MONTANA CONSERVATION CORPS

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1 MONTANA CONSERVATION CORPS I learned that you can do anything you put your mind to, and that a group of people working together can accomplish an incredible amount of work. - Nick, MCC Crew Leader ANNUAL REPORT 3

Our annual report gives you a glimpse into MCC, and we invite you to stay involved with this exciting organization.

Our staff is providing dynamic leadership, keeping the program on a steep growth curve as we respond to new opportunities and needs,

This leadership allows MCC a sense of confidence that continues to open doors for the program.

We ve found that our community-based program aimed at high school kids boosts their sense of being part of the solution to our

The Board welcomed new members who are strengthening our vision and capacity - even as we say goodbye, and thanks, to a long-time

What a bunch of incredible young people.

We believe that when we are successful in doing this we graduate into the world young people motivated to improve their communities

Our corps members continue to rebuild and blaze trails that so many of us enjoy.

habitat enhancement through fencing projects.

Partnerships continue to grow and we are proud of each and every one of them as they are a testament to our sustainability.

2 Dear Friends of MCC, What a program! The Montana Conservation Corps continues as one of the nation s most productive and exciting conservation corps. Our annual report gives you a glimpse into MCC, and we invite you to stay involved with this exciting organization. What a team we have! Our staff is providing dynamic leadership, keeping the program on a steep growth curve as we respond to new opportunities and needs, and bringing polish to every aspect of the program. This leadership allows MCC a sense of confidence that continues to open doors for the program. The Board too embraced opportunities with the MontanaYES - Youth Engaged in Service program. We ve found that our community-based program aimed at high school kids boosts their sense of being part of the solution to our communities needs and we are increasing opportunities for youth to be involved. The Board welcomed new members who are strengthening our vision and capacity - even as we say goodbye, and thanks, to a long-time pillar of MCC - Bob Buzzas. But the most valuable part of the MCC always will be the crew members. What a bunch of incredible young people. Each year we strive to use our projects as tools to equip the members with skills and values to be vigorous citizens. We believe that when we are successful in doing this we graduate into the world young people motivated to improve their communities and environment. This last year was another banner year when it comes to impact. Our corps members continue to rebuild and blaze trails that so many of us enjoy. Public lands in Montana and neighboring regions are benefiting from stream bank restoration, invasive weed treatment, and wildlife habitat enhancement through fencing projects. Communities have improved city parks and neighborhood trails, and improved facilities for nonprofit organizations. Partnerships continue to grow and we are proud of each and every one of them as they are a testament to our sustainability. MCC is responding to local and national needs. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, MCC sent crews to Louisiana. In Montana, we responded to a call from the Governor to assist low income homeowners with an intensive weatherization effort - a project that reduced energy costs for hundreds and gave our members a strong sense of helping people meet their most basic needs. At the end of the day we are so proud of what MCC and its members accomplish each and every day. Thanks to all of you who contribute to our success. Without our partners, we could not possibly do so much for Montana and our members. We count on your continued support and look forward to seeing you out on the trails. Sincerely, Todd Buchanan President, Board of Directors Jono McKinney Executive Director Our vision is of young people motivated to act as compassionate and active citizens engaged in serving for the greater good of their community and dedicated to conserving America s public lands. 4

MEMBER DEVELOPMENT AMERICORPS PROGRAM MCC recruits Americorps members who serve on conservation crews to protect and restore our environments and communities.

Report improved knowledge and attitudes of citizenship Report improved skills to make a difference in their community Age 22 to 25 37% Age 26 and older 12% Age 14 to 16 31% MONTANAYES PROGRAM

72 $24,050 88% 93% 98% Teens served 14,586 hours in their communities Service awards issued to local youth participants Report better understanding of how they can help in their community Report

I was homeless, drifting, and getting into things I wasn t supposed to says Ryan who joined MCC for a 5-month AmeriCorps term. Ryan s first months at MCC were tough.

