About Us
Who We Are
History
The WCCC is part of a rich history of conservation minded employment. On March 21, 1933 President Franklin D. Roosevelt started the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of the New Deal to combat the growing unemployment rate of the Great Depression. Members of the CCC lived in on-site camps and earned a very modest living stipend, but were provided with uniforms, meals, and invaluable job training. With World War II however, came a need for soldiers rather than workers and the CCC disbanded in 1942.
The spirit of the CCC lived on and became a model for a variety of conservation based state agencies that arose during the 1970’s such as the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) and the Young Adult Conservation Corps (YACC). In 1981 these groups too saw their end, but kept the idea alive for the establishment of The Corps Network in 1985. There are now 113 conservation corps working in 42 states and Washington D.C.
The Western Colorado Conservation Corps was started under the non-profit group Partners of Mesa County and runs under the umbrella of the Colorado Youth Conservation Corps (CYCA), which oversees a total of 11 youth corps groups working within the state of Colorado.
Mission
The Western Colorado Conservation Corps provides young men and women ages 14-25 with the opportunity to work and learn in an outside setting on and about local conservation projects. WCCC offers a variety of education programs in conjunction with job/career training. Employees of WCCC will be given the tools necessary for the successful completion of high school, have the opportunity to earn their GED, learn about eco-conscious recreation and current conservation issues, and be given the option to earn an AmeriCorps Education Award for higher learning.
Our Goals are to:
- Provide meaningful work in and around the community.
- Teach skills for future employment and/or education.
- Foster respect and understanding of environmental stewardship.
- Build relationships and participate in team-minded work between people of varied backgrounds.
- Teach a strong work ethic and instill a sense of pride in accomplishments; promote community involvement and development.
- Bring together local conservation and community service agencies, non-profit organizations, and community members.
Where We Serve
Western Colorado Conservation Corps
What We Do
Americorps Education Awards
Most Corps members at WCCC are eligible for AmeriCorps education awards. The value of each scholarship depends on the hours served at the Corps: 300 hours – $1000 450 hours – $1250 900 hours – $2362.50 AmeriCorps education awards are accepted at most Title IV schools. Check with our education coordinatorfor details.
Projects
WCCC is engaged in a number of projects focused on the maintenance of Western Colorado’s varying ecosystems. We work with agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, the Colorado National Monument, Vega State Park, and many more. Most projects are focused on Trail building & maintenance, Invasive plant species removal such as Tamarisk & Russian Olive, Habitat restoration, Fire fuels mitigation, Erosion control, Fence construction and maintenance, and Campgroun
d maintenance. Crews for projects are divided into the following:
Saw Crews – Members of WCCC saw crews are extensively trained in a week-long S212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw course. Upon completion, saw crews typically undertake projects such as invasive species removal (such as tamarisk and Russian olive) from riparian areas in western Colorado, pine beetle kill tree removal.
Trail Crews – Most of WCCC’s summer projects involve trail construction and repair. Trail crews have worked on projects in Colorado National Monument, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, and other areas in Western Colorado.
Supporters
A Special thank you to all whom make WCCC’s youth development and conservation work possible.
Donations
The WCCC welcomes any donations, of particular use at this time are the following:
- Food donations are constantly put to use by the crews both on the job and off.
- Equipment donations such as shovels, axes, chainsaws, personal protective equipment, etc.
- Vehicle donations are always greatly appreciated as vehicles tend to be the limiting factor in how many crews we can support.
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How to Reach Us
Contact
Western Colorado Conservation Corps
Main: (970) 241-1027
Fax: (970) 263-0367
2818 1/2 North Ave.
Grand Junction, CO 81501
Staff
Eric Hughes | South District Field Coordinator (email)
Originally from Paonia, Colorado, Eric Hughes now lives in Grand Junction, Co where he has worked for the WCCC since 2007 as a crew leader, education mentor, logistics coordinator and currently field coordinator. Eric attended Mountain College where he completed his degree in sociology in 2007. When not at work Eric is a full time wilderness guru; he enjoys camping, 4-wheeling, hiking and pretty much anything that has to do with the outdoors.
Matt Jennings | North District Field Coordinator (email)
Matt is a native of the Grand Valley, and a long-time proponent of the WCCC. He traces his extensive history with the organization to when he was hired as a crew member in the Summer of 2003. After graduating from the University of Colorado in 2005 and a stint in the Pacific Northwest, Matt found his way back home with the intent of working on public lands and educating youth. Matt has taken on several roles at the WCCC since 2009, and is always eager to take on new challenges. The WCCC’s field program is in good hands under his guidance.
Jeff Roberts | Education Coordinator (email)
Trevor Wickersham | Director (email)
Clark Bouton | Logistics Coordinator (email)
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