THE HEARTBEAT OF THE FOREST SERVICE

Volunteering in the National Forests

• Volunteers in the National Forests
• Council on International Educational Exchange
• Volunteers for Peace
• Touch America Project
• Passport in Time
• Helping Out in the Outdoors
  
  

Volunteers in the National Forests

Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Forest Service. The types of work a volunteer can perform are many and varied; the only tasks a volunteer cannot carry out are those associated with law enforcement. Your talents and skills are matched with your work preference to obtain a role that satisfies you and best fulfills the mission of the Forest Service/USDA. You may work on a part-time or full-time basis. You can participate in a one-time project or serve over several months, seasons, or year-round. The commitment you make is up to you. Training may be provided to you if your job requires it. If you are retired or have summers free, you may wish to live on a national forest while you work as a volunteer. College students may perform volunteer service related to their coursework for college credit. A variety of jobs are available if you prefer the office environment. There are also numerous opportunities to perform vigorous but satisfying physical labor outdoors.

Some typical volunteer activities include:

• Maintaining and hosting campgrounds
• Answering phones, greeting visitors, and answering mail at Forest Service visitor centers and ranger stations
• Working with computers in Forest Service administrative offices
• Taking photographs
• Planting trees and seeding damaged areas
• Presenting environmental education programs
• Building and repairing fences, nesting boxes, picnic tables, and other structures
• Building barrier-free campsites, docks,and trails
• Restoring damaged stream banks and burnt-over areas.

How do you apply?

Write or call the volunteer coordiantor of your nearest Forest Service office (look it up in the Forest Service directory, or look for it in your phone book under "U.S. government" and "Department of Agriculture, Forest Service") for information and a volunteer application.

Council on International Educational Exchange

Each year the National Forest benefits from the hard work and enthusiasm of 10-20 international and American volunteers who want to make a contribution to a worthy cause. The COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL EDUCATIONAL EXCHANGE, a non-profit organization, recruits volunteers from around the world to join projects hosted by various National Forests. This summer at the Fishlake and Jefferson National Forests, volunteers will maintain campgrounds, build trails and accomplish scores of other projects. Volunteers come prepared to work 30-35 hours a week on a in exchange for room,board and the opportunity to learn about the host community. Interested volunteers or project hosts can contact:

Council on International Educational Exchange, Voluntary Service Department
205 E. 42nd St.
New York, NY 10017-5706

or call 1-888-Council.

Volunteers for Peace

VOLUNTEERS FOR PEACE, a non-profit organization, offers over 1200 short-term voluntary service projects in 70 countries. These International Workcamps are an opportunity to complete meaningful community service while living and interacting in an international environment. Typical work projects with the Forest Service include:

• historic preservation
• archeology
• environmental projects such as trail building
• environmental education
• wildlife surveying
• campground maintenance

Most camps are limited to ages 18 and up, a few for ages 15 and up. Workcamps are scheduled for 2-3 weeks each May-Sept. A few are offered year-round. A registration fee covers the program including room and board. Transportation is arranged and paid for by the volunteer.

VOLUNTEERS FOR PEACE offers a free newsletter which provides a clear picture of what the program is about including over 30 photos of workcamp volunteers in action. For additional information on their program as well as links to other voluntary service organizations worldwide, access their website: http://www.vfp.org. The email address is: vfp@vfp.org

The postal address is:

Peter Coldwell, Director
Volunteers For Peace (VFP)
43 Tiffany RD
Belmont VT 05730-0202

Tel:802-259-2759 Fax:802-259-2922

Touch America Project

What is it?

Touch America Project (TAP) is a special YOUTH VOLUNTEERS program managed though the Forest Service through which young people ages 14-17 may work with and learn more about America's natural resources.
The theme "Touch America" refers to volunteer projects on public lands developed cooperatively with private organizations, groups or individuals. Whenever young people work with natural resources on public lands, they are touching America.

TAP is a partnership of:

• Community groups and non-profit organizations (which provide supervision and coordination)
• Youth, ages 14 through 17 (who volunteer their time and energies)
• Government agencies (which provide challenging projects, technical assistance, and work sites) Examples are the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Extension Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Department of Interior's National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management, and the Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Businesses (which provide supplies, services, or funding needed for the project)

Through TAP, business or private contributors are given an opportunity to perform a valuable community service, communities are able to provide worthwhile work for their local young people, youth obtain valuable work experience, and public lands are improved.

How do you apply?

Write or call the volunteer coordiantor of your nearest Forest Service office (look it up in the Forest Service directory, or look for it in your phone book under "U.S. government" and "Department of Agriculture, Forest Service") for information and a volunteer application.

Date last modified: 07/05/00

Questions or comments?