Wilderness Stewardship Program

Arrastra Wilderness Big Sandy River - Monitoring September 12-13, 2015 (Saturday – Sunday)

Difficulty: Intermediate Camping: Backpacking – dispersed camping

Mileage: 12 + Total miles Time: Start 8:00am Saturday End 4:00pm Sunday

About Arrastra Wilderness

The United States Congress designated the Arrastra Mountain Wilderness in 1990 and it now has a total of 129,800 acres. All of this wilderness is located in and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Wild and remote, difficult to access, this sprawling Wilderness preserves imposing landscapes and vividly colorful geologic features. The runs northwest-southeast through the north-central portion of the area and rises to almost 5,000 feet. Southern slopes descend gradually and are interspersed with isolated volcanic plugs and numerous drainages, several of which have been incised deeply into bright orange mudstone. The western and southern portions of the Wilderness encompass more than 20 miles of the ephemeral Big Sandy and Santa Maria Rivers. On the west side of the Big Sandy stands Artillery Peak, a 1,200-foot volcanic plug dominating the Artillery Mountains. In the eastern portion of the area, you'll find pristine Peoples Canyon where several springs support two miles of interconnected pools shaded by hundreds of sycamores, willows, and cottonwoods. These pearls of water attract birds, which in turn lure bird-watchers.

Trip Description

This Wild Stew trip will be an overnight backpacking trip along the Big Sandy River in the Arrastra Wilderness, conducting monitoring. Participants will be backpacking on Saturday and Sunday for approximately ~6 mile each day. We will be taking photographs up and down the river every 5 miles recording data such as the presence of invasive plants.

We will be dispersed backcountry camping on Saturday night. We will rendezvous at the Burro Creek Recreation site. On Saturday morning at 8 am. It is strongly encouraged that volunteers arrive at the Burro Creek site on Friday night. On Saturday morning BLM will shuttle participants to the starting point and pick- up and return us to the recreation site on Sunday.

Wilderness Stewardship Program

Participants should be prepared to hike in the river corridor on uneven terrain, bushwhacking at times.

All necessary training for non-native plant identification and monitoring techniques will be given at the event.

There will be a carpool available leaving Prescott on Friday afternoon and making a stop in Wickenburg if necessary. Contact Brian if you are interested at 775-340-9154.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED For Arrastra Wilderness, September 12 – 13th Questions? [email protected]

Itinerary

Saturday, September 12th 6+ miles backpacking along river

8:00 am Rendezvous at Burro Creek Recreation Site, directions below

8:30 am BLM Shuttle to Big Sandy River

9:00 am Arrive at Goat Springs TH

9:15 am Briefing & Safety Talk Begin hiking along river corridor conducting monitoring throughout the day.

12:00 pm Lunch along the trail

5:00 pm Camp

Sunday, September 13th 6+ miles backpacking along the river corridor

7:30 am Breakfast & break down camp

8:00 am Backpack along the river conducting monitoring throughout the day

12:00 pm Lunch along the trail

3:00 pm Arrive at the end of river section. BLM shuttle back to Burro Creek Recreation Site

4:00 pm Arrive at vehicles. Thanks for participating!

Gear List

Wilderness Stewardship Program

 Overnight backpack to carry all camping gear, food, and water  Water — 4-6 liters/day. Water can be refilled as available at the creek. With purification  Food — Breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner.  Sturdy, closed-toe shoes (NO SANDALS). Under our volunteer agreement with the BLM, you must wear closed-toe shoes or you will not be able to join us.  Appropriate clothing. Warm layers for the evening. See weather link below to plan appropriately.  Sun protection (sun screen, sunglasses, hat, etc.)  Camping equipment: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent/shelter, flashlight (batteries), plate/bowl, utensils, toiletries/toothbrush, first aid kit, other?

Optional items  Camera/Binoculars  Hiking pole(s) or stick

Weather

As the event gets closer, please check the weather to ensure you are properly prepared. We will be camping in a drainage, so expect temperatures to be slightly cooler than indicated. Elevation is 1,398 ft. The weather forecast nearby: Arrastra Wilderness, 9/12-13/2015

Driving Directions

We will be meeting at the Burro Creek Recreation Site. A carpool will be available, let me know if you are interested.

From Wickenburg, AZ 1. Head North on Hwy 93 to Burro Creek Campground in Mohave County approx. 58.1 miles 2. Turn left on Burro Creek Campground Rd. 3. Go approx. 1.3 miles

REGISTRATION REQUIRED For Arrastra Wilderness, September 12-13th Questions? [email protected]

Trip Leader: Brian Stultz (775) 340-9154 (cell)