This project engages youth in protecting and restoring public lands through participation in select restoration projects within bryce canyon national park

Participants will accomplish meaningful work and gain important personal and professional skills while building a lifeline connection to the outdoors. Participants will gain training and education in restoration activities that help to protect resources and improve visitor experiences. The recipient will assist in the restoration of ponderosa pine forests to promote forest health and minimize risks (safety, property, and ecological) related to wildfire.participants will receive training and education in restoration practices and techniques that improve visitor access while protecting and caring for public lands. Each member will receive an educational component in addition to performing physical work. Participants can expect to observe and interact in a variety of group discussions related to the assigned projects. The recipient will complete prescribed mechanical treatments in selected ponderosa pine stands to reduce stand densities, use chainsaws to thin areas around park infrastructure to create defensible space, reduce densities of selected stands to restore natural forest characteristics, and pile resulting slash so IT can be safely burned during winter months. This project fulfills an important public purpose by engaging and motivating youth participants in shared resource stewardship, providing them with direct hands-on work experience in restoration activities, and facilitates a greater understanding of natural and recreational aspects of conservation areas.