This is an experience of a lifetime. The Yampa and Green Rivers through Dinosaur National Monument is one of the world’s most wild and beautiful landscapes. We hope you can join us for the second year Veterans Green Jobs has been involved helping restore this fantastic place!
PROJECT:
VGJ Crew of 8, throwing old tamarisk piles into river and mechanical removal of invasive tamarisk. May 21st-27th. We will be rafting and camping for the six days. Work will include throwing dried dead tamarisk piles into the river. (Tamarisk is a foreign invasive species that is damaging to the river’s ecosystem) Work on the river will be dirty and sometimes challenging. Other duties include cooking and maintaining camp with typical chore duties.
WHEN:
We need to be at DNM HQ 2:30 PM May 21st, we will be issued dry bags and work out any details prior to camping for the night at the boat launch. We will need to carpool because of limited parking space.
GEAR:
Attached is a list from Dinosaur NM for the river trip. DNM will provide much of the needed gear including PPE. We will want to ensure that all crew members have the items not provided by DNM. If anything from the below “YOU SHOULD BRING LIST” is not available, please let us now ASAP
FOOD:
All food will be provided.
We need to get any known food allergies, vegetarian or not and any foods people will not eat. Each individual needs to give their preference to a breakfast drink.
TRAVEL:
If you are traveling from outside of the region and need a place to stay the night of May 20th or prior, need ground transportation regionally, or pick up at the Denver International Airport, let us know ASAP. Housing prior to driving to Dinosaur and local transportation can be coordinated. Travel will be reimbursed up to $400.
PAY: We hope this project breaks even for VGJ, so this will be on a volunteer basis. You may be eligible for receiving a non-profit donation receipt for tax write off purposes. You will also be given a pair of river footwear to take home following the project.
DD214, WAIVERS AND FORMS:
Please provide an electronic copy of your DD214 to garett@veteransgreenjobs.org and be prepared to fill out more forms and waivers to join this unique opportunity.
SCHEDULE:
May 20th Fly into Denver (for those out of state)
May 21st Drive to/Arrive at Dinosaur before 2:30pm
May 22nd Hit the river
May 27th Exit the river
May 27th or 28th leave Dinosaur National Monument
May 28th or 29th (Fly home for out of state vets)
EQUIPMENT LIST
Equipment Provided By NPS:
Kitchen & camp:
Stoves and fuel
Cook pots, pans, coffee pot, cooking utensils
Dishes, bowls, cups, eating utensils
Chairs and tables
Water containers (bulk)
First aid kits, satellite phone, rescue equipment
Personal Floatation Devices (PFD’s)
Boats and Boating Equipment
Portable toilet system
NPS Equipment May be Available Upon Request:
Tent
Paco Pad or Thermarest
Large Dry Bag for stowing camping gear and extra clothing while we are on the river.
Small Dry Bag for stowing day-use items (sun screen, rain gear, camera, sweater, etc.)
What You Should Bring:
As you probably know, it’s not necessary to purchase a lot of high-tech gear to be safe and
comfortable in the backcountry. Wool or synthetic shirts, sweaters, and pants, which you may
already own or which can be bought inexpensively from thrift or army surplus stores, are perfectly acceptable.
The weather will probably be dry and warm; 60°-80°F during the day and 30°-50°F at night.
Keep in mind that thunderstorms are possible during the trip.
The equipment listed below is recommended. If you have questions about equipment, please contact Tamara Naumann at (970) 374-3051, e-mail: tamara_naumann@nps.gov.
UPPER-BODY CLOTHING – INSULATING
We recommend 2-3 insulating layers for the upper body. These garments should fit over each
another so they can all be comfortably worn at once. Since fabrics containing cotton absorb and
retain water, they do not have much insulation value. Many synthetics and wool wick moisture away from the body and provide insulation even when damp.
Underwear top: Long sleeve, medium weight polypropylene, Capilene, silk, Thermax, wool or
wool/synthetic blends are good.
Pile jacket or sweater: One. A thick wool or pile jacket or sweater will work, or you could use a
synthetic insulated vest or thin parka. Cotton is not acceptable as an insulation layer.
