Knowledge Nook: Campsite Restoration 101

Knowledge Nook: Campsite Restoration 101

September 19, 2012 by RMFI

Wait… why would we ever close and restore a campsite?! Before you go on thinking we’re anti-camping fanatics, hear us out! For over 15 field seasons RMFI has been working in South Colony Lakes Basin, a beautiful alpine cirque basin and designated Wilderness Area home to Humboldt Peak, Crestone Needle, and Crestone Peak. We spent over a decade building a sustainable trail infrastructure within the basin and to the summits of its peaks, and are now focusing on creating a sustainable camping infrastructure.

Over Labor Day weekend RMFI hosted two Colorado College New Student Orientation groups in the basin for 2 days of rock-hauling, dirt-moving fun to restore one of the basin’s undesignated, unsustainable campsites. There are many reasons to close a campsite:

  • Too close to a water source
  • Too close to a trail
  • Poor drainage
  • Lack of solitude and privacy (especially important in Wilderness Areas)

STEP 1: Decompact the soil. This accomplishes two things—it aerates the soil and stimulates the seed bank.

STEP 2: Add supplemental soil. Additional soil is often needed to bring the area back to grade and provide additional nutrients. Depending on the area, we either bring in top soil or we harvest it on-site. It's important to make sure we're never creating a new erosion problem in a different area! A good ol’ bucket brigade will usually get the job done quickly.

STEP 3: Seed. In this area we used Poa alpina, alpine meadow-grass. Be sure to spread seed consistent with the manufacturers recommended seed density. A little usually goes a long way!

STEP 4: Erosion control matting. In the alpine we utilize a coconut-fiber matting that degrades in 7-10 years. In lower elevations we use an aspen-fiber matting that degrades more quickly. Erosion control matting (or “EC matting”) acts as a ground cover and protects seed. Be sure to stake matting so that it stays in place.

STEP 5: Transplant native vegetation as necessary. In the basin, we transplant bunchgrass from nearby areas to the restoration site. Cut holes in the matting, dig a hole in the soil, and insert the plant. As with all planting, make sure you pack the plant tightly in the soil to avoid air around the roots. Never take more than 20% of the vegetation from an area for transplanting. Again, you don't want to create a new problem spot!

STEP 6: Visitor deterrence. To make the campsite inhospitable, rocks and logs were added on top of the matting. The logs and rocks also create microclimates and stimulate the growth of the transplants.

STEP 7: Signage. Signs inform the public to respect the closure of the newly restored area.

In all, Colorado College students restored 2,000 square feet of ground and transplanted 370 bunch grasses. RMFI would like to give a big thank you to our Colorado College students and their student leaders, job well done!