New York seeks crews of conservationists to cut trails, fight invasive species, update maps

New York is recruiting 50 young adults to join new crews to repair wilderness trails, fight invasive species, update maps and fix structures on state land.

The Excelsior Conservation Corps echoes the New Deal program of the 1930s. It will use $1 million of state money and $850,000 of federal AmeriCorps funding.

Recruits must have finished high school or its equivalent, be 18 to 25 years old and come from New York.

The 10-month program begins in January. It's administered by the Student Conservation Association.

The corps is based at Morrisville State College and will help state agencies manage natural resources and get first-aid and disaster training to help communities hit by extreme weather.

Crews will get food, housing, monthly stipends, health insurance and college tuition help.

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Online:

http://www.ny.gov/ECC