Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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Shared by Shanique Wilson, as Guest Blogger.

Every summer, the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) provides an extra hand to Virginia State Parks. Over 150 young adults from the ages of 14-17 spend three weeks at a Virginia state park working on different projects and learning about what work ethic and environmental stewardship really means.

However, the YCC crewmembers wouldn't get very far without the outstanding leadership of their YCC Crew Leaders. But even the crew leaders need some guidance before their sessions start.

VSCC members help train the YCC Crew Leaders about trail construction and maintenance at Virginia State Parks

Virginia Service and Conservation Corps members help train YCC crew leaders

Part of being a VSCC member is helping future generations understand their responsibilities to maintain their environment at Virginia State Parks

Creating a trail system that can sustain heavy foot traffic can be a challenge

Earlier in June, 41 YCC Crew Leaders, from all over the state, received their training at Twin Lakes State Park.

Their training consisted of the significance of their roles, the responsibility and expectations of being a leader, what kind of projects they should be expecting to do, and trail training. Luckily, they had some trail experts there to show them how it's done. Three of our Virginia Service and Conservation Corps (VSCC) volunteers, Jo Sandly and Caitlin Greene from Leesylvania State Park and Max Forrest from Pocahontas State Park, alongside the Western Regional Resource Specialist, Forrest Atwood, took charge of the trail training.

Jo Sandly gave an informative presentation about the basics of trail work, the importance of sustainable trails, and knowledge of any potential hand tools they'd be using. Later, the crew leaders were split up into four groups, rotating between trail stations set and led by the VSCC. At each station, there was more to be learned: definitions of a trail corridor, tool safety and proper use of hand tools, a better visual of how to get water off of the trail, and the importance of getting rid of berms.

Members of Virginia State Parks AmeriCorps and Youth Conservation Corps crews work together  at Virginia State Parks

The YCC crew leaders are ready to lead youth into a future of making a difference

After the day of training, there’s no doubt these crew leaders are ready to help and guide our YCC members to keep our trails sustainable and maintained this summer at Virginia State Parks.

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

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