These teens defy stereotypes

Although we realize that forest fires are a natural cycle, my husband and i did feel brokenhearted last year when we realized that the Biscuit Fire was affecting our favorite backpacking spot, the Illinois River Trail.

We were so pleased to learn that the Northwest Youth Corps was already in there rebuilding the trail! Get a couple dozen hard-working, vivacious teenagers together and they make light of a job that would take the U.S. Forest Service, because of staffing cutbacks, months to complete.

People may complain about lazy, disruptive teens, but these teens defy that stereotype. They cannot help but obtain more respect and love for Mother Nature, not to mention lasting friendships, good exercise and the satisfaction of earning some money for all their hard work. My appreciation to the Northwest Youth Corps!

As an aside, NYC receives funding from AmeriCorps. The president appears willing to allow drastic cuts in funding for this program. Do you think that is a good plan? We don't.

MIMI HUXLEY

Coos Bay

Courtesy of the Register Guard July 12, 2003

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