California Conservation Corps Plays Key Role in Stanislaus National Forest Projects
Shawn Winstead, Stanislaus National Forest
March 31st, 2025
SONORA, Calif.—The Stanislaus National Forest saw the power of collaboration this summer as Crew 3 from the California Conservation Corps Stockton Delta Center made significant contributions to improving Off-Highway Vehicle trails this past summer and fall in the Summit Ranger District of the forest.
“Through two critical projects, the CCC demonstrated their mission to protect and enhance natural resources while empowering young adults,” said Shawn Winstead, district ranger of the Sugar Pine District.
The crew’s dedication and hard work, combined with support from Forest Service staff, resulted in safer trails, including improvements to the Niagara Rim Trail and OHV trails near Hull creek, expanding recreational opportunities for the public.
Stanislaus National Forest employees and crew three from the Stockton Delta Center of the California Conservation Corps add rock fill and rebuild the rock wall of the Niagara Rim Trail, a popular OHV trail on the Summit Ranger District of the Stanislaus National Forest, Sept. 28, 2024.
The CCC crew tackled erosion issues on the highly used Niagara Rim Trail as their first project. Working 1,120 total hours, the 14-member team, supported by Forest Service staff, rebuilt a rock wall and added rock fill to stabilize a section of trail where vehicles were at risk of rolling over due to slope degradation. This partnership not only ensured user safety but also preserved the integrity of the trail for years to come.
“As someone who started my career in the CCC, I’m continually impressed by the dedication and skill these crews bring to the table. Their work on the Niagara Rim Trail exemplifies the impact of teamwork and shared stewardship,” said Forest Service Recreation Management Specialist Uddam Som.
The second project focused on restoring access to OHV routes in the Hull Creek area. Spanning trails 3N60, 17EV432, and 17EV78, this effort cleared over six miles of overgrown and obstructed paths. For years, fallen trees and dense vegetation had rendered these trails impassable. Over 2,240 crew hours later, the CCC not only reopened these trails but also reconnected them to nearby routes, vastly improving recreational opportunities. Forest Service staff provided logistical and technical support, ensuring the project’s success.
“The CCC is truly a force multiplier. Their hard work and dedication allow us to achieve outcomes that would otherwise be impossible with our existing resources. The Hull Creek project is a testament to their ability to transform neglected areas into thriving recreational spaces,” said Som.
Crew three from the Stockton Delta Center of the California Conservation Corps provide trail maintenance and improvements, including brush removal on OHV trails in the Hull Creek area of the Summit Ranger District of the Stanislaus National Forest, Nov. 20, 2024. For years, fallen trees and dense vegetation had rendered these trails impassable, and this effort cleared over six miles of overgrown and obstructed paths.
These accomplishments underscore the value of partnerships in managing public lands. By aligning resources and expertise, the Stanislaus National Forest and the CCC successfully enhanced trail safety and accessibility.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with the CCC in future projects. Their commitment to protecting natural resources and empowering young adults perfectly complements the mission of the Forest Service,” added Benjamin Cossel, Public Affairs Officer with the Stanislaus National Forest.
The California Conservation Corps’ legacy as the largest and longest-running conservation corps in the nation is evident in their work on the Stanislaus National Forest. These projects not only benefit the land and its users but also provide invaluable experience for the young adults involved, fostering the next generation of conservation leaders.