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—' Lane Council of Governments 125 East Eighth Avenue Eugene, Oregon 97401 (503) 687- 4283 Fax: (503) 687- 4099 TDD: (503) 687- 4567 • DATE: January 16, 1996 TO: Wetland Executive Team FROM: LCOG Staff SUBJECT: Youth Conservation Corps Strategy At the December WET meeting, staff was directed to begin developing a strategy for involving youth groups and coordinating work activities in the West Eugene Wetlands for 1996. The following summarizes action that has been taken to date and follow -up actions to be considered. Survey of Partners and Youth Providers In December, staff surveyed WET partners to identify potential work projects for youth in 1996. Partners were asked to describe proposed projects, identify the location of the project, the timing of the project, priority, crew size, and approximate number of days of work. In total, the compiled responses show the potential. for 20 -30 weeks of work for a crew of 6 - 8 youth (see attached). In addition, the partners and youth providers (Looking Glass and Northwest Youth Corps) were asked to share their "vision" for a longer -term strategy for involving youth in west Eugene. The survey responses indicate a high level of interest for an ongoing partnership that combines quality conservation work with valuable educational and employment opportunities for youth. Following this initial survey, staff followed up with the partners to verify the information provided and ask about funding upcoming work activities. With regard to funding, a ballpark figure for employing a youth crew is $1000 per week. Eugene and BLM have not yet been able to determine how much is available in their budgets to fund youth groups. The Nature Conservancy has budgeted $3000 for invasive species removal (blackberry, Scot's broom, etc.) • and $10,000 for tree removal. Because of the nature of the tree removal work, TNC may opt to go with a professional service for some of this work. In discussions with Looking Glass and Northwest Youth Corps (NYC), both groups were excited about the possibilities of a coordinated youth program for west Eugene. Both groups also mentioned they may have some funding to cover youth crew expenses, but it is a bit early for these decisions to be made. Additional funds may be available through the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps or Lane County. The youth groups need to have a clearer picture of their options for work in 1996 to see how a complete program for the youth can best be pieced together.