2013 Black Hills NF Vet Fire Corps III
The Black Hills are in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, covering an area 125 miles long and 65 miles wide.They encompass rugged rock formations, canyons and gulches, open grassland parks, tumbling streams, deep blue lakes, and unique caves.
The name "Black Hills" comes from the Lakota words Paha Sapa, which mean "hills that are black." Seen from a distance, these pine-covered hills, rising several thousand feet above the surrounding prairie, appear black.
As throughout the region, climate varies drastically depending on elevation. Summers generally offer warm clear days with cool nights. Afternoon thunderstorms are often a possibility in the summer.
The Student Conservation Association (SCA), in conjunction with the US Forest Service, is sponsoring the Veterans Fire Corps in 2013. The Veterans Fire Corps will be comprised of post-9/11-era veterans receiving essential training, credentials and experience to competitively pursue wildland fire and/or forestry careers. Participants will work in teams of five with an experienced SCA Project Leader. Projects may include, but are not limited to, participation on prescribed fires, fuels reduction, fire effects monitoring, FIREWISE educational outreach and pre fire preparation of burn units. The schedule may vary, but a typical schedule consists of four consecutive 10-hour days with three days off. Site-specific schedules and details are developed by the SCA Project Leader with guidance from the local US Forest Service Fire Ecologist. Wildland firefighting demands a high level of fitness to work in difficult environmental conditions, including steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke. Members will be required to pass the Work Capacity (Pack) Test at the "arduous" level. The Pack Test consists of completing a 3-mile hike with 45-pound pack in 45 minutes.A form DD214 will be required indicating an Honorable discharge or General discharge (under Honorable conditions) on a case-by-case basis.Benefits include housing, transportation, a living allowance of $280/week and eligibility for an AmeriCorps education award.
