Improving the Independence Pass Corridor
IPF's work is distinctive in the variety of projects that it undertakes each year throughout the Independence Pass corridor. In addition to its ongoing work at the Top Cut, IPF takes responsibility for other projects on an as-needed basis. We work closely with the Aspen Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service to identify needs and plan and manage projects.

IPF has planted nearly 25,000 native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses, and coordinated the work of hundreds of volunteers on the Pass. An extraordinary 42,467 hours of labor has been contributed by volunteers ranging from Roaring Fork Valley school children to Buena Vista Correctional Facility inmates.


The Buena Vista work crew improved trails and reclaimed a number of "volunteer trails" around the Independence Ghost Town.



For many years, IPF has worked with the Colorado Department of Corrections,

Inmates improve trail access to the Devil's Punchbowl recreation site.
recruiting work crews from the Buena Vista Correctional Facility to assist with projects. The inmate workers, for example, have been an enormous help in maintaining and improving trails throughout the corridor. In 2010, the Buena Vista work crew assisted with improvements to the Braille and Discovery Trails. The U.S. Forest Service felled dozens of trees that were presenting hazards to trail users. The inmate crew then sectioned and stacked the downed wood for firewood use.

The inmates also worked to thin the forest along the road to encourage more robust growth by the remaining trees. In addition, two more signs were added to the Discovery Trail, finally completing the signage in this location.