Dedicated Youths Working on Conservation Bring Optimism to Capitol
Posted by SCC on Monday, February 2nd, 2009.The following is a excerpt from Colorado State Representative Ellen Robert’s column in the February 1, 2009 Durango Herald:
“This week’s column will be more upbeat than last week’s, which focused pretty much on the dire financial conditions of our state government.
Not that the financial news got any better this week, but other things were happening, as well, that were much more positive and inspiring.
The focus on last Monday was on youths and how they’re engaging at the Capitol and in state government. I was delighted to receive the 2008 Champion for Youth award that morning from the Colorado Youth Corps Association. The Colorado Youth Corps is a coalition of 10 conservation corps that engage youths and young adults in land, water and energy conservation projects while promoting education, work and life skills in their participants.
It’s a special honor for me to receive the award. I participated in similar programs in Yellowstone and Canyonlands, before joining the National Park Service at Rocky Mountain National Park. I know how meaningful and productive hard work in the beautiful outdoors can be for developing a young person’s respect and sense of responsibility for careful stewardship of our land and natural resources.
I also had the privilege of presenting an award to Durango’s Lindsey Kolb, who has worked with the Southwest Conservation Corps in the Four Corners. Lindsey’s enthusiasm and leadership of her trail crew brings her well-deserved acclaim.
I was told many years ago that a woman (me) couldn’t be on a trail crew because she was female, so I’m thrilled that Lindsey has proven that not only can women be on a crew, but they can lead it, and excellently at that. Congratulations, Lindsey.”
