Restoring the "Top Cut"

Restoring the "Top Cut". . Purpose , The "Top Cut” of Independence Pass refers to the section of road directly across the valley from this viewpoint. During the 1920s, highway construction and subsequent erosion heavily damaged the slopes above and below the road. Stabilizing these slopes and restoring native vegetation have been and continue to be primary goals of the Independence Pass Foundation., Solution , The native rock retaining walls between this site and the Pass summit were constructed between 1996 and 2008 by IPF in partnership with the Colorado Department of Transportation. The Foundation's work also supports safety improvements for travelers and recreationists and helps protect the pristine headwaters of the Roaring Fork River., Get Involved , For more information on IPF and to donate to projects on the Pass, visit www.independencepass.org., Photos, top row, left to right: The restoration of the Top Cut began in 1994, and continues today. Work on the Big Cut included building the stabilizing wall, rebuilding the slope above the wall, and revegetation with native plants. , Photos, bottom row, left to right: Slope reconstruction underway at the Big Cut. Seedling trees await planting. Compost from the Pitkin County Recycling Center is applied below the road to make revegetation possible. Many groups and individuals volunteer to help plant tree seedlings in disturbed areas. , Photos courtesy of Independence Pass Foundation