Ask the Scholar
Document scope · 1 page
Scholar
Ask about this object, its catalog metadata, its source description, or the page inventory.
For page-specific OCR and visual context, open one of the page chats.
Scholar Source Context
Document identity
localId
348833503
label
USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY95 National Civilian Conservation Corps [Folder 2] [3]
core
doc
dtoType
document
citationUrl
pageCount
1
Source metadata
id
348833503
contentType
document
title
USDA [Department of Agriculture]/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY95 National Civilian Conservation Corps [Folder 2] [3]
citationUrl
collections
Records of the Office of National Service (Clinton Administration)
AmeriCorps Files
imageCount
1
hasImages
yes
source
import
hasTranscription
no
Source extras
naId
348833503
levelOfDescription
fileUnit
otherTitles
311842741-20130661F-Seg3-054-003-2023
recordType
description
ocrSource
nara-archive
Single page context
seq
1
pageIndex
0
type
document
mediaId
227b751a2ea85de3
ocrText
FOIA Number: 2013-0661-F
(3)
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Americorps
Series/Staff Member:
General Files
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
24224
FolderID:
Folder Title:
USDA [Department of AgricultureJ/AmeriCorps - Clinton Library Copies - FY95 National Civilian
Conservation Corps [Folder 2] [3]
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
Position:
S
66
1
3
3
Arthur Pope
Executive Director
(503) 746-8653
NYC
]
NORTHWEST
YOUTH CORPS
5120 FRANKLIN BLVD., *7A EUGENE, OREGON 97403
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
USDA/AmeriCorps
RICOR
Member Name:
1/27 14:04 page 2
Content-Type:
text
(Filp 1
Content-Length: 00000001030
From: Lou Woltering:WO
NW She
Date: ## 01/27/95 07:35 ##
Please see Mindy Martin's comments. Thanks Mindy. v/r Lou
You th
Previous comments:
From: Mindy Martin:R06F10D01A
Corps (or PS
Date: ## 01/26/95 09:55 # #
I think our relationship with NYC is healthy and successful. It's
great working with a group of folks who have a good background in
running programs such as this. The only suggestion I have at this
point is this: Figure out a better way to keep the AmeriCorps
identity just that an AMERICORPS program. We're having a few
problems with Members trying to pin things on NYC, because "NYC" is
basically "running the program". Not true, but when you see the NYC
logos everywhere hard hats, trucks, etc., sometimes that can help
with the "us and them syndrome. I think our Region is handling this
problem, and I know it will be less of a problem next year. We're
requiring AmeriCorps logos on trucks, etc. We spelled it out in the
RFP this year
I just point this out to other units who may be
considering contracting.
Content-Type:
text
Content-Length: 00000000600
From: Lou Woltering: WO
Date: ## 01/26/95 12:23 ##
Sorry I've been so unresponsive this past week. I volunteered to set
up and coordinate the Retiree's Luncheon that's held every year at
the Winter RF&D meeting here in DC. Not sure why something so simple
seems to be so complicated and time consumming. Anyway, we pulled it
off yesterday and I don't have to pay for any no shows or screwups
with reservations, no one's complained, everyone looked full and
happy, so I guess it was a success. I have to serve on a panel at a
metting being put on by the National Association of Service and
PHOTOCOPY
1/27 14:06 page 2
Content-Type:
text
Content-Length: 00000001564
From: Lou Woltering:WO
Date: ## 01/27/95 07:41 ##
Please see Dave Johnson's attached response to my request on youth
corps relationships. Thanks Dave. v/r Lou
Previous comments:
From: David F. Johnson:
Date: ## 01/26/95 09:41 ##
We have had good luck working with Northwest Youth Corps.
* My main comment would be that this is a. very new process for them.
They are used to getting direction form the agency then left alone
while they complete the project. With this program we want to work
much closer to the people and the project. They tend to have a
problem with that. I don't feel like I am kept as well informed as I
would like. * I also don't think they have quite grasp the concept
that they are working for us. We have things that we would like to do
(like assign AmeriCorps members to individual projects under the
direction of a FS employee) and this conflicts with how they would
like to operate the program. They tend to not want to work to make it
happen like we would like. * We need to work together to find ways to
reduce the cost of the program. I think there are opportunities like
using AmeriCorps members as squad bosses and eventually crew leaders
that could help cut costs.
Again these are just things that could help make the program work
more smoothly. I am very impressed with Northwest Youth Corps and
hope they are the successful bidder for next year. We have made great
progress and will continue to do so in the future. Please express my
delight at being able to work with this great group!! Hope this helps.
