Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 18, 2016
Contact:
Virginia State Parks Seeking Veterans for New Conservation Corps Program
RICHMOND – A new program in Virginia State Parks will provide veterans an opportunity to serve – the public and Virginia’s environment.
The Virginia Service and Conservation Corps Veterans Crew will engage six veterans in AmeriCorps service in parks throughout the state.
Veterans will assist on special projects in state parks, including yurt installation, prescribed burns and accessibility assessments. Crew members will also have an opportunity to serve on disaster relief teams as needed.
“The program’s inaugural year will allow vets to help Virginia State Parks to preserve and protect our natural resources,” said State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “We intend to utilize the experience, responsibility and maturity of veterans and allow them to work doing important projects for the people of Virginia. This is the beginning of what we anticipate to be a significant program for years to come.”
Members must commit to 1,700 hours of service between November 2016 and August 2017.
Pocahontas State Park in Chesterfield and Hungry Mother State Park in Marion will each house a three-person crew. Frequent overnight travel will be required.
These full-time AmeriCorps positions will provide veterans with training, a living allowance, health care and, upon completion of their service commitment, an education award. Education awards may be used for expenses at qualified institutions of higher education, to pay for training and to repay qualified student loans. Those 55 and older may also transfer the educational award to their children or grandchildren.
Applications are being accepted through Sept. 16. More information and the required application can be found online at http://bit.ly/2bvqjdF. Program information is also available at www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ameri-corps.
Veteran crew members must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserves, and must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable. Applicants will be asked to present a DD Form 214 as proof of veteran status.
AmeriCorps is a national service program administered through the Corporation for National and Community Service. Each year, AmeriCorps offers adults of all ages and backgrounds more than 75,000 opportunities to meet critical needs in communities across America. Benefits include a modest living allowance and educational assistance at the end of service.
Contact the Virginia State Parks Office of Community Engagement and Volunteerism with questions at vspamericorps@dcr.virginia.gov or call 804-887-8932.
Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
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