3 MEMBER DEVELOPMENT AMERICORPS PROGRAM MCC recruits Americorps members who serve on conservation crews to protect and restore our environments and communities. 154 $405,637 96% 88% 96% AmeriCorps Members served 162,473 hours AmeriCorps education awards earned by members Report a positive experience with the MCC. Report improved knowledge and attitudes of citizenship Report improved skills to make a difference in their community Age 22 to 25 37% Age 26 and older 12% Age 14 to 16 31% MONTANAYES PROGRAM MontanaYES (Youth Engaged in Service) is a five week, summer experience for teens that connects youth with their community through service and land stewardship. 72 $24,050 88% 93% 98% Teens served 14,586 hours in their communities Service awards issued to local youth participants Report better understanding of how they can help in their community Report improved attitude towards work Parents would recommend the program to a friend AGES OF MEMBERS Total served 217 Age 17 to 21 20% SKILLS FOR LIFE My life was hell. I was homeless, drifting, and getting into things I wasn t supposed to says Ryan who joined MCC for a 5-month AmeriCorps term. Ryan s first months at MCC were tough. He was often late, forgot his PPE, and missed days of work. Conflicts with his peers and leaders were frequent. He was quick to anger, and when agitated would storm off for hours. Basically, I didn t like dealing with people and avoided them when things got uncomfortable. But Ryan loved the work. The reliable structure of daily crew life, developing friendships, and the guidance of his crew leaders and supervisors strengthened his resolve to stick with the program and grow. The biggest thing I learned, says Ryan, are people skills, like how to discuss a problem with someone, listen to them, and come to a resolution instead of saying screw you. After finishing his term with MCC, Ryan returned to his hometown of Great Falls where he took a job as front desk clerk in a major motel. His new communication skills are an essential asset. I used to avoid jobs where I had to deal with people. Now I work with 600 of them every day, listening to their problems, and finding solutions that work for our guests. MCC projects helped Ryan clarify his aspirations. He learned how to stay motivated on projects by understanding the larger purpose. He s applying this perspective to look beyond day to day survival to pursue life goals. Ryan plans to use his AmeriCorps education award to pursue a degree in Cultural Anthropology. I learned so much about myself that I feel like a different person. Being in a group of 7 people and having to solve problems as a group taught me to listen more and value other s opinions. The physical part of it helped me to know my body and it s capabilities. To take these mental and physical skills and apply them to every day life is pretty cool. 5

COMMUNITY IMPACT COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS 735 118 130 52 66 74 94% Homes repaired, renovated or weatherized Parks and campgrounds improved Public structures

organizations Sponsors reporting improved facilities, resources, or capacity COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 4,073 123 7 94 Hours served by 471 volunteers working

parkas, and mittens are typical winter wear for Montana.

In the fall of 2005, when energy costs spiked, it was clear that the winds of Hurricane Katrina were blowing in Montana.

Even as three crews were serving in Louisiana assisting with hurricane recovery, and others were wrapping up conservation projects, MCC deployed members to

In just a few weeks, our members weatherized 598 homes in seventy-nine communities, including services with four of the seven tribal reservations in

MCC s productivity in the Warm Homes program could not have happened but for the energetic support of the Office of Community Service, the State of Montana

4 COMMUNITY IMPACT COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENTS % Homes repaired, renovated or weatherized Parks and campgrounds improved Public structures built or renovated Picnic and play areas installed or renovated Community organizations served Projects completed free of charge for community organizations Sponsors reporting improved facilities, resources, or capacity COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT 4, Hours served by 471 volunteers working with MCC Communities served in Montana and neighboring states Communities offered MontanaYES program Media stories about MCC WARM HOMES MONTANA Wool hats, parkas, and mittens are typical winter wear for Montana. But for many of our less fortunate citizens, this wardrobe is required to be comfortable inside their homes. In the fall of 2005, when energy costs spiked, it was clear that the winds of Hurricane Katrina were blowing in Montana. Confronted with the highest utility bills ever, many low income families were facing a hard winter of choices between paying to heat their home, or paying for food, medicine, and childcare. In October, just weeks before the conclusion of our 2005 season, the Governor s office invited MCC to help with the Warm Homes Montana initiative. Even as three crews were serving in Louisiana assisting with hurricane recovery, and others were wrapping up conservation projects, MCC deployed members to communities across Montana to assist families by wrapping water heaters, installing window kits, water restrictors, efficient light bulbs, and CO monitors. In just a few weeks, our members weatherized 598 homes in seventy-nine communities, including services with four of the seven tribal reservations in Montana. MCC s productivity in the Warm Homes program could not have happened but for the energetic support of the Office of Community Service, the State of Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, and the local Human Resource Development Councils accros the state which provided training and materials, and dispatched crews to where they were most needed. For the members who d spent the last five months working outdoors, the Warm Homes project proved a meaningful conclusion to their season, bringing home the value of their service for all the people of Montana. I enjoyed my experience at MCC because it made me feel like I was doing a good deed for the community. I really liked the way the trail turned out. Getting dirty was also extremely fun! - Andi Rodriguez, Volunteer 6

CONSERVATION PROJECTS PROJECT WORK Projects for 156 different organizations Sponsors rated quality as very good or outstanding Sponsors rated productivity as very good or outstanding Sponsors want to

treatment and removal Acres of habitat improvement Acres of fuels reduced Miles of streams rehabilited and stream bank restoration 1,005 2,648 156 57,962 3,106 462 315 8 TRADITIONAL SKILLS MINIMUM

