Author Description

The Public Lands Corps was established by the Public Lands Corps Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-82; hereinafter ''the 1993 Act'') to encourage young adults to carry out a wide range of service projects on public lands. The National Park Service has supported a wide range of Public Lands Corps projects since 1997, but the authority was not used by other agencies. In 2005, the 1993 Act was amended to expand the use of the Corps and the opportunities it promised for young people around the country. While youth conservation corps have a strong record of restoring, maintaining, and improving public lands in a cost-effective and efficient manner working in partnership with Federal land management agencies, the 2005 amendments nevertheless had a limited effect on expanding the use of the program. However, interest in the program has continued to grow. Corps programs benefit young men and women by providing them with public service, service-learning, job training, and work opportunities. It also introduces a diversity of young people to careers in natural and cultural resource stewardship and public service by working directly with conservation professionals in land management agencies. This work also promotes the understanding of and appreciation for the agencies' missions, and provides potential pathways to Federal careers in the public land management agencies, which are in need of a new generation of employees. S. 896 would expand and strengthen the 1993 Act by creating a ''consulting intern'' program for graduate students who help agencies carry out management analysis activities, facilitating career placement for corps participants, emphasizing partnerships and learning opportunities, authorizing additional financial and administrative support for corps participants, and establishing an Indian Youth Service Corps to be managed by tribally authorized organizations. S. 896 also diversifies the types of projects and activities that may be carried out by the corps, including