Grand Teton National Park Recruits for 2008 Youth Conservation Program

February 11, 2008
08-02

Grand Teton National Park is now recruiting participants for the 2008 Youth Conservation Program (YCP). Thanks to generous donations made by several donors through the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, this marks the third year that the park has offered a youth employment opportunity. Grand Teton plans to recruit 15 short-term positions. Applications must be postmarked by March 21, 2008.

The YCP is a summer employment program for high school students, ages 16 to 19. YCP enrollees develop an understanding of National Park Service (NPS) conservation ethics as they assist with critically-needed maintenance and rehabilitation on park trails and pathways. Participants work alongside NPS crew leaders and become familiar with NPS stewardship goals, while learning essential trail maintenance skills. YCP participants may also answer basic visitor questions and serve as park ambassadors as they complete project work on some of the most visible, and most impacted, park trails (i.e. Taggart, Bradley, Jenny and String lakes, and trails near Colter Bay).

YCP crews focus their efforts on projects dealing with rehabilitation of trails and backcountry areas through activities such as brushing, hazard tree removal, and construction of water bars and drainage swales. In addition to the project work, environmental education programs and extensive recreational opportunities are also offered.

The 2008 YCP program will run for ten weeks from June 16 through August 16. Participants must be at least 16 years of age by June 16. Housing is not provided, so participants must reside in the local area or be able to commute from areas outside of Jackson Hole. Applicants must also be United States citizens and students in good standing. Other qualifications include good team skills, the ability to work at a physically demanding job which may involve lifting 30-40 pounds, and a willingness to learn about Grand Teton National Park and its trail system. The program includes three work crews with five to six YCP trail members, and wages are set at $10.20 per hour.

As an extension of their mission to support new and innovative projects that add value to the park, the Grand Teton National Park Foundation provides funding for salaries, work boots, work pants, tee-shirts, and free transportation to and from Jackson for YCP participants. For more information about YCP and/or how to contribute to future YCP activities, or other Foundation programs, please call Leslie Mattson at 307.732.0629, or email leslie@gtnpf.org.

To obtain an application or get further information about the 2008 YCP, please call Brian Bergsma in Grand Teton National Park at 307.739.3364, or write to YCP Program, GTNP, Drawer 170, Moose, WY 83012. Applications are also available online at http://www.nps.gov/grte/misc/ycp.htm.