Mitch Moore and Danielle Tyler report for duty at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery.

Danielle Tyler of De Soto, Wis. and Mitch Moore of Viroqua, Wis. joined the staff at the Genoa National Fish Hatchery this summer.  These summer employment opportunities were provided by Genoa National Fish Hatchery using the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program.  Recruitment for the two summer positions started in April by staff at Genoa contacting numerous local schools.  Fifteen applications were received for these two positions.  Danielle and Mitch were chosen by a random drawing.   

The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program is a summer employment program for young people who are between the ages of 15 – 18 and are citizens of the United States.  The objectives of the program are for these enrollees to further the development and maintenance of the nation’s natural resources by America’s youth, to increase self-discipline, learn work ethics, and how to relate to peers and supervisors.

Danielle and Mitch received a pair of safety shoes, an orientation of the Hatchery, and an overview of the fisheries program and work responsibilities. After completing the obligatory paperwork, fish biologist Nicholas Starzl explained that the following work projects were to be completed during their eight week employment:  general building maintenance, hatchery facility and equipment maintenance, day to day fish culture activities, and cleaning.

This valuable program has allowed the station to serve the community by providing jobs to local youth.  It also has allowed the station to accomplish projects that may never have been completed through a temporary boost in the summer work force.