PCSWCD seeking junior representative for Community Forest Committee

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Over the past several years, the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) has made incredible strides in developing and improving its two community forests that total over 400 acres at the Law Farm in Dover-Foxcroft and our Demonstration Forest in Williamsburg.

Through grants, various community service projects and a diverse line-up of natural resource conservation programs, the district has been able to accomplish so much, including building trails on the properties, planting thousands of trees, hosting several youth and family oriented events, trainings for professionals and also working with members of our community to maintain each of these lands for public use. All of this groundwork is just that, the start of many future projects and programs aimed to connect community members with what can be learned and gained from these two public forests.

In 2012, the PCSWCD established a Community Forest Committee designed to guide decisions made regarding the future of the Law Farm and the Demonstration Forest. This committee is currently made up of PCSWCD board and staff members, who are all very interested in bringing in a junior representative to take part in making decisions about the two community forests.

This is a great opportunity for young adults in the area to be a part of community decisions that impact the overall health of the environment and the protection and conservation of natural resources. The PCSWCD is encouraging young adults currently enrolled in high school or college to consider taking on this volunteer role. This opportunity would be an excellent way for students interested in natural resource careers to gain hands-on insight and knowledge about forestry and land management, non-profit structures, grant administration, community projects and educational outreach. This opportunity would also provide the junior representative with a unique way to log community service hours and build their resumes, all while learning about how public lands are managed.

Individuals interested in joining must be available to participate in occasional events at the forests and also attend planning sessions, which are held occasionally on the second Monday of each month at 5 p.m. Interested individuals should submit a letter of intent to the Piscataquis County Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA Service Center, 42 Engdahl Drive, Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 by Aug. 10. The letter should include full contact information, references and desires and qualifications to be a part of this dynamic committee.

For more information, please call 564-2321 ext. 3, email info@piscataquisswcd.org. or visist www.facebook.com/PCSWCD to learn more about the community forestry work.