The Uintah Youth Conservation Corps was recently recognized by the Intermountain Region USDA Forest Service at the 2018 Regional Forester Award Ceremony to highlight the success of the program. “The Uintah Youth Conservation Corps program is designed to provide environmental education through hands-on learning experiences on the Ashley National Forest while working on projects that benefit the Forest and its ecosystems,” shares Ashley National Forest Affairs Officer Louis Haynes. “Since inception, 97 students have participated in the program, with over 44,445 work hours completed, resulting in over $980,600 dollars of conservation and improvements to the National Forest and providing enhanced opportunities for the American people. In addition to the ‘on-the-ground’ accomplishment of work, the youth enroll at Utah State University and complete additional coursework as part of obtaining three collegiate semester credits for their work experience.” The award is one of only 13 given each year for those making a difference on the National Forests and Grasslands.
