Youth Conservation Corp - YCC Program

In our area, 7 Lakes Alliance operates the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) that employs high school and college students to install erosion control projects on private property to prevent dirt and stormwater runoff from getting into our lake. YCC is a low-cost option for landowners who want to protect the lake but need assistance fixing erosion problems.

Conservation practices and planning assistance include:

• Infiltration trenches and drywells to collect stormwater from roofs
• Infiltration steps- filled with crushed stone for steep walkways down to the lake
• Vegetated buffers on the shoreline to stabilize banks and prevent erosion
• Improvements to ditches and culverts
• Tools for diverting runoff off of roads and driveways (e.g., rubber razors)
• Erosion Control Mulch (ECM) for bare soil, paths, and eroding slopes
• Recommendations for gravel and surface materials to repair driveways and roads

Reservations must be made and are first-come, first served as openings occur, and according to the severity of the erosion problem.
Contact FOM at friendsofmessalonskee@gmail.com. We will note your request; FOM has a certain number of “slots”, and then refer you to YCC.  YCC will contact you to schedule a site visit.