Civilian Conservation Corps

The Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy was formed to increase awareness of the CCC’s members, history and contributions. Founded in 2007, the Civilian Conservation Corps legacy is a non-profit organization that promotes research, education and environmental sustainability. The CCC, which is run entirely on alumni and public donations, is committed to building a strong foundation to help preserve America’s cultural and natural history for future generations. Some of the CCC’s most impressive achievements include:

• Over one billion trees planted
• implemented today’s standards of conservation
• Developed more effective forest-fighting methods
• Responsible for public roadways and buildings
• Reintroduced and monitored endangered wildlife into natural habitat

One of the most important aspects of the Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy is education. During the Depression President Theodore Roosevelt hoped that the young men who entered the CCC would emerge as strong, multitalented workers. The CCC estimates that during the 1930’s, its organization taught over 40,000 men how to read and write, in addition to expanding their vocational skills in masonry, forestry and road construction

Through Roosevelt’s ambitious and ingenious Civilian Conservation Corps, the President succeeded in recruiting millions of unemployed young men to learn various trades that would in turn stimulate economic growth for the United States. The Emergency Conservation Work Act passed on March 31, 1933, and by 1935, there were camps of industrious workers in 48 states. With the generous contributions of those interested in preserving the CCC’s important role in American history, the organization can continue to spark awareness of its cultural heritage through education, oral history, research and tourism. Today CCC alumni help fund and organize youth corps programs throughout the United States, and by doing so, they help maintain and preserve Roosevelt’s dream of building a prosperous country through a well-rounded and educated workforce.