Utah Conservation Corps Crew Responds to Hurricane Harvey

A four-member crew from the Utah State University-based Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) has traveled to the Houston, Texas area to help with recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey. The crew includes USU Biology student Jennifer Worthy that commented that this is a “great opportunity to serve others outside our own community.”

The UCC crew will join over 284 other AmeriCorps members from around the country that are completing a variety of projects in Texas including tarping, mucking and gutting affected homes, debris removal and working with volunteer organizations to meet the needs of those affected by Hurricane Harvey.

“My crew and I are eager and ready to get down to help the people that were affected by Hurricane Harvey, crew leader Chris Pruden said. “It’s going to be a long road for the area to recover, but we’re ready to get down there to do our part.”

The UCC crew is currently scheduled to be deployed in Texas until December 4. In the past, the UCC has sent AmeriCorps crews in recovery efforts after last years Baton Rouge flooding as well as Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.

The UCC, based out of USU’s Center for Civic Engagement and Service-Learning, was formed in 2001 with a mission to develop the conservation leaders of tomorrow through service and education. Since 2001, more than 1,400 UCC AmeriCorps members have served over one million hours creating or maintaining 3,442 miles of trail and 425 miles of fence, restoring 41,653 acres of public land and reaching 332,250 students with environmental education.

More information on UCC can be found at http://www.usu.edu/ucc.

Contact: Sean Damitz, Center for Civic Engagement and Service-Learning, 435-770-6104, sean.damitz@usu.edu