Southwest Conservation Corps

Corpsmembers Southwest Conservation Corps – CCC Legacy Annual Gathering 2013, Phoenix, AZ

The predominately recognized accomplishments of the CCC are vast

The CCC built the infrastructure of the modern outdoor recreation system

Military style camp life developed citizens that supported the WWII manpower effort.  Many believe that the CCC experience enhanced America’s ability to win WWII.     

Soil conservation was taught to private citizens and was implemented on government land.  The dust bowl of the Great Plains hampered agriculture output for many years. 

Reintroduced wildlife to depleted areas.  In many areas wildlife was hard hit due to the devastation of their habitat.  Some camps were involved in research and many more were tasked with the reintroduction and monitoring wildlife. 

The modern tenets of conservation are an outgrowth of conservation efforts  begun during  the CCC

The Boys supported their families by earning $30 monthly.  A $25 financial allotment was distributed to help support the family at home.   

Nearly 2.5 Billion forest trees were planted to help restore public land in America.

Constructed roadways and buildings on public land.  Today citizens still drive on roadways built by the men of the CCC.  Vast expanses of public land are connected through scenic byways and fire trails.  Lodges, cabins, picnic pavilions, and many other recreational structures still stand as a testament to the craftsmanship and design of the CCC program    

The modern service corps movement in America today is founded on the corps concept of the CCC

Forest fire fighting methods were developed under the CCC program to meet the needs of controlling wildfires that kept the land from healing and naturally restoring watersheds.  

Advanced the standard of living in communities surrounding a camp due to the infusion of revenue amounting to as much as $5000 a month 

Built and operated fish hatcheries which replenished the species killed or compromised by  excessive erosion and unfavorable conservation practices.