News Release
512th Air Wing
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Contact: Patrick Taylor
ORICK, Calif. – Staff from Redwood National and State Parks, the Yurok Tribe, and the Department of Defense are collaborating this summer to repair, restore and enhance multiple facilities around the park in conjunction with the Air National Guard’s Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program, which provides infrastructure construction training opportunities to Air Force units."This project exemplifies the power of partnerships and the impact of the Great American Outdoor Act and other federal funds," said Leonel Arguello, superintendent of Redwood National and State Parks. "Revitalizing these sites across the parks is not only preserving a piece of our past but also investing in the future of conservation. This partnership between the National Park Service, the Department of Defense, and the Yurok Tribe, will highlight our ability to collectively train, build, and serve the needs of our valued parks and promote the NPS mission of protecting and managing the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage."
Projects the team will work on include infrastructure improvements at the Wolf Creek Education Center, rehabilitation at the Kuchel Visitor Center, and Redwoods Rising restoration work.
Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members have completed winterizing two of the seven student cabins, added to the accessible trails around the campus, installed night sky appropriate lighting along trails, and assisted in the restoration of 30,000 acres forest.
“This project fulfills our annual two-week training requirement by offering high-quality, hands-on experience across multiple building trades,” said Major Josef Kallevig, the officer in charge. “Air Force Civil Engineers bring skilled craftsmen who work closely with our highly capable Yurok Tribe partners to mentor younger airmen and deliver lasting, high-quality results for the park and surrounding community.”As part of their partnership with the National Park Service, the Yurok Tribe will provide oversight, materials, and specialized trades needed to complete these projects.
The Yurok Tribe have an unmatched understanding of the landscape and broad working experience with the types of projects undertaken in this program, said Chairman Joseph L. James.
“As a Tribe with veterans of every foreign war, we are excited to provide the best possible training for the 250 service members,” James said. “It is a huge privilege to share our unique knowledge and skills with those responsible for protecting our homeland.”
Photo courtesy of 512th Air Wing
Redwood National and State Parks share in the perpetual stewardship of ancient coast redwood forests, waterways, and coastline on the homeland of Yurok, Chilula, and Tolowa peoples; for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of everyone; with a commitment to restoration of damaged landscapes
Last updated: July 7, 2025