Content-Type:
text
Content-Length: 00000000050
From: Lou Woltering: WO
Date: ## 01/26/95 12:23 # #
PHOTOCOPY
NorthWest Service
Academy
An Americorps Program
"Learning civic responsibility by providing service to the community and the environment."
gorge
Hood River News
Hood River, Oregon, Saturday, June 4, 1994
8
II
Northwest Service Academy seeks volunteers
Application deadline for the Northwest Service Academy, which will
involve residents of the Northwest in serving the environment, has been
extended to Friday, June 24.
The academy is interested in workers from the Mid-Columbia region.
Ninety volunteers ages 18 and over from all backgrounds will receive
leadership skills and educational benefits as they work together in hands-
on service projects.
Academy volunteers will receive a $150 weekly stipend. Upon
successful completion of the 11 months of service, they will receive a
$4,725 award which may be used for college, graduate school, approved
training programs or payment of existing student loans.
The service area consists of sites in two states. Forty volunteers will
operate from the residential site in Trout Lake, Wash. The nonresidential
site in Springdale will be headquarters to 50 volunteers.
The goal for each of these service sites is to make national service a
community-based learning experience of leadership and cooperation.
Teams of 10 volunteers will operate from these sites. Team functions and
learning will be self-directed and tailored to meet individual needs and
goals.
Those interested in further information on the program or how to enroll
can call Jon Stewart or his staff at in Corbett at (503) 695-2292, or the
Mount Adams Ranger District in Trout Lake at (509) 395-2501.
Metro Center:
Mt. Adams Center:
31520 SE Woodard Road
Trout Lake, Washington 98650
Troutdale, Oregon 97060
PHOTOCOPY
(509) 395-2501
(503) 695-2276
PRESERVATION
FAX (509) 395-2260
FAX (503) 695-2296
Hope's
opest
Place
Post Office Box 283
Bingen, WA 98605
509-493-3330
Jerry Gabay, Director
Northwest Service Academy
Mt. Adams Center
Trout Lake, Washington 98650
Dear Jerry,
I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank the participants of the
Northwest Service Academy for their hard work and dedication in the demolition
of the original Hope's Place facility.
I would love to be able to name those with which I was so impressed, however, I
would need to name all those who took part in the project. The work, and
attitudes of the participants were well beyond what I had anticipated. Even with
very wet and cold conditions, the NWSA team maintained a wonderful outlook
on the project. I feel that each and everyone of the team members gave this
project their personal best.
As a person who previously has taught individuals to work as a team, I am
impressed with the way in which the team worked together for a common goal.
Please express my gratitude to the team for a job very well done. I am looking
forward to working with them again when we start the rebuilding process this
spring.
Sincerely,
Brenda G. Herman
Brenda G. Herman
Executive Director
Federal Tax Exemption #94-3182608
the promise of a future
-
SPEAK TO your
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Northwest Service Academy
-
-
c/o Sherrie Jackson
-
BROTHERS
-
Columbia Gorge Ranger District
31520 SE Woodard Rd.
Troutdale, OR 97060
December 28, 1994
Dear Madam or Sir,
This letter is to express my gratitude for the help I received from your volunteers in
the Northwest Service Academy. They came to Cascade AIDS Project three different
days and accomplished a tremendous amount of work in a short time.
The team which was working for me, lead by Sherrie Jackson, was eager to learn and
dedicated to the work they were doing. Working in the Men's HIV Prevention
Program here at Cascade AIDS Project, the volunteers helped create educational
material to be distributed to populations at high risk for HIV transmission. There is
no doubt in my mind that the hours they spent packaging these material will result
in lives saved.
The fight against HIV and AIDS is often fraught with politics, oppression, ignorance,
and anger. It is a disease which all too often cuts a young persons life off in their
twenties or thirties. Anything we can do to stop this horrifying epidemic must be
done. I would urge you to consider Cascade AIDS Project or other AIDS service
organizations as places volunteers could work on an ongoing basis. Personally, I
could use a team of volunteers about one day every other month. This might be a
nice change of pace for the volunteers and something to do on a stormy day.
Once again I would like to express how fun and helpful it was to have this team of
workers help me out. If at any time you wish to contact me, do not hesitate. My
work number is (503) 223-5907 ext. 131. Best wishes in your future projects.
