KAMIAH, Idaho:— The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are excited to announce that applications are now open for two popular summer enrichment and employment programs on the forest. Young people are encouraged to apply to the Kelly Forks Youth Conservation Corps (KFYCC) and the Clearwater Basin Youth Conservation Corps (CBYCC).
The KFYCC is a unique residential program housed at the Kelly Forks Work Center on the North Fork Ranger District. Participants live and work deep in the forest for six weeks of the summer and earn $15/hour while participating in a wide variety of different types of forest work. North Fork District Ranger Andrew Skowlund explained that: “The KFYCC is an incredible opportunity to learn, experience, and assist in managing some of the most diverse and productive public lands in the country. “The KFYCC lasts from June 24-August 2, 2024. Applicants must be 15 years of age by the start of the program but not over 18 years of age when the program ends in mid-August. No previous wilderness or backcountry experience is required, but a willingness and ability to work in a physically demanding outdoor program, live in a remote duty station for six weeks, cooperate in a team setting, and maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenges are characteristics essential for success.
The CBYCC is a partnership between Clearwater Economic Development Association, Idaho Firewise, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and other state, private, and federal land management partners intended to give North Central Idaho youth meaningful work and education opportunities in natural resources and land management. CBYCC focuses on providing opportunities in local communities, and participants commute every day from their home to work. There are 30 youth crew member positions, with 5 based in Grangeville, 10 in Kamiah/Kooskia, 5 in Orofino, 5 in Pierce, and 5 in Potlatch. The program lasts from June 10 – August 2, 2024. Crew members will earn $15/hr. Applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 18.
In addition to crew opportunities, the CBYCC offers a unique opportunity for 18 year old students to be a part of the Selway-Bitterroot Trail Crew. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to earn while you learn and be part of a team working to enhance and protect our Wilderness and natural resources. Crews are based out of the Fenn Ranger Station on the Selway River. Projects performed by both YCC programs are diverse in nature and pivotal to achieving Forest functions. These projects may include: hazardous fuels reduction, timber sale preparation, wildlife and fisheries data collection, trail maintenance and construction, campground and cabin maintenance, landscape restoration projects, visitor support services, and a wide variety of other projects. Some of the summer’s projects for the KFYCC will be based out of Kelly Forks Work Center, while some more remote projects will require crews to backpack and camp at primitive sites.
If this sounds like something you or someone you know may be interested in, apply today! Information and applications for the CBYCC can be found here: https://bit.ly/3wD0VPT. More information for the KFYCC can be found at the following link: https://bit.ly/4bOmRri.
Former KFYCC participant Rowan Brown prepares to head off into the field for fire mitigation work
Former KFYCC participants DJ and Mary sample Bull Trout DNA
CBYCC Crew members building a boardwalk on a trail.
CBYCC Orofino crew members at work on the Dworshak Dam
CBYCC crew members performing grounds maintenance
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