During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps put millions of young Americans to work building trails and structures on public lands in Oregon and across the country. Almost 100 years later, Oregon's senators propose creating a 21st Century Conservation Corps to put people back to work after the pandemic - and help prevent wildfires.
The senators have reintroduced a plan they proposed last year.
“Rural communities are facing two big challenges: struggling economies and continued wildfire threats. By investing in a 21st century workforce, this bill will put people to work to tackle the climate emergency, restore our public lands and reduce wildfire risks,” Wyden said. “The bottom line, creating new jobs and supporting our public lands go hand in hand."