This program utilizes qualified non-profit youth- and veteran-serving organizations to carry out appropriate natural and cultural resource conservation, education, volunteer service and education…

This program utilizes qualified non-profit youth- and veteran-serving organizations to carry out appropriate natural and cultural resource conservation, education, volunteer service and education projects on department of the interior lands through authorized national park service programs. This agreement will place an american conservation experience youth crew at new river gorge national park and preserve and gauley river national recreation area to control non-native invasive plants that threaten native forests, wildlife, cultural resources, and recreational access at three project areas totaling approximately 75 acres. The crew will use mechanical methods and herbicide applications, maintain detailed treatment records, and map infestations. Projects include restoring areas at beech run mine and buffalo creek mine by treating invasive plants and improving safety, as well as supporting pike pond restoration by reducing competition for native vegetation. This work contributes to long-term forest restoration and resource protection efforts.beneficiaries include private non-profit institutions and organizations public and private non-profit academic institutions state and local government agencies quasi-public non-profit institutions and organizations that support youth and young adult career training and development, and education in the areas of natural and or cultural resource conservation and management. Individuals families students and the general public will receive a benefitfrom the development and execution of these programs and projects.