Building the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders
Workforce development is essential to the future of our forests. In the Northern Region, the National Forest Foundation partners with Tribes, the Forest Service, and local organizations to provide paid, hands-on opportunities that build skills, confidence, and career pathways in natural resources.
Two key programs include the Mission Mountains Youth Crew on the Flathead National Forest and the Indian Youth Service Corps on the Nez Perce National Forest.
A Pathway Into Natural Resource Careers
These programs connect young people to meaningful conservation work while strengthening local communities and public lands. Participants build practical skills, gain mentorship from resource professionals, and develop leadership experience through real projects in the field. Together, these opportunities help grow a more inclusive, prepared workforce for the challenges forests face today.
Photo by Alex Kim 
Photo by Alex Kim 
Photo by Alex Kim 
Photo by Alex Kim 
Photo by Alex Kim 
Photo by Alex Kim Mission Mountains Youth Crew
Mission Mountains Youth Crew (MMYC) is a workforce development partnership between the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribe, Salish Kootenai College, the Flathead National Forest, the National Forest Foundation, and local organizations. Since 2019, the program has provided nine weeks of summer programming for eight high school crew members from the Flathead Reservation and two crew leads from Salish Kootenai College.
The 10-person crew works alongside Tribal and Forest Service natural resource specialists and college instructors. Participants gain leadership skills, heritage education, and hands-on experience across a range of natural resource career pathways.
Indian Youth Service Corps
The Indian Youth Service Corps (IYSC) provides paid opportunities for Native youth and young adults to gain experience through conservation and forestry projects that support Tribal communities and public lands.
On the Nez Perce National Forest, IYSC crews work outdoors on hands-on forestry and reforestation work, while building skills that can support future careers in natural resources.
Behind every project is a story about the people that love and rely on their National Forest for clean water, strong economies, and safe communities.
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