5 CONSERVATION PROJECTS PROJECT WORK Projects for 156 different organizations Sponsors rated quality as very good or outstanding Sponsors rated productivity as very good or outstanding Sponsors want to use MCC again % 86% 97% PROJECT RESULTS Miles of trail constructed or restored Trail structures built or repaired Miles of fence repaired Trees and plants planted Acres of noxious weed treatment and removal Acres of habitat improvement Acres of fuels reduced Miles of streams rehabilited and stream bank restoration 1,005 2, ,962 3, TRADITIONAL SKILLS MINIMUM TOOLS Over a three year period, MCC crews using traditional pulley systems, hand tools, and plenty of elbow grease, dismantled, then rebuilt, the century old Canyon Creek Dam in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. The dam, built in 1891 by Bitterroot Valley farmers and ranchers, required extensive repairs. Diesel-intensive solutions abounded. Costs put these options beyond the reach of local ranchers. Furthermore, grandfathered into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, mechanized options needed to be avoided if possible. Forest Service engineer, Steve Romero, consulted with MCC on low impact alternatives. A plan solidified using MCC hand labor and traditional pulley systems to lift boulders off the dam. Starting in 2003, MCC members climbed the 3,500 feet to the alpine basin. MCC crews used crosscut saws and local timbers to assemble human-powered hoists to move boulders off the dam face. With pulaskis, pry-bars, and shovels, the crews removed 320 cubic yards of mud to dismantle the dam. The physicality of the project was staggering. Regular rotation of crews was needed to protect even the strongest backs. In 05, MCC finished pouring a 60 long, 12 high concrete wall and reinforcing the spillway and dam with boulders lifted back into place. Modern engineering and high tech sensors make this dam state of the art. Ron Cleveland, whose family has irrigated from Canyon Creek for more than 80 years, said the work done by MCC was invaluable. We could never have made those repairs without them, Cleveland said. Excellent work ethic and performance. The crew worked hard, willingly, and with a good attitude. Learned pitfalls of working with wire and hand tools easily and well. I m impressed with their can-do and positive outlook. - Pete Armstrong, BLM 7

FINANCIAL REPORT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION For The Year Ending December 31, 2005 CURRENT

Paid $574,386 408,291 3,160 18,222 Accounts payable Accrued Wages, Taxes and Benefits Payable

LIABILITIES 85,485 EQUIPMENT $51,644 NET ASSETS Unrestricted Net Assets Restricted Net Assets

ASSETS: $1,055,723 Training & Service Awards $119,827 Administrative $176,606 Operational

and Other $22,288 AmeriCorps Grant $1,209,000 Staff $521,375 Member Support Costs $1,198,037

MCC, my satisfaction was seeing a community proud and grateful for the work done to their town.

6 FINANCIAL REPORT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION For The Year Ending December 31, 2005 CURRENT ASSETS: CURRENT LIABILITIES: Cash and Cash Equivalents Receivables Prepaid Expenses Deposits Paid $574, ,291 3,160 18,222 Accounts payable Accrued Wages, Taxes and Benefits Payable Accrued Compensated Absences $14,258 31,305 39,922 TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,004,059 TOTAL LIABILITIES 85,485 EQUIPMENT $51,644 NET ASSETS Unrestricted Net Assets Restricted Net Assets $959,738 10,500 TOTAL NET ASSETS $970,238 TOTAL ASSETS $1,055,723 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS: $1,055,723 Training & Service Awards $119,827 Administrative $176,606 Operational $200,491 Transportation $250,527 Non Federal Project Revenue $493,334 Grants $62,850 Donations and Other $22,288 AmeriCorps Grant $1,209,000 Staff $521,375 Member Support Costs $1,198,037 EXPENSES TOTAL $2,466,863 Federal Project Revenue $826,802 REVENUES TOTAL $2,614,274 Here at MCC, my satisfaction was seeing a community proud and grateful for the work done to their town. I had a chance to be part of something far more important than any sum of money I could earn in any other job. - Josh, MCC member 8

