Boulder Falls Fire. Thirty minutes into the start of a cutting project we got a fire call. A small .2 acre fire started from a lighting strike in Boulder Canyon. Boulder Canyon is known for its hundreds of rock climbing routes. When we arrived it seemed like 10 different volunteer departments had responded. The media was in full storm taking bunches of pictures as well as interview a few Americorps. 9 people had already climbed the steep route to the fire and had finished the fire line about the time we arrived. Our job was to hike water up the cliff for mop up and bone pile burning fuels. It took a good hour to get 200ft to the fire. A couple large boulders got dislodged sending us scrambling out of the way. One corps member Ross got his tool handle split in half like a toothpick. While on our way the county fire crew lost control of a burning log. Then it fell 200ft off a cliff onto the road bellow. It didn't land on any cars but started a few spot fires on its way down. After we finished on top of the hill 3 corps members and Julie from the forest service stayed the night with the fire to declare it out in the morning after the bone piles had burned. On the way down a rope had been put in to assist getting down the steepest section where the majority of the lose rocks were.

I didn't get any pictures my camera battery was dead. No one else had a camera either.

Barnard lake, CO

IMG_1764, originally uploaded by stevempassmore.

Often during the week a small group of us will take a break from cutting to do trail work. Barnard Lake is often were we go.

Central City (Columbine campground)

IMG_1783, originally uploaded by stevempassmore.

Aaron cutting down some little trees sentenced to death. Recently we have been spending most days thining the forests. The weather has been unseasonably wet. For some action you have to get dispatched out of state. Two small groups of Americorps have gone. One group to Utah for 14 days and two to Wyoming. I have yet to be on call when a dispatch got called. Also, in contradiction to the recent wetness this weekend 4 corps members went on a small fire here in CO.

Very Purdy

IMG_1728edit, originally uploaded by stevempassmore.

More purdyness

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Purdy

IMG_1724, originally uploaded by stevempassmore.

Mammoth Hot Springs

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Sadly the springs are not as active as they once were. A couple told me that last time they visited this view was covered in spring water. Global warming/drought? I'm sure they drove their 36ft RV to Yellowstone...

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone (Artists Point)

IMG_1653, originally uploaded by stevempassmore.

Popular view. Often recreated in paintings. We made a point to hike the trail to get there rather than drive.

view of Grand Canyon of Yellow Stone form Mt Washburn

IMG_1684, originally uploaded by stevempassmore.

Great hike up Mt Washburn. Good views aside from the UV haze. On top of the Mt. Washburn is one of the few remaining active fire watchout towers.

I had to take a picture of one...

IMG_1638, originally uploaded by stevempassmore.

I think the buffalo are actually park service employees who dress up and pose for the tourists. Its got to get really hot in those suits.

Old Faithful

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Wait for it.... Wait for it... Wow!


Best part about Old Faithful is the soft serve ice cream stand just out of camera shot.

Wyoming rodeo

IMG_1746, originally uploaded by stevempassmore.

It got dark real quick. So, all the pictures of bucking cattle are blurry. Note the cowboy hat in the forground (that makes it authentic).

Pictures will be updated when Flickr! gets back online. Some tech problem....

Cutting. Since we got back from break we've been working on cutting projects. These are areas of the forest that are high risk for fires and need to be thinned to keep the amount of fuels lower. This year we have 200 acres to complete. After we arrive we are briefed on the prescription, what is to be cut and how to pile it. For example, "All Aspen and Spruce are to be saved. Cut and pile everything else that is less then 10 inches in diameter. Leaving at least one tree every 30 ft radius. Piles are to be made at least 10ft high and expect to carry up to 100 yards." Then we pair off into groups of two. You switch cutting after you run the chain saw through a tank of gas. The person not cutting is "swamping", piling the debris. Lastly, all saws are to be rehabbed at the end of the day. Topped with gas, cleaned and sharpened.

Just incase you’re into saws I've grown fond of the Stihl 440, full skip chain.

Team Leader applications are due this Friday. I've chosen to apply so I can keep my options open for next year. That means a quick resume update, letters of recommendation and an essay. Last I heard 7 corps members are applying for the 2 wildfire TL positions, stiff competition. Team Leaders manage a group of 9 americorps members. Compensation is another $5,000 for college and $12,000 stipend or twice what I get paid.

As for Americorps being around next year... The house has funding for Americorps in its budget and congress will be putting the budget infront of Bush sometime in September (I think). Everything I've heard through the grape vine has been good news and Americorps is going to act as if they have full funding for next year.