This past summer, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (NRRA) received funding for a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crew to help with performing trail maintenance activities within the Big South Fork area. A crew of eight students from one of the local high schools (Alvin C. York Agriculture Institute) was selected for the project.
The project was set up to perform a wide range of trail maintenance activities such as repair and replacement of water bars to prevent soil loss and erosion along trail routes; repair, painting and installation of trail signs; and rehabilitation and leveling of trail tread to make smooth, sure footing for trail users. Clearing of overhanging limbs and overgrown vegetation along the trails was also accomplished.
The YCC crew was also responsible for cleaning and repainting the Honey Creek Overlook which had been recently vandalized. Their efforts helped support a quality visitor experience at this popular location.
"We at Big South Fork NRRA are very happy to have had such a hard working crew of young people to help with all these projects, and the accomplishments they completed are something to be proud of," said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas.
The Big South Fork YCC crew for 2012 included Cody L. Baltimore, Jesse D. Cobb, Christopher W. Conatser, Justin A. Draughn, Dakota S. Gunter, Jacobby J. Johnson, Dalton T. McCoy, and Keith T. Yantz.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
