WSU’s Forest Youth Success Program Back For Another Year

In Skamania County, hundreds of teens have spent the past two decades restoring public lands and maintaining recreation trails through the Forest Youth Success program.

Led by Washington State University Extension, the program has engaged more than 900 youth since the early 2000s, and this spring, nearly 20 more are expected to be hired.  Organizers say the program provides critical job experience in a rural county where opportunities for young workers can be limited. 

“In our hyper-rural, 90% forested county, there aren’t many opportunities for young people to get that first job and build those critical skills,” said Hannah Brause, Skamania County Extension director. “We typically see phenomenal growth in participants’ personal confidence, social and teamwork skills, and employability.”

In the past five years, teens have logged more than 15,000 hours, improved over 50 miles of trails, and restored hundreds of acres of public land. 

“Despite living close to these trails so well loved by tourists, many of the program youth indicated they had never hiked them,” said Somer Meade, Forest Youth Success technical advisor.

“Every summer is different, depending on public land priorities,” Meade continued. “It could be trail maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal and control, campground cleanup, or noxious weed management.” 

Program leaders add it’s often a life-changing experience—and one that gives participants an edge in the local job market. 

“Forestry, stewardship, conservation, they’re getting exposure to a lot of really important things that will make a big impact on their future,” Meade said.

Click here to learn more about the Forest Youth Success Program.

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