Sincerely,
Howard n.Daua
Howard N. Dana
HIV Specialist
A PROJECT OF THE MEN'S PREVENTION PROGRAM AT CASCADE AIDS PROJECT 620 SW FIFTH AVE., SUITE 300
PORTLAND, OR 97204
503/223-5907
223-0238 V/TDD
ED:
Making
a
Difference in the
Northwest
Story and photos by
that the Northwest Service Academy, a
Mario Milosevic
new program designed to benefit com-
munities by responding to community
he city of Trout Lake needs
T
needs, has been asked to help solve.
help in protecting its water
The Academy has two centers: one in
supply from pollution caused
Troutdale, Oregon, the other headquar-
by nearby cattle. Residents of
tered at the Mount Adams Ranger
the Yakama Indian Reservation are
District station in Trout Lake,
finding that conifers are encroaching
Washington. Jerry Gabay, the director
on their huckleberry fields and
of the Mount Adams Center, says one of
threatening to reduce the harvest.
the main purposes of the Academy is "to
White Salmon needs a new battered
contribute to the long term economic
women's shelter after the recent loss to
sustainability of our communities.
fire of Hope's Place.
We've heard people say our young peo-
These three seemingly unrelated
ple have to move away to find opportu-
problems all have one
nities. It's our goal to allow them to
thing in common:
stay here in the area."
AVE
they
are
Jerry is a veteran of the
among the
Peace Corps, having
Jerry Gabay
many
spent two years in
nership between the Forest Service, the
pro-
Malawi teaching
Western Rural Development Center
jects
African history
and Education Service District 112 of
and French to
Washington.
natives of that
Jerry emphasizes that the Academy's
country, and
roots are in the local community and
sees the
that today the Academy responds to
Academy as
local needs. "Our charter is environ-
an internal
mental. We help to restore damaged
version of
habitats, fisheries, and forest lands and
Peace
we believe members of the community
Corps.
are quite competent to recognize envi-
Funded
ronmental needs."
by Congress
At the Academy 30 participants,
through
each with a strong desire to help the
Americorps,
local environment, spend one year
a successor to
working on projects that communities
former presi-
have asked the Academy to undertake.
dent Bush's
Examples of projects might be
Thousand Points
building an enclosure fence to protect
of Light Comm-
Glacier Springs-Trout Lake's water
ission, the Academy
supply-from cattle pollution, partici-
began in 1991 as a part-
pating in an experimental project to
16
DECEMBER 1994 KUCKITAT
NorthWest Service
Academy
An Americorps Program
"Learning civic responsibility by providing service to the community and the environment."
HELP
June 5, 1994
WANTED
Sunday Chronicle, the Dalles,
Mid-Columbians sought
for several forest projects
Continued from page 1
own communities, make their com-
upon completion for use toward
munities more livable, get ideas on
By THOMAS BENNETT
None of those or other projects
has yet been finalized or approved,
college, graduate school, training
employment, plus carn a pretty
Staff Writer
and the academy welcomes
programs or for paying off college
good chunk of money to go to
Trail and park building and
proposals from other public and
loans. Workers can "re-enlist" for a
school -it seems like a great
monitoring plants and animals are
private organizations, Gabay said.
second year if they choose.
program."
among projects planned by a new
Projects must be environmental-
The program is a good one for
For more information, call the
program for young adults in 10
ly-oriented, but that definition can
college graduates in such fields as
academy at 503-695-2292.
Oregon and Washington counties.
be interpreted broadly, he said, al-
biology wishing to put their educa-
The Northwest Service Academy
lowing for trail construction, fish
tion to a practical use, but no prior
is a Peace Corps-type organization
habitat restoration, well-water test-
training or education is required for
designed to provide young adults
ing, community gardens, public
any of the projects, Gabay said.
with financial assistance for educa-
education on energy conservation
"We're looking for people who
tion or job training in exchange for
and other activities.
a year's duty on one of several
Projects must also be of a not-
have a commitment to their com-
munities, who desire to serve -
projects.
Residents of Multnomah,
for-profit nature and address a sig-
people who take pride in making
nificant need not currently being
the Mid-Columbia a better place to
Washington, Clackamas, Hood
River, Wasco and Sherman coun-
met, and cannot displace existing
live," he said.
ties in Oregon and Clark,
workers.
