AmeriCorps NCCC's Ongoing Efforts to Support Wildfire Resilience

In May, as we observe Wildfire Awareness Month, it serves a reminder of the persistent threat wildfires present to communities nationwide, emphasizing the urgent necessity for proactive measures in wildfire mitigation and preparedness. This year alone, over 1.6 million acres have already succumbed to wildfires across the country. AmeriCorps members in the NCCC program continue to rally together, serving alongside sponsoring organizations to tackle this pressing challenge.

AmeriCorps NCCC Forest Corps Launch

Last December, AmeriCorps and the US Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service held a ceremonial signing of an agreement establishing the AmeriCorps NCCC Forest Corps program, the first major interagency partnership under President Biden’s American Climate Corps.

Fast forward to next month, the first AmeriCorps NCCC Forest Corps cohort will deploy across the Pacific Region.

"This program will not only help with reforestation, wildfire response, and conservation of America's beautiful public lands, but it will deliver jobs for young Americans and strengthen the climate resilience economy. We're grateful to the Forest Service for their partnership," said Ken Goodson, AmeriCorps NCCC Director, AmeriCorps.

Empowering Communities: Wildfire Prevention Efforts

While the launch of the AmeriCorps NCCC Forest Corps marks a recent milestone, AmeriCorps members have long been committed to supporting wildfire prevention efforts through the AmeriCorps NCCC Traditional Corps program. Leveraging education and support, members empower residents with the knowledge and tools essential for safeguarding their homes, thus building a resilient defense against wildfires.

Mitigating Wildfire Risks in Georgia's Remote Mountains

Earlier this month, AmeriCorps members participated in a National Wildfire Preparedness Day project in Tate City, GA, a small remote community in the Southern Appalachia Mountains with an aging population. The community is part of the ever-growing Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), where unoccupied land and human development meet; this zone is growing by 2 million acres a year, putting more than 60,000 communities across the U.S. at risk of wildfire.

During the project, AmeriCorps members focused on homes with outbuildings, strategically removing flammable vegetation and surrounding sites with non-combustible gravel. Additionally, the team addressed safety hazards by clearing dead and down limbs and removing debris from utility boxes and dry hydrants, ensuring easier access for emergency responders.

Serve This Fall

Young adults, ages 18-26 can apply now to begin serving this fall! Train in Aurora, CO or Sacramento, CA, then travel throughout the country making a difference where the need is greatest.

Have questions? Connect with our team or register for an upcoming webinar.

• Preparing to be a Team Leader, May 9
• A Conversation with Alumni, May 14
• Application & Selection, May 23
• Traditional Corps Lunch & Learn, June 6