The U.S. Forest Service has invested $20 million in partnerships that supported work and training opportunities for 11,000 youth and veterans on national forests and grasslands this past year.
Service members worked on projects that addressed restoration, hazardous fuels, watershed protection, wilderness stewardship, recreation access, facilities management, trail maintenance, and other natural and cultural resource priorities, according to a release.
“The partnerships associated with developing the next generation of conservationists offer an opportunity to connect veterans and our young people to the great outdoors,” said U.S. Agriculture secretary Tom Vilsack, in a release. “This program engages veterans and young people from diverse backgrounds — including underserved populations — and equips them with the knowledge and critical job skills they need to pursue careers in conservation and land management.”
The Forest Service provided employment in every state and region, as part of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps. Partners matched the funds invested by the Forest Service on a nearly one-to-one basis.