"I was involved in the building
Skamania, Klickitat and Yakima
The program is funded through
of the Children's Park in Hood
counties in Washington who are 18
the 1993 National and Community
River," he said. "That was an in-
years old or older are eligible to
Service Trust Act, which made
available $2.6 million for its first
credibly fulfilling thing, and we're
participate in the program.
two years. For the second year or-
looking for people who feel the
Jerry Gabay, director of the
same way."
academy's Mt. Adams center, said
ganizers will need to raise local
In addition to young workers, the
organizers are anxious to draw
matching funds totalling $250,000
academy is also seeking senior ad-
more applicants from the Mid-
in cash and $125,000 in in-kind
visors, area residents 55 years of
Columbia region, especially Wasco
services.
age or older who can offer their
and Sherman counties, where
A portion of that money will be
response to the program so far has
support and expertise on a part-
raised through payment for some of
time basis to the academy.
been low.
the work itself, but how much
For participants working on
"If people do not show interest,
money a project brings in will not
the Mid-Columbia could lose a
necessarily be a determining factor
projects in the eastem counties, the
agency will provide room and
great program," he said.
in whether the academy takes it on,
board at the Trout Lake Young
The academy is working with a
Gabay said.
Adult Conservation Camp. Workers
number of public agencies and or-
"If it's a great project and there's
are not required to reside at the
ganizations on proposed projects,
no money for it, we'll still do it,"
facility, but it will provide a central
including a survey of Indian
he said.
location for those who otherwise
petroglyphs for the Washington
The program is open to people of
State Parks Department, work on
all racial and economic back-
might have to travel long distances
The Dalles Riverfront Trail and es-
grounds, with a goal of having men
to their respective project sites,
tablishment of a recycling program
and women equally represented,
Gabay said.
in Klickitat County.
The academy is one of 14 such
Projects such as trail improve-
and 40 percent of enrollees black,
service programs established under
ments may also take place in the
Hispanic, Native American, Asian
the 1993 Service Trust Act, and
Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams wilder-
and physically and mentally chal-
one of the few with an environmen-
ness areas and the Columbia River
lenged young adults.
tal focus, Gabay said.
Gorge National Scenic Area.
Academy workers sign up for an
"(Participants) influence their
11-and-a-half month stint. Par-
ticipants will earn a $150-per-week
Metro Center:
stipend, plus a payment of $4,725
Mt. Adams Center:
31520 SE Woodard Road
Trout Lake, Washington 98650
Troutdale, Oregon 97060
(509) 395-2501
(503) 695-2276
FAX (509) 395-2260
FAX (503) 695-2296
The Columbian Eat6,
OP-ED
mandate is to provide community
AmeriCorps: It's
service that meets environmental
needs. Training for NWSA partici-
pants has included first aid and
not make-work
CPR. More than 40 participants
have been certified to fight wild-
fires. Our first fire crew is expected
to be deployed to a wildfire shortly.
By STEVEN GLICKMAN
"get things done," we will not be
NWSA is divided into teams of 10
It seems as though there are a lot
funded for another year.
volunteers guided by a team stew-
of misunderstandings about Ameri-
AmeriCorps is comparable to
ard. The six teams of the Troutdale
Corps, the Clinton administration's
some Roosevelt administration ini-
Metro Center are doing projects
new national service program.
tiatives and more accurately is con-
that include improving and expand-
Some people are under the impres-
sidered a domestic Peace Corps.
ing the Marquam Trail in Portland,
sion that AmeriCorps is a jobs pro-
AmeriCorps reflects the ethos that
reclaiming and revegetating old
gram for disadvantaged people.
we must heed the call to service to
roads in the Clackamas Ranger Dis-
I am an AmeriCorps participant
meet the needs of our communities.
trict, restoring salmon habitat near
working with the Northwest Service
It is evident that certain projects
the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilder-
Academy, the first up and running
can be completed only with a lot of
ness and teaching Portland-area
AmeriCorps program in the Pacific
people and are affordable only with
youth about the project. We are also
Northwest. My fellow outstanding
volunteers.
serving as staff for Outdoor School.
participants and I may not have
To set the record straight once
building community gardens in
much money, but we are over-
and for all, AmeriCorps is the
Northeast Portland and rehabilitat-
whelmingly not disadvantaged.
umbrella name for programs fund-
ing a metropolitan greenspace park
NWSA participants were selected
ed by the National Corporation for
near Kelly Creek in Gresham.
from a large applicant pool of very
Community Service, created by
Efforts are being undertaken to
well qualified people and range in
President Clinton's National Ser-
solicit project proposals from Clark
age from 18 to mid-40s. I am 28, mar-
vice Act passed in fall 1993. Ameri-
County organizations. Projects are
ried, have a young son and am a
Corps programs are open to people
selected by an NWSA committee
recent graduate of Washington
18 years or older.
and are judged to see if they meet
State University at Vancouver.
People who work in AmeriCorps
the goals of the program and if pro-
AmeriCorps received congres-
programs are considered volun-
ject sponsors can pay the $256 per
sional approval only because it
teers and do not receive a wage.
team per day fee. The fee is used to
specifically is not a jobs program.
