The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in California and the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Pacific Region signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, Oct. 31, 2014, signifying their ongoing efforts to work collaboratively to engage youth on public lands in California.The MOU develops a framework for the agencies to provide educational and engaging experiences for young people through service projects such as trail building, fuel reduction and invasive species removal on BLM-managed public lands in California.The use of AmeriCorps NCCC teams has been shown to complete a lot of work quickly and produce positive impacts for wildlife, recreation and the environment in areas throughout the state. Such projects and activities will complement both agencies' missions and the public interest. Teams plan to assist BLM as part of this plan starting early next year. "Connecting young people to the natural world is essential," said BLM California State Director Jim Kenna. "This MOU demonstrates our commitment to providing opportunities to engage young people and equip them with the skills to become effective stewards of public lands."In addition to the training members receive from AmeriCorps NCCC, Jennifer Szeliga, their Deputy Region Director for Programming, explains, "All members will receive training from the BLM, and additional development opportunities through the Department of the Interior and other partners." This MOU reflects the spirit of a Presidential Memorandum issued on July 15, 2013 that established the Task Force on Expanding National Service.The Task Force calls on federal agency leaders to identify ways to address some of the nation's most pressing challenges by expanding national service. BLM and AmeriCorps NCCC have a successful partnership history.The most recent collaboration was in 2013 when AmeriCorps NCCC participated in restoration and monitoring efforts on BLM lands managed by the Barstow and Mother Lode Field Offices.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
