HEART OF OREGON CORPS (HOC) SEEKS TO PARTNER WITH THE BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM) PRINEVILLE DISTRICT TO ENGAGE LOCAL YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS, AGES 17-24, IN NATURAL RESOURCE AND RECREATION SITE STEWARDSHIP. FOUNDED IN 2000, HOCS MISSION IS TO EMPOWER YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS THROUGH EMPLOYMENT, JOB TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND SERVICE TO CENTRAL OREGON COMMUNITIES. THIS PROJECT SUPPORTS THAT MISSION BY CREATING MEANINGFUL WORK EXPERIENCES IN CONSERVATION FOR OPPORTUNITY YOUTH WHO ARE NOT IN SCHOOL OR WORKING, MANY OF WHOM COME FROM LOW-INCOME BACKGROUNDS OR FACE BARRIERS TO SUCCESS. THE PROPOSED INITIATIVE WILL CONNECT THESE YOUNG PEOPLE TO PUBLIC LANDS, PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS, AND INTRODUCE PATHWAYS TO CAREERS IN NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENTALL WHILE SUPPORTING THE BLMS NEED FOR RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE AND HABITAT RESTORATION WITHIN THE PRINEVILLE DISTRICT.THE PROJECT WILL ENGAGE YOUTH CREWS FOR APPROXIMATELY SIX WEEKS (OR LONGER AS NEEDED) IN PUBLIC LAND STEWARDSHIP ACTIVITIES. CREW MEMBERS, ALL LOCAL TO THE REGIONINCLUDING FROM CROOK, DESCHUTES, JEFFERSON COUNTIES AND THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF WARM SPRINGSWILL WORK UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF TRAINED CREW LEADERS AND HOC STAFF. BLM PERSONNEL WILL ASSIST IN IDENTIFYING AND ASSIGNING PROJECT LOCATIONS AND TASKS, WHICH MAY BE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED BASED ON NEED.