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KINGSTON TWP. — Joe Franckiewicz wants to be a park ranger, so the 18-year-old Meyers graduate is spending the summer getting some on the job training.

Franckiewicz is one of nine local young people enrolled in the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps, an off-shoot of the old Civilian Conservation Corps. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and state Department of Labor and Industry finance the program, which is managed by the Student Conservation Association.

The six-week program brings together young people ages 15-18 in several locations throughout the state to work on state parks and forests in the area. Franckiewicz is part of the crew based in Wilkes-Barre, and he’s soaking up the experience to work in every state park in the region.

“I’ve been to all the parks and it gives me a new respect for the people who work there,” he said. “It’s very fulfilling.”

The group spends several days at each park, doing work that park managers and their staff just don’t have time to do or need an extra hand to get done. As of last week, the group removed invasive plant species at Nescopeck State Park, cleaned an ancient lock remaining from the old canal at Lehigh Gorge State Park, removed graffiti, cleaned up trails, built fences, stained steps and more.

“This isn’t amateur stuff they’re throwing at us,” Franckiewicz said.

Nor is it without multiple purposes.

Aside from sprucing up the parks, members of the corps – who are paid $10.15/hour during the six-week program, also receive an educational lesson from the staff at every park. At Nescopeck, for example, park staff told the group why it was important to remove invasive plant species such as autumn olive and multi flora rose. The area that was cleared is frequented by woodcock, and the new open space is conducive for the birds’ breeding ritual.

“The educational component is big,” said crew leader Christine LaBar. “Staff at every park has sat down and talked with the kids, and they’re excited to learn something new.”

And the park staff is glad to have them.

Brian Taylor, park manager at Frances Slocum State Park, said the group was a huge benefit during the days they worked at the park. Taylor was impressed with their initiative and willingness to tackle any job, and if the program continues next summer he’s like to have them back.

“With their help we’re able to get things done during our busy season that we don’t have the manpower or time to complete,” Taylor said. “You can tell they really want to be here, and if they continue to come back the park will continue to benefit.”

This week the group finished the program working at Seven Tubs and other places in the Pinchot State Forest and many of the young people plan on returning next year, not only to earn money with a summer job but to experience DCNR’s state parks and forests once again.

And even if the work is hard, it’s also gratifying.

“You can see the end result and I feel like I really contributed something,” said 15-year-old Jared Grossman of Swoyersville. “I’m glad for the opportunity to work outside. I could either be doing something I love for a summer job or sitting inside at a Turkey Hill all day.”

Crew leader Kelly Haymaker said the program is designed to give the kids multiple benefits, such as connecting with nature, experiencing their local parks, getting to know the staff and making some money over the summer. She’s hopeful the program will continue next summer as well.

“Based on the success we’ve had and all the positive feedback we’ve received, I think it’s going to happen next summer,” Haymaker said. “The kids are taking a lot of pride in this and they like to see the end result of their work.”

Josh Wychock stains steps at Frances Slocum State Park last week. Wychock is one of nine local youth enrolled in DCNR’s Pennsylvania Outdoors Corps, which travels to state parks to work over the summer.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_POC-1.jpg.optimal.jpgJosh Wychock stains steps at Frances Slocum State Park last week. Wychock is one of nine local youth enrolled in DCNR’s Pennsylvania Outdoors Corps, which travels to state parks to work over the summer. Tom Venesky | Times Leader

Oscar Wolf and other members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps work on a set of steps at Frances Slocum State Park last week. The group is one of several in the state that travel to state parks and forests to work for the summer.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_POC1-1.jpg.optimal.jpgOscar Wolf and other members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps work on a set of steps at Frances Slocum State Park last week. The group is one of several in the state that travel to state parks and forests to work for the summer. Tom Venesky | Times Leader

By Tom Venesky

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Reach Tom Venesky at 570-991-6395 or on Twitter @TLTomVenesky