WASHINGTON CONSERVATION CORPS

Contact: Kirk D. Thomas
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 47014
Olympia, WA 98504-7014
Telephone: 360.902.1645
E-mail: kirk.thomas@dnr.wa.gov

State Website: http://www.dnr.wa.gov

Local Link: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/RecreationEducation/Topics/OtherRecreationInformation/Pages/washington_conservation_corps.aspx

Participation: 180 participants were served by the Washington Conservation Corps during July 1, 2006-June 30, 2007.

Who is Served: The program enrolls unemployed young adults between 18 and 25 years of age.

Program Description: Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) has two purposes: It enhances Washington’s environment and helps unemployed young adults become employable by giving them experience working outdoors. WCC has many objectives, including conservation, rehabilitation, and enhancement of the state’s natural, historic, environmental, and recreational resources. Specific projects organized by participating state agencies include such tasks as stream rehabilitation, trail and campground maintenance, facility maintenance, wildlife control fencing, reforestation, and research assistance.

Other Program Characteristics: WCC develops work experience, group achievement, land stewardship, resource conservation, and environmental appreciation among Washington youth through a wide range of public works projects. The Departments of Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources, and Ecology offer scholarships up to $4,725 to corps members who serve one year. The Department of Ecology coordinates WCC projects with federal, state, local, and nonprofit agencies.

Program History: WCC was established in 1983.

Planning Cycle: Every two years.

Outcome Measures: WCC measures its success by the impact of the services it provides and by the work it accomplishes. Participating agencies also measure performance. (See below).

• Department of Ecology: Miles of streambed restored, enhanced, or protected.

• Department of Parks and Recreation: Linear feet of trail and number of facilities maintained.

• Department of Natural Resources: Linear feet of trail and number of campsites maintained.

• Department of Fish and Wildlife: Linear feet of fence and number of access sites maintained.

Funding and Regional Division: WCC is a statewide program.

State Funding: $1,775,000 (July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008).

Department of Ecology ................................................ $ 475,000

Department of Natural Resources ................................ $ 305,000

Department of Fish and Wildlife ........................ ........ $ 195,000

Department of Parks and Recreation ........................... $ 800,000

Federal Funding: None.

Statutory Authority: RCW 43.220. Established in four natural resource agencies.