History

The Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) traces its roots back to the public works programs of the 1930’s that provided skilled laborers for conservation and construction projects, and gave purpose and employment to the nation’s unemployed young men. The federally funded Youth Conservation Corps of the 1970’s was the next similar program - a summer program for 15 to 18 year olds administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The year-round Young Adult Conservation Corps began soon after in 1978 for 18-26 year olds, continuing the tradition of employing young people in productive conservation work.

When federal support for both of these programs ended in 1981, the current MCC was created by the Minnesota Legislature to do two things – engage youth and young adults in enhancing natural resources and provide opportunities for training and life skills development.

Sixteen years later, the Friends of the Minnesota Conservation Corps (FMCC) was incorporated in 1997 as a 501c3 organization by community supporters and program alumni who were dedicated to continuing to grow and promote MCC. Over the past five years it has functioned as a volunteer group of board members and as a fiduciary agent in support of the MCC programs, with no office space or paid staff members.

Unfortunately, all this history and accomplishment was cut short when the State of Minnesota completely eliminated funding for the program due to record budget deficits. On July 1st, 2003, however, the Friends of the Minnesota Conservation Corps organization assumed operation of the Minnesota Conservation Corps, carrying on the tradition and continuing to advance the core mission and programs of MCC.

MCC had its beginnings over 70 years ago, when the Civilian Conservation Corps was created at the federal level to employ those who were unemployed to do public work that needed to be done. Despite vast changes in society over the past seven decades, the Corps’s focus remains highly relevant today.