NSA Colorado Projects

Easily wrapping up assigned tasks on different sections of the Colorado Trail, Colorado, twelve smokejumpers and associates enjoyed a late summer gathering at a campsite on sapphire Lake near Leadville, Colorado. The most challenging aspect of the project was hauling Pulaski’s, hammers, spikes, a crosscut saw, shovels, and other bridge building tools to 12,000 ‘on the slopes Mt Harvard (14,420’). When we ran out of trees and still didn’t find the site where the bridge was to be built, our squad leader Hal Howell decided it might be a good time to have lunch and talk things over. One discussion point unanimously agreed on was that we should get credit for climbing a Colorado fourteener. The logic was that anyone can hike up to 12,000 feet, but packing all of those tools that high equates to another 2400’ or so. Following are comments from the NSA volunteers:

“ The project was not as productive as 2004. It did appear that we had make-up work. We could have built another great bridge but we ran out of time after finally locating the site. Despite some problems, the CTF offers great support; we were in beautiful country, we had two good trail dogs with us, Kepler and Paxton; and when smokejumpers get together, we always have a good time. Overall, I can’t complain but in the future we need th have better planning. Also, don’t change the time frame. I like the four day project length and early September is perfect for me.”

“The food was really good, we had a beautiful campsite on the lake, the work was easy and getting together with jumpers around a campfire with a cold beer is always worth the effort. Having said that, I would have preferred a better organized project and a greater challenge similar to the 2005 project at Cochetopa Creek.”

“ The support from the CTF is outstanding –great food and the camp logistics are excellent, but we could have planned the project a lot better. The NSA and the CTF have a very worthwhile relationship, but we need to get our act together. The CTF must understand that we are capable of accomplishing a lot of work. We don’t need training or supervision, just a challenging and well planned project with logistic support. We’ll take care of getting the job done.”

“From an organizational perspective, the project didn’t meet even the CTF standards. The project was not suitable for the type of crew assigned to it.”

“I have two goals for participation in the NSA trail projects: One is to have a good time and the other is to get there, complete the project and get home safely. I achieved both objectives on this trip. However, the work assigned to the jumpers on the Leadville project caused me to scratch my head. Also, things are changing for me and I submit the following observation: I believe the time frame for the Colorado project needs to be evaluated. I drove four days and 1000 miles each way for a four-day project. This doesn’t make sense for me especially with the price of gasoline. Depending on the cost of gasoline next summer, I may have to even think about the drive to Montana next year for a project, since it is 2000 miles each way. Why not consider a week long project in the summer in Colorado for those jumpers who also may be concerned about the cost of gasoline possibly limiting their participation in a Montana project?”

“ The overall project assignment this year was a letdown after the exciting and demanding Cochetopa Creek project last year. What happened? The camp support and meals were excellent but the work assignment this year was not for smokejumpers.”

“ The project should be longer like the Montana projects and there has to be challenging work or it’s just not worth the effort and expense to participate (excluding the chance to be with fellow jumpers)."

“ I’m sure everyone agrees that the support of the CTF offers volunteers is excellent. However, we need projects in Colorado that match the expertise and utilize the skills that smokejumpers have to offer. I would be favor of a longer project period similar to the projects in Montana. It wouldn’t matter to me if the project was in the summer or in early September.”

“ We were there but our time and talents were not effectively used to our potential as the result of disorganization on the part of the CTF. There was a lot of uncertainty and poor planning on this project. This was my first exposure to a Colorado project and I was impressed with the logistic support of the CTF. I will go back again, but I want to be assured of a greater challenge next time. The project should be completely planned out by the end April so all of us can make our plans and decisions about participation. With the price of gasoline, we will all have to plan very carefully. The September four-day time frame is fine with me. If Colorado schedules the project during June or July along with other NSA projects, I’ll go to Montana or Idaho for those projects.”