7 PROJECT SPONSORS Community Organizations Agency on Aging Area 9, Flathead County American Public Land Exchange American Red Cross, Kalispell Aspen View Retirement Residence Avista Utilities Beartooth Nature Center Big Spring Creek Partnership Billings Food Bank Bob Marshall Foundation Bozeman Senior Center Cascade County Aging Services Community Leadership Development Downtown Billings Partnership-Business Improvement District Flathead Food Bank Fort Missoula Nature Adventure Garden Framing Our Communities Free Cycles Friends of Pathways Friends of the Wild Swan Gallatin Lion s Hyalite Youth Camp Gallatin Valley Food Bank Gallatin Valley Land Trust Garden City Harvest Great Falls Rescue Mission Habitat for Humanity of Gallatin County Habitat for Humanity of Helena Habitat for Humanity of Kalispell Habitat for Humanity of Mid-Yellowstone Valley Helena Food Share Hill and Homestead Preservation Coalition Human Resources Development Council, Missoula Human Resources Development Council, Billings Humane Society of Park County Laurel Development Corporation Madison Valley Ranchland Group Missoula Children s Theatre Monarch Neihart Senior Center Montana Large Animal Sanctuary Montana Partners for Fish and Wildlife Montana Rescue Mission Montana Waterfowl Association Montana Wetland Legacy Mountain Water Company Neighborhood Housing Services, Great Falls City and County Governments Blodgett Creek Irrigation District Butte Silver Bow County Canyon Creek Irrigation District Cascade County Conservation District City of Billings Parks and Recreation Department City of Bozeman, Parks and Recreation Department City of Helena Parks and Recreation Department City of Kalispell Parks and Recreation Department City of Missoula Parks and Recreation Department Fergus County Conservation District Granite County Conservation District Kalispell Natural Resource Conservation District Lewis and Clark County, Water Quality Protection District State of Montana Agencies Office of Community Service Department of Environmental Quality Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Helena Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Kalispell Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Missoula Department of Public Health and Human Services Department of Transportation, Kalispell Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Bannack State Park Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Cooney State Park Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Bozeman Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Great Falls Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Helena Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Kalispell Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Lake Elmo State Park Federal Agencies Bureau of Land Management, Billings Bureau of Land Management, Butte Bureau of Land Management, Cody Bureau of Land Management, Dillon Bureau of Land Management, Lewistown Federal Emergency Management Agency NPS, Bighole Battlefield National Monument NPS, Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area NPS, City of Rocks National Reserve NPS, Devils Tower National Monument NPS, Fort Laramie National Historic Site NPS, Glacier National Park NPS, Grant Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site NPS, Knife River Indian Villages NPS, Theodore Roosevelt National Park NPS, Yellowstone National Park Natural Resource Conservation Service, Sheridan USFS, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Dillon Ranger District USFS, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Madison Ranger District USFS, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Wisdom Ranger District USFS, Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Wise River Ranger District USFS, Bridger Teton National Forest, Black Rock Ranger District USFS, Caribou-Targhee National Forest, Teton Basin Ranger District USFS, Clearwater National Forest, Powell Ranger District USFS, Clearwater National Forest, Wilderness Gateway USFS, Custer National Forest, Ashland Ranger District USFS, Custer National Forest, Beartooth Ranger District USFS, Flathead National Forest, Hungry Horse Ranger District USFS, Flathead National Forest, Spotted Bear Ranger District USFS, Flathead National Forest, Swan Lake Ranger District USFS, Flathead National Forest, Tally Lake Ranger District USFS, Gallatin National Forest, Bozeman Ranger District USFS, Gallatin National Forest, Livingston Ranger District USFS, Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Priest Lake Ranger District 9

8 Northeast Neighborhood Association Northwest Montana Human Resource Council Opportunity Resources Inc. Planned Parenthood of Montana Prickly Pear Land Trust Recreational Trails Inc. Rocky Mountain Development Council Sacks of Bozeman Salvation Army of Kalispell Special Friends Foundation, Kalispell Sun River Watershed Group Swan Ecosystem Center Swan View Coalition, Inc Terrapin Farm Teton River Road Weed Management Group Teton River Watershed Group The Glacier Institute The Nature Conservancy, Matador Ranch United Way of Flathead County Yellowstone Council on Aging Yellowstone River Parks Association Zoo Montana Lincoln County Port Authority Lincoln County, District 2 Teton County Weed District Town of Virginia City West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce Yellowstone Conservation District Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Lonepine State Park Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, Makoshika State Park Montana State University, Museum of the Rockies Montana State University, Western Transportation Institute University of Montana, Biological Sciences USFS, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center USFS, Lewis and Clark National Forest, Belt Creek RD USFS, Lewis and Clark National Forest, Judith RD USFS, Lewis and Clark National Forest, Rocky Mountain RD USFS, Lolo National Forest, Missoula RD USFS, Lolo National Forest, Nine Mile RD USFS, Lost Trail National Wildlife Refuge USFS, Nez Perce National Forest, Moose Creek RD USFS, Payette National Forest, Krassel RD USFS, Rocky Mountain Research Station USFS, Salmon Challis National Forest, Leadore RD USFS, Salmon Challis National Forest, Northfork RD USFS, Salmon Challis National Forest, Salmon Cobalt RD USFS, Shoshone National Forest, Clarks Fork RD USFS, Shoshone National Forest, Greybull RD USFS, Shoshone National Forest, Wapiti RD USFWS, Bozeman Fish Technology Center 10