Instead, volunteers receive a living
meet a local funding requirement of
Each local program is designed to
allowance that is subject to taxa-
AmeriCorps programs.
meet a critical need of the local
tion. My living allowance is $156 per
AmeriCorps is not welfare or
community but may not. take jobs
week. A volunteer who successfully
make-work. It is national service at
from regular wage earners. If, at the
completes 1,700 hours of service is
the community level fueled by local
end of this first year, our program
then entitled to a $4,725 educational
critical unmet needs and staffed by
has not demonstrated its ability to
award to pay for school or student
the enthusiastic volunteers with
loans. The educational grant must
strong work ethics who are driven
"Steven Glickman lives in Clark
be used within seven years. Volun-
to get things done. AmeriCorps is
County with his wife, Rina, and son,
teers who serve two years get $4,725
about what is right with this coun-
Jacob. He is a full-time AmeriCorps vot
per year for education.
try, and it will hopefully stem the
unteer and works part-time for United
The NWSA is based out of Trout-
tide of apathy and cynicism that
Patter Carvino in Vancouver.
dale, Ore., and Trout Lake, Wash. Its
exists in our society today.
NorthWest Service
Academy
Teaming civic responsibility by providing service
to the community and the environment
Metro Center:
SE
Woodard
CASCADE STREAMWATCH
"Scientists for the day, stewards for life"
December 12, 1994
Northwest Service Academy: Metro Center
Jay Trowbridge, Service Projects Coordinator
31520 SE Woodard Rd.
Troutdale, Oregon 97060
Dear Jay:
I write today to express my gratitude and support of the Northwest Service Academy.
As you know I had a ten person crew working on Cascade Stream Watch for the fall months. In all honesty
I can say that the tremendous successes we experienced during our Fall Field Study Season were largely due to
the NWSA's efforts.
The team I received were ten intelligent, dedicated, motivated and inspiring people who truly breathed new life
into Cascade Stream Watch. They were constantly thrown into challenging situations. Each time they worked
well as a team to adapt and succeed with ease.
The following is a modest list of what they did for ourprogram:
Successful Salmon habitat restoration
Stream Bank hardening to prevent erosion, and Riparian Revegetation
Education access trails including the construction of the Wetland Float
Education Visuals and Teaching in our Classroom Preparation visits
Probably the important 'fruits of their labor' are 500 well-informed, inspired and motivated Portland Middle
School and High School students for whom they instructed on the Salmon River banks.
One Madison High School teacher put it best when asked to evaluate the NWSA crew, " very positive.
With the Americorps crew on your staff you were even better than last year. An excellent job. I'm
not sure that I should expect the same amount of support next year, but let's hope so!"
Michael Rowell, 8th grade Science teacher from inner-city Ockley Green MS said, " unprecedented role
models for my students. The Americorps' NSWA illustrates what my students can aspire to be..."
A job well done Northwest Service Academy! I fully endorse your efforts, and look forward to future crews
Sincerely,
ReAch
Bill Adler
Education Director
621 SW Alder St. Suite #605 Portland, OR 97205
(503)225-0061 fax (503)225-0154
The Enterprise
she had been studying environmental
and a grandmother, so she's . won-
science and engineering at St. John's
derful addition," says Nielsen.
College in New Mexico. Her paronts
Wright appreciates the family at.
live in Timber Valley,
mosphere. "It's nice to be accepted as
"It's great to do something that
yourself," she says. "Thoso are nico
Bingen-W Salmon, Washington
means something instead of working
people to work with. I'm impressed
in a grocery store," says Wright.
with their ability, the way they take
Section
Pages
"This gives me a hands-on in envi-
hold and do stuff."
ronmental engineering."
Upon hearing that Wright is 50,
Steve DePriest, who has been up on a
Trout Lake's Northwest Service
Gabay points out that the
AmeriCorps funding is set for only
platform working on the snowshed,
calls down teasingly, "I wouldn't
one season, and he is concerned that
have thought a day over 31!"
it might not win congressional ap-
DePricst says he plans on studying
Academy lives up to its name
proval next time around.
to be either a police officer or a game
"The NSA is a marvelous ex.
warden after he carns his educational
periment in trying to revitalize the
voucher.
by President Bill Clinton in Sep-
set up three 20-acre study plots to
mid-Columbia region," Gabay ex-
DePricst admits that he is enjoying
Diverse group of 31
tember 1993.
help silviculturists try to reverse
plains. "The more local support we
being able to work outdoors.
at MI. Adams Ranger
AmeriCorps' mission is "leam-
the encroachment of conifers.
have, and the more our political
"Until winter," he adds with a grin.
ing civic responsibility by pro-
In a project of special interest to
representatives are aware of us, the
Gabay, who worked for the Forest
District among 700
viding service to the community
the citizens of White Salmon, the
higher the odds that we get re-
Service in Mosier before taking the
and the environment."
