Gifford Pinchot National Forest

	Mount St. Helens Institute
For Immediate Release: April 25, 2006
Contact: Jessica Kimmick (360) 449-7883  Jessica@mshinstitute.org

Mount St. Helens Institue Seeks Volunteers for Conservation Corps

VANCOUVER, WA –Are you looking for a great opportunity for week-long or weekend adventure in remote areas of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument? Do you enjoy volunteering to maintain recreational sites in the great outdoors? The Mount St. Helens Institute (MSHI) Conservation Corps is looking for enthusiastic volunteers in good physical shape to participate in week-long trail maintenance projects in the back country of the Monument. Previous trail maintenance experience is preferred, but not necessary.

Under the supervision of a crew leader, volunteers will learn trail maintenance skills and how to safely and properly use maintenance equipment, and have the opportunity to spend a week enjoying breathtaking views of an active volcano or other natural features of the area, discovering the recovering landscape, and making new friends.

The Institute is seeking teams of five volunteers.

Scheduled work weeks are as follows:
* June 26-June 30 - set up of camp at Windy Ridge and perform trail maintenance
* July 10-14 - trail maintenance at prioritized site
* July 24-28 - trail maintenance at prioritized site
* August 14-18- trail maintenance at prioritized site

*These work weeks are dependent upon volunteer participation, and are subject to change. Volunteers will be notified of any changes in schedule as soon as possible.

If a weekend project is more your style, the MSHI Conservation Corps is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help protect the fragile landscape of Mount St. Helens from the invasion of noxious weeds. Beginning Saturday, May 20, and continuing on weekends throughout the summer, volunteers are needed to remove scotch broom and other invasive species. Bring work gloves, sturdy boots, and dress for “rain or shine.” Tools will be provided. Children are welcome to participate when accompanied by a parent. Other weekend projects include: campsite and trailhead maintenance and restoration, litter removal, and stream clean-up. Please check the MSHI website: www.mshinstitute.org for a complete list of project times and dates.

Volunteers under the age of 18 will be considered with a parent’s permission.

The MSHI is also filling several Conservation Corps crew leader positions. Crew leaders will spend between two and four weeks this summer guiding Conservation Corps team volunteers through week-long trail maintenance projects in the back country of the National Volcanic Monument. Individuals applying for crew leader positions should possess strong leadership and organizational skills, and enjoy working with people. Backpacking and survival skills and wilderness first aid experience are strongly recommended. Crew leaders will be paid $15 per hour for a maximum of 40 hours per week.

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US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Tuesday, 25 April 2006 at 14:40:24 EDT