Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado applauded the recent announcement by the U.S. Forest Service and partners that they will invest more than $11 million to support work and training opportunities for more than 1,500 youths and veterans on national forests and grasslands in fiscal year 2016.
The funding will go to the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, a public-private initiative that connects America’s youths and veterans with job opportunities that conserve and protect natural resources. This year, participants will focus on more than 120 priority projects across the country, including 10 in Colorado.
Bennet has been a vocal proponent of the 21CSC. Last year, he introduced the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps Act of 2015 with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to increase civilian national service opportunities and help put America’s youth and returning veterans to work.
The Southwest Conservation Corps is pleased with Bennet’s participation. Two of 10 projects funded in Colorado will benefit local residents and tourists alike. One will commit additional funds to the construction of the McPhee Overlook Trail, which will connect the town of Dolores to House Campground and the Boggy Draw Trail network, and the other will fund wildfire prevention forest thinning in the Deep Canyon area along the U.S. Highway 160 corridor west of Pagosa Springs.
Kevin Heiner
Durango