NSA will soon be rebuilding
AmeriCorps participants
funded."
NSA position, believes the
Participants carn a $4,725 edu-
Hope's Place, which was the only
"There just isn't anything like this
in Washington.
domestic violence shelter in the
AmeriCorps program holds a lot of
cational voucher in exchange for
By JESSE BURKHARDT
1.700 hours of community ser-
mid-Columbia region until it
for rural youth or adults, and I think
promise for the future.
The Enterprise
burned down in May 1994.
it's great," says Chris Nielsen, a team
"People who come out of a year of
vice They also receive $150 a
NSA participants have also
steward. Nielsen has lived in Trout
national service will 80 back to their
The Northwest Service
week as a living allowance.
According to Jerry Gabay, di-
been trained to be firefighters a
Lake for 17 years.
communities, and the community
Academy has its priorities in or
JUT In what is unly 4 case of first
rector of the Mt. Adams center,
good group to have around in an
Sharon Wright, 50, is the elder
will be better for it." he says. "These
the NSA is already getting started
intense fire scason.
member of the Trout Lake team. She
are people who will work to make
things first, 10 of the district's 31
members are building 4 snowshed
on several key projects.
The NSA is half funded by the
is interested in finishing her degree in
things better. These will be the
for the newly formed group's
One team of 10 is building an
federal government and half fund-
psychology, which she started at
leaders on the county commission
beadquarters, which is located in .
"exclosure" fence around Glacier
ed by money raised by the local
Ohio State University.
and the city council. It's an amazing
trader al the Mi Adams Ranger
Springs, the city of Trout Lake's
franchises. No state money is
"I think she is a good morale
opportunity that hasn't been around
builder for our team. She's a mother
before."
District in Trout are
water supply. The fence is de.
involved.
"There's real deadline we're
signed to protect the water's pur-
"We have to raise our share."
working under. and we've got to
my by keeping out domestic and
explains Gabay, "and we welcome
6cl it done." says Steve Bean, 26.
wild grazers.
corporate sponsorships."
one of the team stewards for the
Another project is designed to
There are approximately 700
group. "This trailer won't stand
protect the Sawtooth Huckleberry
AmeriCorps participants in Wash-
four feet of snow on
Fields. At the north end of the
ington, and 400 in Oregon. Ages
The Northwest Service
Indian Heaven Wilderness, fires
of crew members range from 18
have been suppressed for so long
to 50 years.
Academy (NSA) is one of the
"If it seems like we're still
"franchises" of AmeriCorps, a na-
that conifers have begun en-
nonwide community service pro-
croaching on the berry fields.
learning, it's because we are,"
gram with approximately 20,000
sacred ground to the Yakama
says Tobi Wright, one of those
Indians. The berries don't thrive
assigned to help with the Trout
members
in an enclosed canopy setting, so
Lake fence project.
Congress created AmeriCorps
the Yakama Tribal Council and
Before coming to Trout Lake,
with passage of the National and
Community Service Trust Act of
the Forest Service are combining
1993. which was signed into law
to help fund the NSA. which will
Photo by lesse Burkhandt
ON THE FENCE - Two well-known White
Trout Lake's water supply. Troy Webster
Salmon residents are members of the
(left) and Chad Walker were all-star
Northwest Service Academy team building
players on the 1993 Columbia Bruins
a fence designed to protect the purity of
football team.
NorthWest Service
Academy
An Americorps Program
"Learning civic responsibility by providing service to the community and the environment."
Hood
River
News
ESDAY NOVEMBER 9. 1994
2 SECTIONS. 26 PAGES
50c COPY
Official spaper of City of Moral Hiver,
and Hood River County
NorthWest
Service
Academy
Wells Island has the only heron
rookery in the Bonneville pool. The
lofty nests, which dot uces on the
island, will be protected by firelines
during brush burning.
Sara Wittenberg, from Wiscon-
sin, heads the Northwest Service
Academy's Wells Island crew. A
former Peace Crop volunteer who
was involved in environmental res.
toration in Belize, Wittenberg was
cited by Clinton specifically during
a speech outlining AmeriCorps.
Wittenberg requested a North-
west assignment. leading to her to
Trout Lake.
Like other Northwest Service
Academy workers, Wittenberg rc.
ceives a weekly stipend. After a
year of service, cach crew member
is eligible for a $5,000 educational
grant. They have seven years to use
the money.
