Maine Conservation Corps
The Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is notable for two reasons. First, the corps’ work is highly technical. Second the organization is housed within the Maine Department of Conservation, a State agency. The organization has risen to the challenge in a wide range of trail projects, developing skills from rockwork to accessible trail surfacing. The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) has become an essential part of MCC’s budget in partnership with the State.
State Funding Opportunities
Some projects involving MCC are funded by internal Department of Conservation RTP grants. A second program involves competitive grant applications from other agencies and organizations. MCC also receives modest AmeriCorps funding through the Maine Commission for Community Service.
The State also encourages the use of Conservation Corps in its trail grants program. The application asks, “Is the project supported through a letter of commitment between the applicant and a recognized youth conservation or service corps in which the corps agrees to supply a stated amount of labor?” Currently, MCC is the recognized provider of Conservation Corps services. Applicants receive two points in their application score for selecting MCC as a part of their proposal.
Working with Project Sponsors
An important way that MCC created funding opportunities is by working more closely with potential project sponsors. The program, Trail Planning Assistance, helps applicants develop a better project from the start. There are three MCC staff members who are available to review potential projects offer design suggestions, and make accurate cost estimates for MCC to do the work. Since MCC has started the assistance program, the number of proposals has increased, and more of them are getting funded with RTP grants. MCC is scheduling 20-40 planning assistance days each year. While the project sponsor decides if they want MCC to do the work, the service enhances the reputation of MCC as a skilled resource.
In some instances, sponsors ask MCC to flag and route trails or plan a trail system through open space areas. Another area of expertise is in bridge design and construction. To meet State requirements, an engineer may be asked to review the plans.
MCC also receives an increasing number of requests for help with accessible trails. Corps members have been building at least one trail each year where accessibility is a key goal. The work requires careful design and construction to control grade and side slope, maintain enough width, and ensure a firm and stable surface. As an alternative to paving, trails may be surfaced with rock dust, reclaimed pulverized asphalt, or compacted gravel. MCC is purchasing motorized power wheelbarrows to make this work more efficient and maintain worker motivation.
Partners and Projects
MCC sends out requests for proposals in October of each year to identify prospective projects. Staff maintains a database of partners including 400 different agencies and nonprofits, as well as land trusts. Maine has one of the strongest land trust communities in the country, with over 100 organizations, many of which seek to manage public access through a well-designed trail system.
Maine Trail Crew Projects are a joint venture with the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) and the Maine Conservation Corps. ATC volunteers join the MCC teams for work trips that are scheduled Saturday through Wednesday. Projects on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail are partially funded by a RTP grant awarded to the MATC.
MCC project funded by MCC include the following:
» Borestone Mountain. At a preserve managed by Maine Audubon Society, MCC improved the footpath from the parking area to the visitor’s center, one mile up the mountain, with rock steps and new side hill bench trail.
» Camden Hills State Park. In a six-year effort to upgrade the 30-mile trail system, MCC teams built drainage structures, stone steps and staircases, bog bridges, and riprap protection.
» Debsconeag Wilderness. In an area managed by the Nature Conservancy, MCC helped upgrade the trails with steel rungs set into ice caves, handrails, and new trail construction.
» Thomas College. MCC built more than quarter-mile of riverside trail including a 40-foot timber bridge, 79 box steps filled with stone dust, and 24 bog bridges.
» Quoddy Regional Land Trust received RTP funding for an accessible boardwalk. Volunteers prefabricated the boardwalk sections during the winter in a nearby warehouse, and the MCC team placed the sections across the 1,000 feet of wetland.
Benefits
Recreational Trails Program funding provides about half of MCC’s annual budget. With $325,000-plus for project support, RTP is the single largest component of crew funding. With significant declines in much of the State’s economy — forest products, manufacturing, and fishing — the State benefits from the investment in the tourism infrastructure. MCC improves many miles of trails each year while making outdoor recreation more visible and accessible. For corps members, the chance to work on a variety of challenging projects helps them gain confidence and technical skills for future jobs.
Key Points and Lessons Learned
» The growing need for improving the accessibility of outdoor recreation is an opportunity for corps to provide expertise and labor
» Many partners need help in project planning and development; corps can generate work by providing this service.
» Providing a wide range of technical skills challenges the organization’s staff time, but creates many opportunities
» Partnerships with volunteer groups can stretch dollars further while maintaining project quality with trained corps members.
» Projects that show an economic benefit or connection to tourism are valued by State and local governments.
For More Information, contact:
Division of Grants and Community Recreation
Bureau of Parks and Lands
Maine Department of Conservation
22 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
(207) 287-4962
www.state.me.us/doc/grants/index.shtml
Maine Conservation Corps
124 State House Station
Augusta ME 04333
(207) 624-6087
www.maine.gov/doc/parks/mcc/index.html
