Summer Youth Crew a Success on Allegheny National Forest

Unique Partnership Provides Educational Employment Opportunity for Local Youth

Marienville, PA, August 31, 2022 — This summer, the USDA Forest Service – Allegheny National Forest hosted a crew of high-school-aged youth from Elk County across the Marienville Ranger District and the Ridgway area. This initiative was made possible through a unique collaboration involving federal, state, and local governments, as well as a key non-profit organization. The crew operated as a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) team, sponsored and directed by the Allegheny National Forest, hosted by Ridgway Township, administered by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) through their PA Outdoor Youth Corps program, and recruited and supervised by the Student Conservation Association (SCA). Educational programming was conducted by the Elk County Conservation District (ECCD).

Achievements of the Youth Crew

The crew, consisting of high school students Maria Catalano, Kaiden Danekas, Brody Stauffer, Aidan Babb, and Mckenzie Danekas, alongside Crew Leaders Sheena Wendell and Marcella Smith, worked diligently for six weeks on various natural resource and recreation projects. Their accomplishments included:

• Constructing a Turnpike Section: They helped build a turnpike section on Hector Falls Trail.
• Maintaining Pollinator Gardens: The crew weeded and mulched gardens crucial for pollinator health.
• Campsite Cleanup: They cleaned up campsites along the Clarion Wild and Scenic River.
• Tree Planting: Over 400 red and white pine trees were planted at Beaver Meadows Recreation Area, along with tulip poplar, white oak, sugar maple, red maple, and gray stem dogwood at Twin Lakes Recreation Area.
• Trail Maintenance and Development: They brushed the Laurel Mill Trail System, began the Hemlock Loop Trail realignment, and helped install a new trail along the Kinzua Connector near the Allegheny Reservoir.
• Community Projects: In their final week, the crew completed numerous projects around Ridgway, including stream bank improvements, campsite enhancements, and dock staining.

“This was a terrific partnership focused on providing a meaningful outdoor experience for youth in Elk County through paid employment and educational activities. I am grateful to all of the partners who contributed to the success of this program. And I am amazed at what this small group of dedicated youth was able to accomplish in just a few short weeks. They truly made a difference that will have a lasting impact on the natural resources of the ANF and the public using those natural resources on both the ANF and in Ridgway Township. We thank these young people for their service, and I hope this experience provides a spark that encourages them to engage in their communities and to steward their public lands in the future,” said Marienville District Ranger Rob Fallon.

About the Youth Conservation Corps and Partners

Established in the 1970s, the United States Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer youth employment program that engages young people in meaningful work experiences in national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries while fostering environmental stewardship and civic responsibility.

The PA DCNR Outdoor Youth Corps offers work experience, job training, and environmental education opportunities to young people who complete recreation and conservation projects on Pennsylvania’s public lands.

For the past 65 years, the Student Conservation Association (SCA) has been committed to building the next generation of conservation leaders and inspiring lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities through hands-on service to the land.

Additional Contributors

In addition to the main partners, other contributors played a significant role in the success of the program:

• Ridgway Township: Hosted the crew at their Township offices on Route 948, providing a base for assembly, tool storage, and plan adjustments.
• Elk County Conservation District (ECCD): Provided educational programming, offering one day of educational content each week on topics such as aquatics, forestry, recreation, wildlife, and green energy.
• Allegheny Hike, Bike, and Ski Club (AHBS): Assisted with planning and executing work on the Laurel Mill Trail System, continuing project efforts even after the youth crew completed their work.

This collaborative effort underscores the power of partnerships in achieving significant environmental and community benefits. The success of the Summer Youth Crew on the Allegheny National Forest serves as an inspiring example of what can be accomplished when diverse organizations come together with a shared goal.

For more information about this initiative and future opportunities, please visit the Allegheny National Forest website.