Implements of mass destruction were hauled out along the Sandy River and
invasive species were the target of the attack.

When the conservation crew members were finished, the bodies of
blackberries, Scotch broom, fox glove, herb Robert (aka: stinky Bob), and
Japanese knotweed were strewn along the banks of the river.

Later, of course, the invasive creatures were removed from sight.
Project YESS, a work-based learning program at Mt. Hood Community

College, is in its second summer of providing work readiness skills – bolstered
by federal stimulus funds.

Jason Weiss, 22, in his second year with YESS, has graduated to assistant
crew leader, and was on the job Aug. 9 along the Sandy River downstream
from the Miller Road quarry.

“I started out on the crew as an intern,” Weiss said, taking a break from the
warm-up routine the crew members go through before attacking the invaders.
“I was considered an at-risk youth and this project turned me around and
helped me graduate. In turn, I’ve helped nature. It’s good stuff. But more
needs to be done.”

Marci Krass of YESS, and Jason Dumont, manager of the Portland Area
Preserves for The Nature Conservancy, were the leaders at the site, providing
guidance to a crew of eight students.

“We stress that crew members organize themselves in the work group,” Krass
said. “All are students at Mt. Hood Community College, and they all get paid.”
Dumont pointed out the attack area with maps placed on the old quarry
grounds.

“We’re undoing what was done here for the last 70 years,” he said. “Today,
it’s a matter of mass destruction to provide for a winter replanting.”
From there the crew members waded into the fray, hacking and stacking
whatever invasive species stood in their path.
The project provides urban youth a unique opportunity to learn and grow
through participation in a conservation effort of restoration throughout the
Sandy River Basin.

“With its old-growth fir stands, designated wild and scenic reaches of river,
ideal salmon habitat, and prime recreational opportunities in close proximity
to urban areas, the basin is one of Oregon’s most unique and valued natural
areas,” Krass said. “It also provides an amazing escape from the stresses of
life youth today face growing up in the city.”

The funding source for the project include: Community Colleges and
Workforce Development, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The project becomes reality through
the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps.

“With at least one crew working in every county in Oregon, more than 2,500
youth and 3,000 individuals have gained green job opportunities throughout
the past 16 months,” Krass said. “More than $9 million of federal funding will
be spent in Oregon on conservation projects through August of 2010.”

For more information about Project YESS and the conservation crew program,
contact Marci Krass at mkrass@gmail. com, or call at 307-690-5820.