Applicants sought for summer forest work program

By Les Gehrett
Staff Writer
Albany Democrat-Herald
May 10, 2004

Blending work and play, slots for the challenging five weeks are expected to fill fast

ALBANY -- Due to an increase in funding, there are more spaces available for Linn County youth in a summer forest work program, but with only 60 spaces offered, potential participants are being asked to apply soon.

The Linn County Board of Commissioners has given just more than $106,000 in grants to the Northwest Youth Corps to provide access to the program for selected Linn youth.

The board had been considering creating a residential youth forest work program, but decided to expand its funding to the Northwest Youth Corps as a pilot program instead.

Participants will spend about five weeks doing trail work and other maintenance projects. Some of this work is in Linn County and some is spread throughout the Pacific Northwest.

During the program, young people will work Monday through Friday on their assigned projects. They will also receive instruction on issues such as drug and alcohol awareness.

The program has a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol and offenders will be immediately expelled.

On Saturdays, they have the chance to enjoy the outdoors by taking part in extended hikes and scenic visits. Sundays are spent traveling and preparing supplies for the coming week.

'It's a challenging program,' said Ethan Nelson, the program director for the Eugene-based Northwest Youth Corps. 'One of the things our program has been successful with is helping kids to discover and reach their potential. We push kids out of their boundaries.'

Because of Linn County's support for the program, there is minimal cost involved for young people who are accepted. The county pays the tuition and the cost of food.

Nelson said participants do have to pay a $25 deposit to secure their participation. Once they complete the program, there deposit will be refunded.

In addition to the experience and training they receive, participants are paid $7.05 per hour for their efforts. They may also be eligible to receive some science and physical education credits.

Expansion of the summer work program was the goal of Linn County Commissioner Roger Nyquist.

He viewed the program as a worthy use of part of the county's annual federal forest payments. Most of these payments are set aside for roads and schools, but a portion must be spent on forest-related projects.

'I'm eager to have them start the program and see how it goes,' Nyquist said.

At a Glance
What: Northwest Youth Corps summer program
Description: A five-week forest work program for Linn youth
Cost: Most expenses covered by a grant from Linn County
To apply: Only 60 spots are available.
To apply, call the Northwest Youth Corps at (541) 349-5055
Information: www.nwyouthcorps.org

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