The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) is again seeking transportation enhancement projects for our crews. We are looking ahead to the 2009 field season and anticipate receiving funding from the Federal Highway Administration and the Vermont Agency of Transportation. With this funding, the VYCC will complete high-priority conservation projects that match at least one of the transportation enhancement activities listed on the back of this memo.

12 Transportation Enhancement Criteria and more information (PDF)

Project Proposal Form (PDF)

If your project is eligible and selected, you may receive the following:

• One fully-funded VYCC crew of up to eight crew members and two adult leaders
• Reimbursement for some or all materials used on your work project
• High-quality, long-lasting improvements to your community resource

If you are interested in making improvements to paths and trails that serve as community connectors and green space linkages, do not delay; we have a limited number of crew weeks available. Please see the “Hire a Crew” section of our website at www.vycc.org for more information or to view a printable project proposal form. Please mail the completed project proposal form with the requested additional information to our office by November 3, 2008.

If you have a project which needs to be completed, but you feel it does not meet the transportation enhancement criteria listed on the back of this memo, VYCC crews are also available on a cost-share basis. Please visit our website for more information on this option.

Again, the application deadline for transportation enhancement project proposals is November 3, 2008.

Please call John Leddy if you would like to discuss project ideas or for more information about the application process. We look forward to receiving your application.

John Leddy
Operations Director
802-434-3969 ext. 137

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation in partnership with the Vermont Trails and Greenways Council will be hosting the Second Annual Vermont Trail Symposium on Saturday, October 18th, at Groton State Forest. The day will consist of a number of skill building workshops presented by trail professionals from around the state. We will also honor individuals and organizations who have dedicated countless hours of time energy towards the cause of recreation. Come join us for a day of dirt, fun, and celebration!

Please visit www.vermonttrailsandgreenways.org for more information or e-mail our very own Justin Kenney at jkenney@vycc.org.

The VYCC has wrapped up its summer season but that doesn’t mean the work is completed! September 15th marked the first day of the Conservation and Community Leadership Program fall calendar. The fall season launched with a crew headed to Greensboro to complete trail work at Barr Hill and Long Pond Natural Areas in partnership with the Freeman Foundation, the Greensboro Conservation Commission, and The Nature Conservancy. Over the next few weeks three CCL fall crews will complete 14 weeks of conservation projects around the state.

School is in session for our VermontFutures School Program Crews! The VYCC is now operating five school crews throughout Vermont. Partnerships with local schools include The Center for Technology – Essex, Mount Mansfield Union High School, Lamoille Union High School, Woodstock Union High School, and Champlain Valley Union High School. Over 50 high school students from around the state will be participating in the School Program this year completing projects in agriculture and natural resources in and around their home communities.

Visit the School Crew Leaders webpage and learn more about the amazing people leading these crews!

The third annual Denim and Diamonds was a huge success!  Over 130 people turned out for a great party, and raised almost $41,000 in support of the VYCC’s programs for youth and the environment.  Many thanks to our Event Sponsors, including:

Vermont Tent Company

Bolton Valley Resort

Chittenden Bank

Fairpoint Communications

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If you weren’t able to attend  the event, you can still support the VYCC by donating an item or service to our Holiday Online Auction … and save the date of November 15 to check out vycc.cmarket.com and purchase some of the amazing items we have, including a family season pass from Bolton Valley Resort, a season pass to Sugarbush, restaurant and spa certificates, and much more!  For more information, please contact Kate Villa at (802) 434 - 3969 ext. 100 or kate@vycc.org.