This program is at the top of the line. Each and Every second of volunteer work with CUSP is a second that makes a difference to the entire state of Colorado. The tactics used to divert erosion, to maintain a safe water supply, prevent wildfires, and protect structures, are those of the volunteers and the professionals to sum up the best approach. This volunteer program is united for the people, by the people. If the world worked as fluent as the volunteer work with CUSP, we could very well better this world.
This group is integral in the reclaimation and restoration of Colorado watersheds residents depend on for their water supply. Residents being human and native wildlife! Everyone I've meet through this group is passionate about helping others by sustaining the environment they depend on.
CUSP is a godsend for areas, people and businesses struck by the wildfire tragedies suffered here. This non-profit organization steps up with expertise and physical boots on the ground when no one else does. I was unaware of their efforts until the Waldo Canyon Fire. I've learned how crucial their help is for flood mitigation for people who fear losing their homes and for businesses who can't hope to rebuild until their property is stabilized. CUSP is also there to try to protect our water resources from the devastating effects of fires and flooding. Lisa Patton is so impressive in all her volunteer coordination efforts. She can mobilize crews of volunteers on very short notice to meet emergency needs. All CUSP personnel devote incredible amounts of time and travel for those needing help and training. By far, my experience with this organization is the most rewarding. They provide me with the opportunity to learn skills and to help in the recovery efforts I wouldn't otherwise have. They channel volunteers' passion for helping into a manpower force that is so needed for recovery.
The Coalition for Upper South Platte (CUSP) is a very professional and dedicated organization. Lisa Patton was a great volunteer coordinator. T. Rowe Price has a long history of volunteerism in the communities where we live. CUSP provided a great opportunity for our associates to help rebuild landmarks such as the Flying W Ranch devastated by the Waldo Canyon fire. Because of the quality of the organizers for CUSP, we have had multiple opportunities to volunteer our time in a safe and productive way. We will continue to support the CUSP with our time in the future because of the value to the community and the satisfaction we receive as a volunteer when we work with this group.
CUSP {CoalitionUpperSouthPlatte} is an amazing and professional non-profit organization that has taken the lead in the State of Colorado regarding the protecton of one of our most valuable assests, and that is drinking water for the population of our state. CUSP and each one of their employees are upstanding leaders where our environment is concerned. CUSP is a valuable asset to our Colorado clean drinking water supplies, and our overall environment. CUSP stepped up to the plate after the devastating Colorado Buffalo Creek fire and the following Hayman Fire, and now the Waldo Canyon Fire. CUSP began by single handed raising funds to assist individuals and communities with the clean up after the Buffalo Creek fire and the huge Hayman fire, which included having the resources, expert knowledge and staff to assist with items and a superb ability for gathering volunteers {boots on the ground} to actually do the work, at the same time, teaching the volunteers how to help with this same work in flood mitigation, and fire mitigation for the future. CUSP has graciously and willingly taken on the roll of being extremely responsbile to assist others to learn what needs to be done to help prevent wildland fires and to prevent ash, and mud flow from destroying properties and well heads. CUSP gives on a daily basis to our communities for the betterment of our environment and our clean drinking water. I am most thankful that CUSP goes to great lengths to give all volunteers and property owners professional training to get the jobs at hand done and in safe manners. The CUSP individuals that teach the jobs, also teach personal safety at the top of all, and they continue at each job to make certain that each person is dressed properly for the work and that they follow the safety rules. Before our Pikes Peak region devastating Waldo Canyon Fire, I had no idea any organization such as CUSP existed. I am now glad I know them and continue to volunteer to help them. I hope to assist them in gathering funds to gain much needed tools and/or equipment they need to get the jobs done in the future. Their ability to write grants to assist their neighbors is impressive. Very selfless group of people.
The Coalition for the Upper South Platte is an amazing volunteer organization. While searching for ways that Colorado College BreakOut could help rebuild after the Waldo Canyon Fire, I learned about CUSP's dedication to the cause. Lisa Patton, their volunteer coordinator, was tremendously helpful in organizing a two-day service trip in which we installed wattles to protect a home from post-burn landslides and mitigated fuels in the Hayman burn area. The service experience was one of a kind, as it was not only beautiful and rewarding, but also educational. To me, the Coalition for the Upper South Platte is special because it provides a learning experience as well as a service experience, providing volunteers with the knowledge they need to continue to make a positive difference after the project is over.
CUSP is dedicated to serving the community and education, especially when it comes to post-fire recovery work. At both the Hayman and Waldo fire sites, they were great offering their technical expertise while working with community volunteers. Everyone who participated in the restoration projects left with more knowledge and a sense of service.
In July 2012, the CUSP sponsored a benefit concert to raise money for the Waldo Canyon Firefighters Fund at Aspen Valley Ranch. I was looking for a location to sell wristbands to also raise money for the same fund and they welcomed me to join them. I enjoyed the camaraderie of working together for a great cause. I had to leave a little early and I left some extra wristbands which they sold for me and even mailed me the extras and the money they received for the wristbands. They are a great group of very hard working folks and I am proud to have worked with them.
Jim Elliot Christian School volunteered time at the Flying W Ranch after the Waldo Canyon Fire. We had a great experience. Lisa Patton did a great job coordinating with us a getting us to the site. Once at the site, the crew we worked with was great. We learned a lot about flood control, the Waldo Canyon fire, and the water table. The work that the Coalition for the Upper south Platte is doing is very necessary considering the number of massive fires we have in Colorado. We are already planning on working again next fall.
Our department at HP volunteered to do erosion mitigation for the damage caused to the Flying-W Ranch as a result of the Waldo fire. Lisa Patton of the Coalition for the Upper South Platte arranged to have us trained and contributing to the work as a team, setting water bars with burnt timber, applying mulch, and replanting ground cover. Mark, our team leader, got us working and having fun very quickly. We got a lot done in one day, I learned skills that I can apply to my own hillside property (which was also burnt by the fire), and we had a chance to work closely as a team with HP and Oracle volunteers.
