In 2004, IPF experimented with a new method of revegetating the barren slopes that lie below the roadway at the Top Cut--the use of compost blankets impregnated with native flower and grass seed. IPF continued with installation of more compost blankets on the steep hillsides during its 2008 work season.
Buena Vista Correctional Facility inmates first installed lock-down netting on the devastated slope below the Top Cut. Then, a large hose attached to a spray truck was used to apply a four-inch layer of compost. In total, compost and seed were spread over a 25,000 square foot area as far as 300 feet below the road.
Hydroseeding occurs annually and is an important part of both below-the-road and above-the-road revegetation.
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Revegetation throughout the Pass corridor continues to play a substantial role in the Independence Pass Foundation's restoration work. Since 2004, IPF has undertaken a series of five "compost blanket" projects on the steep and severely eroded hillsides below the one- and one-half mile stretch of the Pass known as the Top Cut. The Top Cut, where IPF has worked since 1996, lies just below the summit on the west side.
The lack of organic nutrients in the soil limited the natural revegetation of the slopes
below the road. Begun on an experimental basis in 2004, the compost blankets have proven over the years to make up for this deficiency. Organic compost impregnated with native grass seed is spread over the slopes with a blower. The annual growth/dieback cycle that plants undergo replenishes organic material, helping the grassy areas to become self-sustaining.
In September 2010, IPF treated over 70,000 square feet in this location and elsewhere--50% more area than usual. The total project cost, including hydromulching and traffic control, was about $140,000.
Federal grants to improve highways, recommended by the Colorado Department of Transportation, have been hugely important to IPF's ability to revegetate the once barren hillsides below the Top Cut. IPF has received an additional $52,000 federal enhancement grant to undertake another compost blanket treatment.
Additional planting projects may come from the example set by the Denver Women's Club. In the 1930's, the women established a lodgepole pine plantation south of the Independence Ghost Town to replace the native trees that were cut down for buildings and firewood to support the Town of Independence. This forest is now a perfect place for demonstrating healthy and
sustainable forest management practices. Discussions are underway with the Forest Service to explore collaborating on some pilot projects in this area that would include public access and education features.
IPF's compost blanket work, which has been ongoing since 2004, is making a difference in greening up the steep slopes below the Top Cut. Federal highways enhancement grants have been used to fund the installation of compost blankets. |