Wittenberg, who already has an
undergraduate degree, plans to
eventually return to college for her
master's degree.
Northwest Service Academy
workers range from ages 18 to 50.
though most are in their late teens
and carly to mid 20s. Most have
plans to enter college. Wittenberg
explains.
When they finish their service,
they will have carned a sense of
pride along with college money.
While uprooting bushes on Wells
Island. Scattle's Susan Albrecht
sums it up this way:
"Some projects haven't been as
environmentally productive as this
project is." Albrecht says.
"We sec a lot of progress. We're
helping wildlife habitat,' she adds.
Wells Island work began last
week. After a week away from the
island, work resumes this Monday,
Nov. 14, for two final weeks
The academy accepts project
LAND WORK - Sara Whittenberg, top. piles uprooted
Albrecht, lower left, the opportunity to earn a $5,000 grant
proposals from nonprofit commu-
usn on Wells Island during a three-week habitat enhance-
toward college while participating in community projects, like
nity groups or governmental agen-
ent project utilizing Northwest Service Academy, a product
the Wells Island effort. Also seeing benefits are the island's
cies for projects designed to con-
serve and restore forests, water.
President Clinton's AmeriCorps program. Northwest Ser-
wildlife. Pictured here at lower right are Canada goose eggs
sheds and wetlands.
ce Academy gives young adults like Seattle's Susan
abandoned last spring.
Mike Cose photos
Wildlife habitat enhancement,
like the Wells Island work. plus
Project benefits
island,
workers
trail construction and maintenance
infrastructure improvements, green
space and recreation maintenance.
News statf report
recycling and eliminating environ-
there, Sig academy officials. The
Center in Trout Lake.
gists and the local Ducks Unlimited
MIKE DOKE
mental risks through education,
nonprote group. it product of Presi-
"This is service learning," Gubay
group to clear from three w five
Assumn is the time of renewal. a
explains.
acres of the 40-acre island. Old
testing and cleanup cllort are other
dent Clinton's AmeriCorp program,
areas Northwest Service Academy
Seinz demonstrated by North-
is completing the Uirec-week pro-
"It's motivating and exciting," he
fences. buildings, duck blinds and
is involved with
service Academy on Wells
jeet in conjunction with the U.S.
continues. noting his crew is learn-
litter will be removed to return the
The Forest Service has never
Forest Service Columbia River
ing about the island through labor-
island to a less developed character.
been able to fully fund the Wells
Nine Trust Lake Wash.. based
Gorge National Scenic Area Office.
intensive tasks.
Richard Larson, a Forest Service
Island habitat enhancement work.
ATTACTS are busy with
Workers too. are benefiting.
"They have an understanding of
fish and wildlife biologist, assists
and has relied on other partners
may on the Co.
While Northwest Service Acad-
the history of the island, the human
academy workers.
such as Oregon Department of Fish
island near Hood
emy is involved with other projects,
and natural history. It's an impor-
"We look for the arcas where WC
and Wildlife and the local Ducks
The Book
including improving the water
tant waterfowl habitat as well as
think the geese would be and con-
Unlimited group to help with the
Their goal is to create a better
source at Trout Lake and working
cagle habitat. They have an
centrate on those arcas," Larson
project.
for the waterfowl and large
on 10:2 reconstruction of the do-
understanding of how the work
says.
More information about the
that during the year call
mesue sholter Hope's Place in
they're doing is enhancing that
Work will give migrating birds.
Wells Island project is available by
home
White Suimon, Wash., the Wells
habitat," Gabay explains.
like Canada geese, better nesting
calling Gabay at the Northwest
kinds of under
Island is the group's first
"That's the motivating factor to
sites. An osprcy nest platform will
Service Academy, (509) 395-2501,
are wanging Wells Island
miside lie national scenic area.
know what you're doing has a
be installed.
sitch Northwest Service
or Virginia Kelly or Mike Ferris
Wells Island preservs a concrete
significant impact, and if you didn't
Signs will be posted asking pco-
the Columbia River Gorge National
the
of
what
AmeriCorps
is
do it. it wouldn't get done," he
plc to avoid the island during the
Scenic Area U.S. Forest Service
critical March I to July IS nesting
Office 386-2333
NorthWest Service
Academy
An Americorps Program
"Learning civic responsibility by providing service to the community and the environment."
EAST
Community
news and
features
THE OREGONIAN, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16. 1994
SEEDLING
IS
BELIEVING
When we're done, it'll
look like we haven't done
a thing.
