Oregon lawmakers urged to fund $10M Oregon Conservation Corps wildfire prevention program

The Oregon State Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss critical funding for the Oregon Conservation Corps (OCC), a program that has proven to be a vital resource for both youth workforce development and wildfire prevention.

Laura Handy, Executive Director of Heart of Oregon Corps, presented compelling statistics highlighting the program's impact. Since its inception, the OCC has trained over 1,000 young people and treated more than 8,000 acres of high-risk landscapes, protecting over 1,400 structures from wildfires. Handy emphasized the program's dual benefits: it not only equips youth with valuable certifications for careers in firefighting and trades but also actively reduces wildfire risks in vulnerable communities.

Handy urged the committee to continue funding the OCC, advocating for a proposed $10 million in state funding and an additional $5 million in matching funds. She stressed the importance of this investment, framing it as a proactive measure to prevent future costs associated with hiring out-of-state firefighting crews. "This is not just about spending money; it's about making a strategic investment in our communities," she stated.

Senator Jeff Golden's Chief of Staff, Sarah Sedam, echoed Handy's sentiments, calling the OCC a "threefer" program that not only mitigates wildfire risks but also creates job opportunities for youth and builds a workforce pipeline for the forestry sector. Sedam highlighted that the OCC has treated nearly 6,900 acres across 90 ZIP codes since its establishment, showcasing its extensive reach and effectiveness.

Jeff Parker, President and CEO of Northwest Youth Corps, reinforced the program's significance, noting that it has successfully launched numerous careers in wildfire and natural resource management. He called for continued legislative support, emphasizing the program's low-cost, high-impact approach to addressing both workforce needs and environmental challenges.

Marco Bey, Executive Director of the Lomaqatsi Restoration Project, shared firsthand experiences of OCC crews actively working to protect communities from wildfires. He highlighted the program's ability to attract federal co-investments, further enhancing its sustainability and effectiveness.

The committee's discussions underscored the urgency of funding the OCC as a means to safeguard communities while empowering the next generation of workers. As the meeting concluded, the call for continued investment in the Oregon Conservation Corps resonated strongly, with advocates hopeful for a favorable outcome that would ensure the program's future and its ongoing benefits to Oregon's youth and communities.