Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn and Department of Labor and Industry Secretary (L&I) Jennifer Berrier visited with crew members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps Youth Crew at Locust Lake State Park in Schuylkill County.
The PA Outdoor Corps is a signature program within DCNR, created during the administration of Gov. Tom Wolf. More than 900 young people have completed the program, which provides opportunities for paid work experience, job training and environmental education to help corps members become successful stewards of our natural resources and productive citizens. The corps is managed by DCNR and the Student Conservation Association (SCA), and is supported through funding provided by L&I, as well as private philanthropic partners.
During Monday's visit, members of the Hazelton Youth Crew installed new exercise stations along the bike trail at the park.
"Today's work, and the work these young people do this summer, will have a tremendous impact for many years to come," Dunn said. "I am hopeful that the skills they acquire through this incredible opportunity will create lifelong conservationists and public servants, whether that is occupational or as volunteers. Many thanks to the DCNR and SCA staff that keep this incredible program running each year, as well as our sister agencies that support its operations."
Established in 2016, the corps offers young people the opportunity to serve on a team and complete conservation projects that protect, enhance, and restore Pennsylvania's public lands. It also teaches participants about public service and provides job skills and ethics to make them better employees.
"Outdoor Corps provides young workers with educational employment opportunities that allow them to acquire lifelong skills and earn a paycheck -- all while working to protect Pennsylvania's natural resources," Berrier said. "L&I is proud to support Outdoor Corps' effort to nurture meaningful connections, promote conservation, and prepare young people for successful careers in a highly competitive job market."
In 2016 the program started with just five youth crews. This year there are 24 crews across the commonwealth:
Fourteen 6-week youth (age 15-18) crews based in: Erie; Greensburg; Harrisburg; Hazleton; Norristown; Pittsburgh (two crews: community and American Sign Language); Reading; Renovo; Ridgeway; Wellsboro; Wilkes-Barre; Williamsport; and York.
Ten 10-month young adult (age 18-25) crews are based in Altoona; Harrisburg; Meadville; Pittsburgh; Saint Marys; Wilkes Barre; Williamsport; and statewide Natural Resource, Cultural Resource, and Trail crews.
Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps members this year are working in more than 100 parks, forests, and communities across the state on projects including:
- Trail work
- Habitat enhancement
- Improving park and forest assets such as buildings, drainage structures and landscaped areas
- Tree planting
- Storm damage restoration
- Inventorying trees planted in communities
Alumni of the PA Outdoor Corps have obtained employment with conservation organizations including DCNR, SCA, National Park Service, National Forest Service, and other conservation organizations, thanks in part to experience with the corps.
Categories: Pennsylvania, General, Government & Policy