From the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest:
LA GRANDE, OR – As light snow falls on the Grande Ronde River, young men with the Oregon Youth Authority – Riverbend (OYA-R) facility, work diligently to plant willow cuttings along the riverside. These efforts are part of the Longley Meadows Fish Habitat Enhancement Project.
Joe Platz, a Biological Technician with the La Grande Ranger District, of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, spoke about the support that the crew is providing to the Longley Meadows project. “During this phase of work, we will be planting approximately 6,200 willow cuttings to reestablish riparian vegetation within the restoration area,” said Platz.
Sam Black, a work crew supervisor with OYA-R, explains some of the history with the young men, typically between the ages of 18-20, that participate in the program.
“Most of these ‘kids’ were raised in broken homes,” said Black. “Being part of this program teaches them that they are not locked into the life they are used to.”
The primary goals of Riverbend are to give youth an opportunity to earn work skills and practice pro-social skills in the community that will help them successfully transition out of corrections.
“All we are trying to do with this program is ignite that spark within these young men that starts the fire that is not being incarcerated but being a productive member of society,” said Black.
Oregon Youth Authority – Riverbend has been contracted with the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest since 2012, explains Rick Snyder, a Vocation and Education Services for Older Youth (VESOY) coordinator with OYA-R. “This program provides these young men with real-world experience and social skills that they may not have learned prior to being incarcerated,” said Snyder.
One of the young men on the crew, Austin, spoke about the value of making the most of his incarcerated time to learn new skills while outdoors.
“I have learned a lot of things about fish, plants, wildlife and the ecosystems that surround them,” said Austin. He continues to explain that it has been a life-long dream of his to work for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
“Doing this program is preparing me for future jobs by teaching me the necessary skills and the work ethic that is needed to be successful. I have also learned that nothing in life is free; you must be willing to put in the work,” said Austin.
Additional information about the Longley Meadows Fish Habitat Enhancement Project can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54798
