Route Editor
Route Scout
Then I noticed that the normally locked gate was wide open, with vehicles, trailers, and ... two enormous "permanent" tents. The kind people use for events like weddings and such!Not to let this disturbing quantity of civilization go unchallenged, I decided to enter camp and see what was going on! A nice guy gave me a brief rundown ... this is a research camp run by the University of Montana, in conjunction with the USGS and the Forest Service. This is the 24th consecutive year that they've been researching here! Apparently, they study for 2-3 months beginning in mid-April or May. Despite having been here numerous times, somehow I've never encountered them before, but I'm guessing that I've only been there later in the summer after they've gone.
So, anyway, their research apparently focuses on a few different points, all somewhat inter-related. [You can read all about it by doing a web search for "t e martin" and clicking on the links for research projects.] They are studying 1. climate change/less snowfall/snowpack/shorter winter, 2. how it affects elk habitat, 3. how climate and elk affects riparian ecosystems in the drainages on the rim, 4. and bird nesting and life.
On several occasions, I've encountered large drainages on the rim that are fenced off with very high (and sometimes electrified) fences. I've never found any information from Coconino NF about these areas other than an occasional sign on site that really doesn't explain too much. It was only upon seeing this camp that I realized that all these areas are active research sites and scientists from UMT are studying/observing them between spring and the start of the monsoon each year!
So if you encounter this camp while hiking the Barbershop Trail, now you know what it's all about. The researchers were friendly and will probably be glad to answer your questions. (Oh, and they're hiring research assistants for $1150-$1400/mo. DOE if you feel like spending a couple months up there!)
