Wyoming Conservation Corps/UW Receives $15,000 to Fund Tools and Equipment Purchases

March 21, 2008 — The Wyoming Conservation Corps has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation's (WYCF) LEK Endowment Fund to purchase tools and equipment for use by WCC crews completing conservation projects with state and federal land managers throughout Wyoming.

The Wyoming Conservation Corps (WCC) is a program of the University of Wyoming serving the state of Wyoming through the completion of service-based conservation projects aimed at maintaining Wyoming's public lands. Formed in 2007 by the Wyoming State Legislature, the WCC seeks to introduce Wyoming's young adults to hands-on natural resource and environmental experiences. Last summer, 16 UW students completed a dozen 10-day conservation projects throughout Wyoming.

This coming year the WCC will double in size and complete 24 conservation projects with 32 students.

"WYCF grant funds will enable the WCC to purchase tools and equipment necessary to complete a wide variety of projects identified by Wyoming's public land managers," says WCC Director Nick Agopian. "WCC crews are self sustaining while completing conservation projects." He says crews camp on-site and prepare all of their meals during the projects.

"The Community Foundation grant is great for the WCC, and will ensure that students can effectively and efficiently complete identified conservation projects throughout Wyoming," Agopian says.

The WYCF is a charitable organization that builds and preserves funds established by individuals, families, corporations, agencies, and private foundations. The Community Foundation uses the earnings from these funds to benefit community needs across Wyoming.

For information call (307) 721-8300 or visit their Web site at

www.wycf.org .