A Trail of Impact: Youth Empowerment through Restoration at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) team members work on repairs to tread surface and erosion control features at stairs near the summit of Buck Hill trail.

NPS

On the western edge of North Dakota, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund (LRF) is not just preserving national parks; it's shaping the future for a new generation of park stewards. Part of the GAOA LRF funding is directed towards Maintenance Action Team (MAT) projects, which specifically target supporting small and medium-sized parks, fostering cost-effective project execution, and inviting the next generation to discover meaningful work with purpose.

With such funding, the Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) partnered with the National Park Service this year by sending two impactful work groups to help breathe new life into Theodore Roosevelt National Park’s Buck Hill Trail. From June 7 to June 13, the Spring crew replaced check steps, distributed cold mix, installed a concrete pad for an accessible bench, and added new garbage containers. The Fall team continued the legacy, tackling settled check steps, installing the accessible bench, spreading sealant, and enhancing the trail's beauty from the top of Buck Hill.

Team members of MCC work to install trailside erosion control to preserve tread surface.

NPS

While the park reaped the benefits of these transformations, the true magic happened within the MCC crews. For the first time, an all-female crew, hosted by the park, took the lead. Beyond learning trail work skills, these participants received invaluable training on career opportunities in the National Park Service. Their journey became more than a project—it became a steppingstone toward a purposeful career.

The MAT model, fueled by the GAOA Legacy Restoration Fund, is not just about dollars and projects; it's about investing in people. With more than $57 million dedicated through fiscal year 2023, MATs have completed more than 180 maintenance projects at 140 park units nationwide. This multifaceted approach not only addresses critical maintenance needs but also builds a diverse workforce for the future.

Evidence of deterioration the work LRF, MCC and NPS were able to reverse with the success of projects such as the work at Buck Hill

NPS

As we celebrate the trails restored and projects completed, let's also celebrate the individuals behind the scenes—youth who discovered not just a job but a calling. These projects are not merely about preserving our natural treasures; they are a beacon guiding the next generation toward a career with purpose in the National Park Service. Join us in applauding the impact made and the futures shaped on the Buck Hill Trail and beyond. Find out more about the park on our webpage.

MCC Youth Corps members demonstrate the camaraderie at the site of buck Hill in front of the base of the trail to the summit.

NPS