Communities across Eastern Oregon need more trained workers to reduce wildfire risk and manage forests safely. Fuels reduction, forest restoration and wildfire preparedness work require skilled crews who understand both forestry practices and fire behavior.
This program helped strengthen the natural resource workforce while supporting wildfire preparedness efforts in Eastern Oregon communities.
At the same time, many young adults interested in natural resource careers have limited opportunities to gain hands-on field experience or connect with professionals already working in the field.
Programs that combine real work experience with career exploration can help build a stronger workforce while supporting community wildfire resilience efforts.
In spring 2025, the Northwest Youth Corps hosted a Community Wildfire Protection Corps crew of young adults ages 19 to 26 to gain experience in forestry and fuels reduction projects.
The Northwest Youth Corps worked with local agencies and organizations to identify fuels reduction and forest management projects that would strengthen community wildfire resilience.
Micah Schmidt, a fire specialist for the northeast region for the Oregon State University Extension Service Fire Program, Wallowa Resources, Oregon Department of Forestry, Morrow Soil and Water Conservation District, the U.S. Forest Service and Umatilla Electric Cooperative provided projects that filled the crew’s 11-week field season.
In addition to project work, the program included weekly education days led by natural resource professionals. Schmidt, Union Soil and Water Conservation District, Oregon Department of Forestry and other partners provided instruction on forest and fire ecology, wildland fire suppression, Firewise Communities and tree climbing.
These sessions gave crew members practical knowledge while helping them explore potential career paths in forestry, wildfire management and natural resources.
Program builds workforce experience
During the season, crew members gained hands-on experience working on wildfire resilience and fuels reduction projects while building connections with professionals across multiple natural resource agencies.
The educational days helped participants better understand how forestry, wildfire management and community preparedness work together to reduce wildfire risk.
The program also introduced crew members to career opportunities and training pathways in natural resource management.
Results support future careers
Several members of the Northwest Youth Corps crew later moved into natural resource and wildfire-related jobs with organizations including The Nature Conservancy’s OR-FIRE Prescribed Fire Module, Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Forest Service.
Some crew members also attended the Northeast Oregon IGNITE Prescribed Fire Skills Training hosted by OSU Extension and local partners in Wallowa County.
The Eastern Oregon Workforce Board also produced a video highlighting the program and the crew’s work supporting wildfire resilience efforts.
Public value
This program helped strengthen the natural resource workforce while supporting wildfire preparedness efforts in Eastern Oregon communities.
By combining real project work with professional training and career exposure, the OSU Extension Fire Program and partner organizations helped young adults gain the skills, experience and connections needed to enter natural resource and wildfire management careers.
