The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) have formed a partnership to create immediate jobs for young Ohioans and improve parks, trails and natural assets throughout Ohio.

Through the Recovery Conservation Corps (RCC) partnership, ODNR has identified maintenance, repair and improvement projects within its four land-holding divisions: Division of Parks, Division of Wildlife, Division of Forestry and the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. The RCC will establish work crews of young Ohioans, ages 16-24, who will work throughout Ohio's natural lands.

Focusing on both rural and urban areas, particularly those in economic decline, RCC workers will help improve recreation lands, build boardwalks, observation areas and trails and curb the spread of invasive species. Based on the number of projects identified, ODNR estimates the program could put hundreds of young people to work.

"These workers will gain critical experience and on-the-job training as they improve the state's parks, wetlands, forests and other natural areas," said ODNR Director Sean Logan.

Funding for this program comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed into law by President Barack Obama in February, which provides a total of $138 million to Ohio through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program. The state plans to utilize $20.7 million in WIA funds from ARRA to support four new initiatives, including $2 million to support the RCC program. The $138 million also includes $14.6 million for rapid response efforts and $102.7 million to be distributed to Ohio's 20 workforce investment boards. ODNR and ODJFS will partner with the workforce investment boards to make optimal use of the ARRA resources.

"These projects fulfill the spirit of the rapid economic response needed now by the people of Ohio and called for in the stimulus plan," said Logan. "The program puts young people to work and does it quickly."

Recovery Conservation Corps, in mission and name, is reminiscent of the Federal Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) created in the 1930's, which provided needed conservation work on public lands while offering meaningful employment and job training for its members. The value added to Ohio by CCC workers remains with us today.

Ohio joins similar programs getting underway in other states, including Indiana, New York, Tennessee and California.