Edward Devito,
team steward
.77
ROGER JENSEN/The Oregoniai
Northwest Service Academy worker Anne
Greenery along Gresham's Kelly Creek
is restored by a public crew and youths
By JAMES SINKS
footbridge across a gully carved by
"We've pulled truckloads of
of The Oregonian staff
rain runoff.
trash out of here," DeVito said, in-
And that's the way it's supposed
cluding tires, cans and bottles, and
GRESHAM - Stroll behind some
to look, said Edward Devito, a team
construction debris.
of the sprawling new suburban
steward for the Northwest Service
Walking through the area, he
homes lined along Condor Avenue
Academy, part of President Clin-
points to where once-trampled foli-
and you'll step into another world.
ton's fledgling Americorps pro-
age is showing signs of recovery
Take a few paces and the gravel
gram. For the past month, an 11-
and to where barren scars carved
pathway is lost under a carpet of
member team led by DeVito has
by bicyclists are now buried under
soggy, multicolored leaves. A few
been working to rejuvenate this
dark mulch and leaves.
more steps and the sunlight fades,
site, which he says used to look
It looks, well, natural.
hidden behind a dense vaulted can-
more like a garbage dump than a
DeVito smiles and nods. "When
opy of branches and pine needles.
serene forest.
we're done," he said, "it'll look like
Birds chirp overhead and a brook,
The 20 acres, owned by the city
we haven't done a thing."
fed by recent rains, skips down a
of Gresham, is a part of the Kelly
Another goal of the project, OX-
hillside.
Creek greenway project, a swath of
plained Gresham parks planner
No traffic, no bustle - even with
trees and foliage that follows the
Lora Price, is to cut down erosion
the sprouting subdivision next
meandering stream through town
that has been stripping soil from
door. Just the occassional whisper
toward Beaver Creek. The restora-
the site and clogging Kelly Creek
of leaves as a soft, cool, breeze tries
tion, which the city hopes will be a
with silt.
to push through their branches.
continuing community effort, was
"If we clean the creek, maybe we
To the untrained eye, this grove
made possible by a $9,600 grant
can help bring back the fish popu-
of towering trees and drooping
from the Metro Greenspaces Resto-
lation," Price said.
ferns along Kelly Creck appears al-
ration Program and the U.S. Fish
most untouched by humans, except
and Wildlife Service.
for a winding path and a narrow
Much of the work is done.
Recently, a group of fifth-graders
from nearby Kelly Creek Elemen-
Nearby, a sniffling Kristin Rice,
tary School joined the Northwest
10, struggled with a red currant
Service Academy crew for some of
vine as she lifted it out of its buck.
"They were very enthusiastic
the finishing touches of a process
et. "This is a really good idea," she
about this, and so am I,'' Follstad
DeVito calls "speeding up nature."
said, pushing her strawberry blond
said. "This project is helping them
Armed with shovels and thick
hair away from her face. "We're
develop a respect for nature and
jackets to ward off the finger-
numbing, nose-sniffling cold, the
doing something for nature and for
for their own community. And
fifth-graders planted 350 new
other people - I like that."
that's hard to do when kids stay in
J.J. Olson, 11, said he's done
the classroom."
shrubs, plants and ferns in the soft
yardwork at home but hasn't plant-
"We're really happy to see this
mulch.
ed ferns before. "This is fun, except
kind of a partnership in our back
The 15 varieties of plants - in-
for being a little cold," he said.
yards," Price said. "The schoolkids
cluding snowberry, Oregon grape,
ROGER JENSEN/The Oregonia
But the field trip might have an
and the service academy have
willow and sword fern - are kinds
Fifth-grader Dolly Sellers struggles to free a plant from its pot so she
adverse effect: "Now my dad is
shown how the community can be
of vegetation that grow in the area,
can plant It along the banks of Kelly Creek as part of restoration work.
going to want me to show him ev-
an effective steward of these
DeVito said.
crything I learned about how to
areas."
The project leaders said the
plant stuff," Olson sighed.
The Northwest Service Academy
plants would both hasten the area's
Parks planner Price said the city
is a division of the Americorps pro-
return to a more "natural" appear-
was fortunate to own such a large
gram initiated by President Clinton
ance and also will help keep topsoil
parcel along Kelly Creek and that
and enacted by Congress in the
from washing into Kelly Creek.
the restoration project will be a
Corporation for National Commu-
And the students, who took the
model for the city to follow as it
nity Service Act in September 1993.
morning off with teacher Dick Fol-
manages the waterway.
Istad, began to develop a sense of
responsibility for this nature pre-
serve in their neighborhood.