In this issue

• Surveying debris through ice
• Closing the year with special projects
• Corpsmember continue service
• Winter reunion of Summer Youth Program staff
• Apply to MCC's Summer Youth Program staff

Back in the early 1900s, many areas of northern Minnesota were booming lumber communities, and Bemidji was no exception. Sawmills abounded, and one in particular was built on the south shore of Lake Bemidji. To reach this mill, train trestles were built in the lake, allowing trains to drop their logs directly in the water and float to the mill. However, this mill activity left a tremendous amount of saw dust, wood debris, and other solid wastes in the lake.

Last winter, DNR Fisheries used an MCC crew to map out the debris to identify the extent of the problem. On the ice, the crew set out a transit grid and collected over 100 samples in a ½ mile area. Using an ice auger at each plot, the crew drilled holes in the ice and then collected data from the bottom of the lake using an aquaview camera and a long piece of copper conduit. Dennis Johnson, of DNR Fisheries, commented, "We were extremely satisfied with the MCC crew's work ethic and professionalism in completing this time sensitive project prior to ice out." After the crew completed the multiple day mapping project, the data was sent to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for further analysis and recommendations for future actions.

-back to top-

MCC's Young Adult Program participants completed their year of service on December 14, 2006. Crews spent their last days of the program on special projects and retreats. Northeast and Central crews volunteered with local Habitat for Humanity chapters, Northwest crews ventured to Deep Portage Conservation Reserve, and Southern crews chose a project at Good Earth Village.

From February through December, corpsmembers worked outdoors, in all of Minnesota's seasons, on natural resource management projects. The end of the year was a time for celebration and reflection of their hard work and dedication. Crew leader Jennifer Emerson ended her time with MCC by saying, "The whole experience was priceless to me in so many ways. Deciding to work for MCC was one of the best decisions of my life." Congratulations on a year well done!

-back to top-

The Summer Youth Program held the annual Winter Rendezvous for former staff members on December 26-28 at the Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement in Maple Plain, MN. Much fun was had by all. Those in attendance participated in events that were facilitated by the Baker staff, including a night hike and team challenge course. The MCC’ers also, and as usual, created their own fun with games, snowball fights, “Mafia” games around the campfire, and good-old storytelling. Many former staff members in attendance showed their appreciation for the event by donating money to the MCC. We want to thank them for attending this fun event and for their contribution to the future MCC’ers.

Do not fret,
If you missed this event.
Coming next December,
Will be another staff event to remember.
So call your old comrades,
And plan to reminisce about being lasses and lads.

Article and poem contributed by Eric Antonson

-back to top-

The Summer Youth Program is recruiting crew leaders, assistant crew leaders, cooks, education/activities coordinator, and assistant directors for the 2007 season. The 8-week residential program employs youth ages 15-18 from across Minnesota to complete conservation-based work. MCC is seeking individuals to provide leadership and support for the youth participants. Candidates should demonstrate an interest and have experience in developing, educating, and supervising young people. Staff should be mature, and have the ability to motivate, discipline, and direct a small crew in work and education. For more information contact Eric at (651) 209-9900 x. 27 or eric.antonson@conservationcorps.org.

-back to top-

Corps are special programs; they not only complete work on critical projects, but they also give new, often life-changing, experiences to their participants. This past November, MCC sent ten participants from the Young Adult Program to the Gulf Coast to assist with the ongoing clean-up from last year’s hurricanes. During their one month stay, the members used their skills and trainings gathered in their time in MCC to respond the dramatic need. As a result, now that their term of service with MCC is complete, four of the corpsmembers are returning to the Gulf Coast to continue their national service. Good luck to Paul Bergstrom, Justin Wood, and Ben Walton as they join with Persevere Disaster Relief in the south.

-back to top-

MCC's Web page

Donate to MCC

Apply to MCC's Young Adult Program

See previous editions of MCC E-news

Email MCC