developing, but ownership, easement, permit, timing or other project busting issues must be resolved before RFOV will schedule a project. Please return the enclosed form or call 927-8241 to submit a project for consideration (please pass this request along to anyone in your organization who might have a proposal - our list can always use updating). Once we have your proposals our Projects Committee will set up a site visit with you to scout the project and begin our evaluation process. Do not hesitate to call if you have any questions about our selection process or our program. Thank you for considering this request and we look forward to hearing your project ideas.
