Utah to Launch Climate Corps Program to Reduce Wildfire Risk ... - Utah State University
Utah to Launch Climate Corps Program to Reduce Wildfire Risk, Improve Food Security
A Utah Conservation Corps member uses a chainsaw in a forested area. Utah State University has partnered with UServe Utah to launch the Climate Conservation Corps, which will use UCC volunteers to specifically target wildfire risk and food insecurity. (Photo Credit: Utah Conservation Corps.)
UServe Utah will launch a new state-led Utah Climate Corps, in partnership with Utah State University, which will employ AmeriCorps members to work to reduce wildfire risks and improve food security.
In 2024, the program will hire and train 15 full-time AmeriCorps members to work on critical fuels reduction and habitat restoration projects with state, federal and local government organizations. The Climate Corps will first focus on protecting some 300 structures at the interface between wildlands and human environments.
In addition, the Utah Climate Corps will hire 10 full-time AmeriCorps members to address food security needs throughout the state in partnership with nonprofit, higher education, and other state and local government organizations. Projects centered on food waste reduction and recovery, gleaning and community gardening are expected to provide emergency food to at least 1,000 people. The program will also track the reduction in carbon resulting from diverting food waste out of landfills and the use of regenerative agriculture practices.
The program is funded, in part, by AmeriCorps grant funds, passed through UServeUtah. Additionally, the program will leverage funding provided by a private foundation, passed through the California Volunteers Fund.
“We see service as a solution in Utah,” said Loggins Merrill, director of UServeUtah, the state’s commission on service and volunteerism. “With the creation of the Utah Climate Corps, we are protecting our land — and also nurturing a spirit of stewardship and conservation that will inspire generations to come.”
Sean Damitz, executive director of USU’s Center for Community Engagement, said USU is excited to be launching this first-of-its kind program in the state.
“The Utah Climate Corps will build upon and expand many partnerships that we’ve been developing within the Center for Community Engagement to address community challenges associated with climate change,” Damitz said.
People interested in applying for Utah Climate Corps AmeriCorps positions can find more information at usu.edu/ucc/positions. Organizations and agencies interested in partnering with the Utah Climate Corps on climate mitigation, adaptation and resilience projects or food security programs can find out more information at usu.edu/ucc.
For information about UServe Utah, the state’s commission on service and volunteerism, visit volunteerism and service, please visit userve.utah.gov.
For more information on USU Center for Community Engagement, please visit https://www.usu.edu/community-engagement.)
CONTACT
Sean Damitz
Center for Community Engagement
Utah State University
Ellen Weist
Public Information Officer
Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement
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