|
2715 Upper Afton Road, Ste 100
Maplewood, MN 55119
(651) 209-9900
info@conservationcorps.org
In this issue |
 |
|
|
Beaver and the Bowstring River |
|
 In an attempt to help restore the historic flow of the Bowstring River and improve the water quality of the Little Bowstring Watershed, the Grand Rapids Crew spent four days removing beaver dams, cutting out snags, and trapping beaver from the watershed.
In the 1920s, an ill advised drainage ditch was dug in an attempt to drain the land for agriculture. This ditch altered the flow of the river. Subsequently, the Bowstring River Valley, which was once heavily used for river travel, became choked with floating vegetation and beaver dams. Today, the Soumi Area Lakes Association works relentlessly to maintain a proper water flow.
The crew spent two days removing sections of beaver dams by hand, some of which spanned over one hundred fifty feet. The crew also cleared away several large snags, all of which was exhausting. However, the third and fourth days were spent setting and checking traps for beaver control. Robert Poenix, father of Crew Leader Jeffrey Poenix, along with Tom Ryan, trained the crew to set traps. The crew set thirty-three traps and was successful in trapping eight beaver and one muskrat in just one day, which is commendable for first time trappers.
"This was one of our most tiring and bone chilling projects of the year, but also perhaps one of the most rewarding," said Jeff. A special thanks to the Soumi Area Lakes Association for the project.
-back to top-
|
Governor’s Deer Hunt |
|
 Two members of the Rochester crew were invited to assist with the Governor’s Deer Hunt, a celebration of the opening of Minnesota's deer season. Emerson Clark and Mandy Webb helped set-up, direct crowds, and provided general support.
In previous years, MCC corpsmembers have been involved with the deer season, however, in a much different role. In both 2003 and 2004 corpsmembers were positioned across the state at registration stations to take tissue samples for chronic wasting disease.
Thank you to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for continuing to involve MCC in so many capacities.
-back to top-
|
Apply now to join MCC's Young Adult Program!
|
|
 As we welcome a new season this November, we are preparing to welcome a new corps in January. MCC is currently accepting applications for the 2007 program year. MCC will be hiring crew leaders and crew members for all crews. Spend a year of seasons outdoors conserving Minnesota’s natural resources. Applications are available online at www.conservationcorps.org/applymcc.
Calendar:
January 15-18: Crew leader orientation
Jan 29-Feb 1: Crew member orientation
December 13: Program end date
Crew members must be 18-25 years old.
2007 Summer Youth corpsmember applications will be available in January 2007 (aged 15-18).
-back to top- |
Winter Retreat for Summer Youth Program Staff |
|
 Join us this December, as the Summer Youth Program holds a winter retreat for all former staff. The retreat will be an opportunity to connect with past staff friends, meet members from other summers, and have fun. The retreat will be held at the Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement, just 20 minutes from Minneapolis. The scheduled dates are from Tuesday, December 26 through Thursday, December 28.
The Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement has many great features including a full lodge, outdoor fire rings, and a variety of winter activities. You won’t need to bring much; only warm outdoor clothes, a sleeping bag, and the MCC spirit. Check your e-mail for updates in the coming month. We hope to see you there!
Please notify us ahead of time so we can plan appropriately.
Questions and RSVPs should be directed to:
Eric Antonson at (651) 209-9900 x 27
eric.antonson@conservationcorps.org
-back to top- |
| New Faces at the Central Office |
|
Eric Antonson
Eric joined the MCC as a crew leader with the Summer Youth Program in 2001 and 2002. He then led teams for AmeriCorps NCCC for two years in Charleston, SC. After returning from the Southeast, he has led crews and twice served as the Site Director for the Summer Youth Program. Eric has a B.A.S. in Teaching Life Science from the University of Minnesota Duluth
Roni McKenna
Roni joined MCC as a Finance Associate in October 2006. Roni previously worked at Ecolab as an Accounting Assistant and worked with Opal Home Services as a House Supervisor. With Opal Home Services Roni worked with adults with varied disabilities and special needs. She graduated from Rasmussen Business College with AAS degree in Accounting and Business Management and is currently pursuing a Bachelors degree at Concordia University.
Candice McElroy
Candice joined MCC in September 2004 as a corpsmember in the Young Adult Program on the DNR Parks crew. After working in the field for 16 months, she transitioned into a position as an AmeriCorps VISTA member, focusing on education programming and training for the Young Adult and Summer Youth Programs. Candice currently works for MCC as the Program Associate. Candice graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Business Management.
-back to top- |
|
|
MCC has started an email notification of statewide position openings. This includes corpsmembers (crew leaders, crew members, and specialists) and staff. To receive the emails sign up here:
|
Corps Community |
 |
Metro Roving
Today, the Metro Roving crew is made up of crew leader Jeff West, Chris Anderson-Tarver, Adam Mahood, and Diana Preisen.
Metro Roving crew has spent much of their year at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, where they have mapped invasive species, lit prescribed burns, restored oak savannahs, and much more.
|
|
|
 |
|
Alumni question of the month:
MCC Stats; Fill in the blank
“MCC has completed ________ miles of trail improvement this year.”
Respond to alumni@
conservationcorps.org and be eligible for a prize.
Congratulations to last month's winners Steve Keidl and Corrine Bruning.
|
|
|
Welcome New Staff!
Eric Antonson
Roni McKenna
Candice McElroy
|
|