DONORS Leadership Crew ($10,000 +) Mountain Sky Guest Ranch PPL Montana Community Fund PPL Montana-Hydro Licensing and Permitting Department Rio Tinto Group-Resolution Copper Company Dennis

John and Barbara Grillo Kalispell Kiwanis Karen Filipovich and Tony Roberts Cross Cut Crew ($100-$499) Buchanan Capital LLC Todd and Brooke Buchanan Jim Burchfield Bob Buzzas Larry Dominick

9 DONORS Leadership Crew ($10,000 +) Mountain Sky Guest Ranch PPL Montana Community Fund PPL Montana-Hydro Licensing and Permitting Department Rio Tinto Group-Resolution Copper Company Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation Conservation Crew ($1,000-$9,999) Conservation Volunteers of Australia D. A. Davidson Great Falls Pre Release Center Richardson McKinney National Forest Foundation REI Sam s Club Max and Betty Swanson Foundation Pulaski Crew ($500-$999) Pacific Steel and Recycling John and Barbara Grillo Kalispell Kiwanis Karen Filipovich and Tony Roberts Cross Cut Crew ($100-$499) Buchanan Capital LLC Todd and Brooke Buchanan Jim Burchfield Bob Buzzas Larry Dominick Curt Freese and Heather Bentz Amy Galloway James and Ruth Gault Lee Gault Robert and Susan Gault Jono and Laurie McKinney Montana Milling Lee Niebuhr Emily Stonington Wal Mart Foundation Ruth G. Wells Wendy Wigert Hard Hat Crew (gifts to $99) Chris Bardash Daniel Berg Tom Charest Kevin Clayton EDSD Computer Services Krista Farmer Jesse Gandee Thomas Hamel Chase Hanson Daniel and Vicky Kipp Aurora Northerner Gigi and Chuck Swenson Josh Walker Stephanie Wolff 1

The Montana Conservation Corps mission is to equip young people with the skills and values to be vigorous citizens

STATE STAFF Jono McKinney Executive Director Wendy Wigert Director of Operations Lee Gault Program Director Don

Marron Accounting Technician REGIONAL STAFF BOARD Tauzha Rukstad, Billings Regional Supervisor Tim Dwyer, Bozeman

Sparks, Helena Regional Supervisor Cliff Kipp, Kalispell Regional Supervisor Addy Wygmans, Kalispell Field

Billings President Karen Filipovich, Bozeman Vice President and Treasurer Virginia Niebuhr, Great Falls Secretary

10 The Montana Conservation Corps mission is to equip young people with the skills and values to be vigorous citizens who improve their communities and environment. STATE STAFF Jono McKinney Executive Director Wendy Wigert Director of Operations Lee Gault Program Director Don Jackson Project Development Coordinator Nia Vestal Program Coordinator Libby Copeland Administrative Assistant Toby Marron Accounting Technician REGIONAL STAFF BOARD Tauzha Rukstad, Billings Regional Supervisor Tim Dwyer, Bozeman Regional Supervisor Angela Welfley, Bozeman Field Coordinator Al Henry, Great Falls Regional Supervisor Oryana Sparks, Helena Regional Supervisor Cliff Kipp, Kalispell Regional Supervisor Addy Wygmans, Kalispell Field Coordinator Bobby Grillo, Missoula Regional Supervisor Chase Jones, Missoula Field Coordinator Todd Buchanan, Billings President Karen Filipovich, Bozeman Vice President and Treasurer Virginia Niebuhr, Great Falls Secretary Chris Bardash, Helena Jim Burchfield, Missoula Bob Buzzas, Bozeman Larry Dominick, Belgrade Curt Freese, Bozeman Emily Stonington, Cascade John Vincent, Gallatin Gateway N. Grand Bozeman, MT JOIN-MCC 2

2009 CONSERVATION PARTNERS GENERAL OPERATING GRANTEES $287,000

2009 CONSERVATION PARTNERS GENERAL OPERATING GRANTEES $287,000 GENERAL OPERATING GRANTEES $287,000 Alliance for the Wild Rockies Helena, MT $3,000 American Prairie Foundation Bozeman, MT $5,000 Alternative Energy Resources Org (AERO) Helena, MT $5,000 America Wildlands