This project provides young adults with the opportunity to gain skills and experience in environmental and conservation activities, and involves them in the natural, cultural and or historical…

This project provides young adults with the opportunity to gain skills and experience in environmental and conservation activities, and involves them in the natural, cultural and or historical resource protection of their communities and beyond. In addition, this project helps members to develop a sense of responsible citizenship and productive community involvement. MCC and the NPS have a mutual interest in accomplishing conservation and environmental restoration projects in park units. The involvement of young adults in the care and enhancement of public resources stimulates environmental education, and the development of responsible citizenship and productive community involvement. Participants will be mentored in sustainable maintenance practices and techniques on deferred trail maintenance projects.participants will be mentored by NPS staff and learn skills related to repairing trail tread, rehabilitating trails impacted by increased visitor and stock foot traffic, removal of woody brush from trail corridors, and addressing other major deferred trail maintenance issues on high use trail sections. By way of this project participants will be provided with job training and career development opportunities while improving trail systems for public use. Participants will develop an understanding of natural resource stewardship through trail maintenance activities. This task agreement serves a public purpose by promoting and stimulating education, job training, development of responsible citizenship, productive community involvement, and furthering the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of cultural and natural resources. This experience is expected to foster an environment of learning and instill a sense of stewardship in the participants that will carry forth into the future. The NPS receives the indirect benefit of completing conservation projects. Youth participants will gain real world or hands-on experience in resource projects. Activities will result in providing a safe and enjoyable public trails system and an enhanced visitor experience. In addition, these activities will protect important resources.