News Release

Youth Opportunity to Work in Local National Park

YCC team after performing trail maintenance next to the bridge

Cecilia Lynch, NPS

News Release Date: February 1, 2018

Contact: Kathy Kimmitz, 703-221-3074

Prince William Forest Park, a unit of the National Park System, will be hosting a Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) work team during the summer of 2018. For over 25 years, youth from the area have worked on Park resources such as trails, historic buildings and landscapes by helping to rehabilitate historic cabins and perform cyclic maintenance. This year’s program will run from June 18 through August 10, 2018. Applications from diverse social, economic, ethnic, and racial groups are being sought. Selected participants must commit to working a minimum of 260 hours during the eight week program. The YCC staff is employed full-time and will receive a minimum of $7.25 per hour. All eligible youth considering a career with the National Park Service or would like to work in an outdoor environment this summer are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted from February 1, 2018 through April 15, 2018. Contact the park directly or go on-line to download the application form at www.nps.gov/prwi and click on the “News” link, then “News Releases”. To be eligible, you must have had your 15^th birthday by June 18 but not have your 19^th before August 10. Completed applications should be submitted to: ATTN. YCC Coordinator

Prince William Forest Park

18100 Park Headquarters Road

Triangle, VA 22172-1644

Applications may also be faxed to 703-221-4322. Remember, your application must be postmarked and/or received by April 15, 2018.

Prince William Forest Park has had a number of participants move on to promising careers with the National Park Service. Public Law 91-378 declared the YCC pilot program a success and established the permanent Youth Conservation Corps program in 1970. Since that time YCC participants have worked in positions at National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks, National Fish Hatcheries, and in other facilities across the United States. Participants gain education, experience and work skills in environmental stewardship and community service. They also learn about teamwork, safety, leadership and resource evaluation while building organizational and decision-making skills. The program has been, and continues to be, a positive initiative for Prince William Forest Park and the community.

Prince William Forest Park is just 35 miles from downtown D.C. and is one of the largest national park sites in the metropolitan area. The Park is an oasis of nearly 15,000 acres of diverse woodland habitat and protects numerous natural and cultural resources. If you have questions about the YCC program or need more information, call Kathy Kimmitz at 703-221-3074. For general park information call the Visitor Center at [phone] daily from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/prwi anytime.

-NPS-