Summer trail projects on tap thanks to grant

AUGUSTA, Maine — The Corporation for National and Community Service has awarded $1.29 million in grants for 2014 to three Maine AmeriCorps organizations, including $351,583 for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Maine Conservation Corps (MCC). Maine Conservation Corps AmeriCorps members work with local communities to create and maintain sustainable trails in Maine state parks and public lands.
The MCC’s four-fold mission is to: accomplish conservation projects, create conservation employment, provide conservation education, and engage conservation volunteers. Some of the scheduled summer trail projects that AmeriCorps national service members will accomplish includes Barnard Mountain/Elliotsville Plantation, Inc. in Patten.
Governor Paul R. LePage welcomed the news that more young people will have the opportunity to work in Maine communities. “This is an excellent opportunity to serve Maine communities and get the skills and confidence that comes from working with others to achieve goals,” said Gov. LePage. “The Maine Conservation Corps has done tremendous work making positive contributions to our great state and nation.”
Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) Commissioner Walt Whitcomb also welcomed news of the award and highlighted the important work that the MCC does on behalf of Maine citizens.
“Eighty-one AmeriCorps national service members will help build infrastructure in our public places that generations of visitors can enjoy,” said Whitcomb. “With hard work they build the trails, clear the brush and learn hands-on conservation techniques. Since 1983, MCC-supported projects have helped make America’s beautiful parks more accessible to visitors.”
More information on the Maine Conservation Corps can be found at www.maine.gov/doc/parks/mcc. Information on applying for a term of AmeriCorps national service can be found at my.americorps.gov.