Montana Conservation Corps
The approach can be summarized in these typical steps:
» Agencies, communities, and corps meet to discuss potential projects.
» Partners sort out project ideas and select those most appropriate for corps work.
» The project leader identifies potential matching funds and other interested partners.
» The project leader writes grant applications for RTP funds that meet the State’s funding goals.
Developing a viable project
MCC’s goal is to engage in multi-faceted projects that result in a good experience for crews as well as a success for sponsors. While every project has its own unique aspects, there are several points to look for. To begin with, the project should be large enough for an interesting challenge, but small enough that a crew can handle it from start to finish. Additionally, the project should provide a tangible sense of accomplishment, rather than the feeling of being handed a list of chores that never get done.
Land managers should have the responsibility for technical issues in trail design and layout While MCC focuses on doing the work. Project sponsors have their own ideas about standards and construction requirements, so the goal is to make sure all partners agree before getting into the middle of potential problems with design or trail building techniques.
Safety is another essential requirement. Staff need to be sure that the crews can do the work safely, and that tasks are within their capabilities. For example, are enough crewmembers certified in chain saw use? Does the sponsor have enough people to supervise difficult work such as building a rock wall?
It all comes down to mutual understanding: the sponsor has to know the capabilities of the crews, and the MCC staff has to be familiar with the specific needs and expectations of the land managers. To ensure coming up with appropriate projects, MCC can send seasoned staff to proposed sites to scope out the work.
Community-based projects
One of the trends in trail work is that towns and counties sponsor more projects. Communities often have big plans and a shortage of funds; as a result, they are eager for partners who can help stretch limited resources. These projects have some different challenges from the familiar national forest and wilderness work.
In working with cities or nonprofits, there can be a big difference in technical support. Where a community needs more assistance, MCC staff can provide detailed input on the trail route, design, and construction techniques.
The increasing use of machines to build trails is another issue. On some projects, crews come in and help finish the work previously done by the trail building machine. More typically, MCC does the prep work: felling trees, pulling up stumps, and clearing the corridor, followed by mechanized tread construction.
Variety of projects and work experience
Projects are the avenue for MCC to share the skills and values that enable young people to grow. Wilderness work provides the opportunity to learn traditional skills, to use crosscut saws, and bring in materials with pack stock. But young idealists also learn about the realities of Federal land management, which involves motorized recreation and many other activities. Crewmembers come to respect the common values that most public land users share. People riding motorcycles as well as bicyclists may stop and compliment the work crew. The challenge for MCC is to learn to work with different agency missions while still providing quality work.
Generating new funds
The key to the success of MCC’s efforts has been to generate new funding for stewardship of public lands. With agency funds shrinking, the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) has provided a great opportunity. With more than $1 million available each year for trail work, MCC takes the lead in writing and securing funds for outdoor recreation and stewardship.
Another important source of funding is the National Forest Foundation (NFF). In addition to trail maintenance, NFF has been most interested in wilderness stewardship, which includes everything from removing old development debris and fences to controlling non-native plants. Crews have even repaired dams in designated Wilderness, using rigging, rope work, and other traditional non-mechanized techniques.
Both NFF and RTP funds can be used on a single project. RTP funds can be used for straightforward trail maintenance and construction. NFF funds can be applied to provide additional Wilderness benefits such as vegetation management or campsite inventory. NFF requires a one-to-one match; therefore, a $10,000 grant requires a $10,000 match. With RTP, the more leverage the better, so the commitment of NFF funds helps make the grant application more competitive. The 2005 reauthorization of the Federal surface transportation program specifically authorized the use of RTP dollars as non-Federal match. This has enabled MCC to leverage the RTP grants to expand the scope of projects with NFF funding, adding additional weeks of corps employment.
Another value for project sponsors is that corps may be able to provide matching dollars. While MCC charges $3,600 a week for a crew, MCC contributes a $1,000-per-week match from its AmeriCorps grant toward costs for crew member living stipends and staff supervision, tools, supplies, training, and administration.
Working with project sponsors
For MCC, the biggest benefit from RTP funding is the ability to open the door to new opportunities. With MCC writing a successful grant application, there is new money on the table. However, it can take years to come up with an outstanding project. Sponsors are typically Federal land managers who feel the need to work within their own agencies.
Once an agency has a positive experience with the corps, it is more likely to bring projects to MCC. The real test is in how sponsors see the value of MCC work. To illustrate, the Forest Service receives funds earmarked specifically to clear trails of “blow down” timber in wilderness areas. Even where these projects are not suitable for matching with RTP or other funds, land managers see the benefit of using MCC crews.
Benefits
For project sponsors, the Conservation Corps crews are highly productive, versatile, teachable, and cost-effective. Corps have also proven an effective means to develop a future workforce, prepared with the skills and agency understanding to be quality employees.
For crew members the varied situations offer valuable lessons in working with different agencies, tools, levels of maintenance, and user expectations. The experience gives MCC graduates a competitive edge in getting jobs with the Forest Service and National Park Service.
Besides the Federal agencies, partners have included communities, neighborhood organizations, land trusts, and local trail groups. The successful use of partnerships has also built long-term credibility for the MCC in managing complex projects with a variety of funding sources.
The RTP funds have provided a catalyst for a variety of trail and stewardship projects. The availability of funding has enabled MCC to assume greater leadership in proposing projects. Success in proposal writing has also created more opportunities with MCC as an essential partner.
Key Points and Lessons Learned» Agencies and land managers can create successful projects by:
» Clarifying agency needs and regulations in trail and land management
» Engaging the corps in discussion on skills, expectations, and project management
» Sharing ideas and information on potential projects with corps and other partners
» Planning projects that address the goals of State funding programs, both as written, and as expressed by staff and members of the State trails advisory committee
» Helping to identify matching funds and in-kind contributions.
For more information, contact the following sources:
Montana Conservation Corps, Inc.
206 N Grand Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715
(406) 587-4475
www.mtCorps.org
Recreational Trails Grant Program
Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks
PO Box 200701
Helena MT 59620-0701
(406) 444-4585
fwp.mt.gov/recreation/grants/rtp/default.html