Wool shirts: Must be at least 75% wool. A lightweight wool shirt can make a good layer to wear
under a sweater. A heavy weight wool shirt (such as a Woolrich Alaskan shirt) can make a good
outer layer.
Vest: A synthetic-filled, nylon, or pile vest makes a versatile third layer. Vests provide greater
warmth when fitted under another insulating layer.
Warm hat: One. Any sort of wool or synthetic hat which covers your head and ears.
UPPER-BODY CLOTHING – NON-INSULATING
Rain parka: A parka or cagoule that’s waterproof, lightweight and roomy is the best.
Cotton shirt: Consider bringing a long-sleeved, lightweight cotton shirt or a t-shirt to wear during warm weather.
LOWER-BODY CLOTHING
Long underwear bottoms: One pair. These should be light to medium weight and made of a
synthetic or wool.
Rain or Wind pants: One pair (optional). Nylon pants should fit comfortably over your
lower body layers. Pants could also be made of Gore-Tex, Klimate, or Entrant fabrics.
Nylon shorts: Bring one or two pair of light weight shorts that will dry quickly.
Cotton pants or other pants for wearing in camp: Pants should be rugged, lightweight, and comfortable/roomy. Cotton pants protect you from sun, thorns and bugs.
FOOTWEAR
Neoprene socks: (lightweight) Most people find lightweight neoprene socks help eliminate
chaffing from sand in your boating shoes and help keep feet warm in cold/wet weather. (optional)
Boating shoes: One pair. Your feet will get wet while you are riding in the boat. Loading and unloading boats involves lots of wading and your feet will need protection from rocks, sticks, and the like. Sandals made for water sports (Keens, Tevas or Chacos) or a pair of sneakers, which fit securely without socks will work.
Work Boots or Shoes: Must be closed toe. Hiking shoes or boots, work boots or Keens will work just fine. We can pack these away while boating.
Socks: At least two pair. Ragg wool, polypropylene or polypropylene/wool blends are best.
SLEEPING AND PACKING GEAR
Tent: Compact and suitable for rainy weather.
Sleeping bag: We prefer synthetic-filled sleeping bags (Dacron, Polarguard, Hollofil, Quallofil)
with 3 pounds of fill, warm to 25 degrees. Down filled is light and comfy, but loses its insulating
qualities when wet.
Pillow: SMALL!
Sleeping pad: Should be closed-cell foam and 3/8″ thick. Therm-A-Rest pads are fine. You
should bring a repair kit if you use a Therm-A-Rest.
Sleeping bag stuff sack: Bring whatever stuff sack or compression sack you normally use to
transport your sleeping bag.
Stuff sacks and/or zip bags: Two or three small nylon duffels to organize personal gear for the
river (these make packing your dry bag and finding your stuff much easier). Backpacks will not fit in your dry bag, so if you don’t have a duffle, just organize your stuff in pillow cases.
Waterproof bag: NPS has high quality dry bags available for your use. You are welcome to
bring your own if you have one.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Sun hat: To keep the sun and rain off! Baseball caps and wide-brimmed hats work well.
Water bottle: Wide mouth quart or liter size with retention device so it stays in the boat
Reuseable cup: A 12-20 ounce unbreakable mug with a snap-on lid is best.
Bandanna: One or two are sufficient.
Insect repellent: Bring a small bottle in case of mosquitoes or ticks.
Bathing suit
Watch: Bring one with an alarm and light if possible.
Sunglasses: Good quality with 100% UV protection. A “croakie” type strap is required.
Lip balm and sunscreen: A SPF minimum of 15 is recommended.
Pocket knife: A small pocket knife is optional.
Flashlight or headlamp: A headlamp is more convenient.
Toilet articles: Toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, tampons, hand lotion etc.
Towel: Bring a small one if desired.
Notebook and pen: A small one to take notes
Zip-loc bags: A couple for packing out trash
Camera and/or binoculars: These are optional.
Trash Bag: This will enable you to put a wet tent in your dry bag without getting your other stuff wet.
Hire a Veteran
Green sector employers with job openings, and metro Denver households who need home performance services: Hire our veterans.
We have a volunteer task for anyone who can give a few hours of time.
