Reserve sailors help protect Colorado Springs water supply

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Gilbert Bolibol | Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Brevard Smith of Operational Support Unit (OSU) 1914, places a wattle during post fire mitigation for the Waldo Canyon Restoration Project. OSU Sailors volunteered for the project that helps control the flow of water running down the hillside, prevent erosion and keep debris from entering Colorado Springs’ water supply. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gilbert Bolibol/Released)  

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

07.27.2013

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Gilbert Bolibol 

Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Navy Reserve sailors from Operational Support Unit 1914 at Navy Operational Support Center Fort Carson, volunteered to help with post fire mitigation for the Waldo Canyon Restoration Project in Glen Eyrie, located on the west side of Colorado Springs, Colo., July 27, 2013.

The Waldo Canyon Restoration Project was created after devastating fires burned the west side of Colorado Springs in late June destroying 18,247 acres and 346 homes.

“After the Waldo Canyon fire, the soil turned hydrophobic,” said Flood and Fire, Reforestation and Trails project manager Dave Dombach. “The burning of vegetation in the Waldo Canyon area produced a volatile hydrophobic substance that can penetrate the soil and make it water repellent.”

The sailors from OSU 1914 helped place wattles along the hillside of the Waldo Canyon burn area.

“Wattles are installed in a shallow trench to form a continuous barrier along the contour of the hillside and intercept water running down the slope,” said Dombach. “The work these sailors are doing today will aid in protecting the water supply of Colorado Springs.”

OSU 1914 and Navy Operational Support Center Fort Carson sailors are always encouraged to volunteer in the community.

“I’m extremely proud of them,” said Lt. Cmdr. Tom Van Scoten, commanding officer of NOSC Fort Carson. “The sailors here at Fort Carson are regularly involved with the City of Colorado Springs and many of them volunteer throughout the community.”

In addition to laying and securing wattles, sailors dug trenches and planted seeds to start the vegetation process.

“Knowing that the efforts put in today are going to help protect the city’s water supply is a great feeling,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Abbey Vogler. “It was hard work, but at the end of the day I was very proud to know that I helped make a difference.”

OSU 1914 and NOSC Fort Carson sailors are coordinating future plans to volunteer for this project and aid in the Black Forest fire restoration.

For more information on the efforts of the Waldo Canyon Restoration Project visit http://waldofire.org.

• Date Taken: 07.27.2013
• Date Posted: 07.29.2013 20:34
• Story ID: 111014
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US
• Hometown: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US
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