Forest Service, AmeriCorps team up to build fire capacity
Liz Skelly, Southern Region, Fire and Aviation Management
August 31, 2023
ATLANTA - As the USDA Forest Service looks to increase capacity for fire and fuels programs nationwide, one Southern Region model of interagency cooperation is paving the way for success.
Since 2020, a key interagency agreement between AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps and the Forest Service has created the opportunity to pair AmeriCorps crews with forests across the Southern Region.
"Our fire experience this year has been unique because of the mountainous terrain and fuel types, which are new to our team. It's allowed us to learn new tactics and more about fire behavior," said AmeriCorps member Camden Hart.
AmeriCorps forest teams obtain all basic wildland fire courses and chainsaw training through the Forest Service at the start of a 10-month residency period. Once trained, forest teams focus on fire assignments throughout the Southern Region to assist with prescribed fire as well as a wide range of other land management needs during their assignment. These teams are also available nationally to respond to wildland fires and other disasters.
Read the full article here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/sustain/forest-service-americorps-team-build-fire-capacity