PRESS RELEASE:

VYCC AND THE STATE OF VERMONT PUT YOUNG PEOPLE TO WORK IMPROVING VERMONT’S WATER QUALITY

VTDEC Funds Fusion of Learning and Environmental Conservation and Protection

November 4, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Llu Mulvaney-Stanak, VYCC Officer of Community Engagement

802-434-3969 ext. 100 | Llu@VYCC.org

RICHMOND, VT, Nov 4, 2019 – The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) aided by funding from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC) placed over 50 youth and young adults on impactful projects to improve water quality, and included 13 weeks of crew time across

Crews began their work in mid-June at various work locations across the state, and worked closely with project partners that included local Conservation Commissions, Town and City Staff, Regional Planning Commissions and County Conservation Districts. Over the past five months crews have installed or repaired over 75 structures to improve drainage and reduce erosion, planted more than 3,000 trees.

“VYCC provides a niche service in the specialized world of watershed project implementation” Says Mary Russ, Executive Director with the White River Partnership. “When you need to implement on-the-ground project components with hand tools – from riparian buffer plantings to river access trail improvements – VYCC is the group to call!”

Along with the experience of getting their hands dirty, VYCC participants engage in watershed science specific education throughout the program to connect how their stewardship is improving the land and water quality around them. Paired with future job and hands on skill training, every Crew Member leaves their experience with a better understanding of the watershed they live in.

These tremendous water quality protection outcomes, youth engagement and learning would not be possible without the continued support of the VTDEC and VYCC’s many partners.

More info about VYCC: 

Vermont Youth Conservation Corps is a 501(c)3 nonprofit youth development organization with a mission to teach young people personal responsibility through meaningful work that connects us to the land, community, and one another. For 35 years, VYCC has instilled the values of personal responsibility, hard work, education, and respect for the environment in young people. VYCC Corps Members, young adults 15-26, work, live, and learn together in small groups, completing priority conservation and agriculture projects throughout Vermont under the guidance of highly trained Crew Leaders.