Faculty Advisor
Ed Weber Dr Manuel Montano
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Summer 2025
Keywords
Internship
Abstract
During my internship with the Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness Foundation (ABWF), I was originally placed with the Gardiner Ranger District trail crew. However, due to Forest Service budget cuts, I had the opportunity to engage with a wide range of departments, including recreation, wildlife, botany, and silviculture. This cross-departmental exposure allowed me to fulfill key learning objectives such as gaining hands-on skills in trail maintenance, understanding federal conservation work, and developing ecological restoration competencies.
A significant portion of my internship involved trail maintenance within designated wilderness areas, where I became certified in crosscut saw use and practiced safe and effective techniques for felling and bucking trees. I also worked extensively with traditional tools like Pulaskis and axes, and learned to care for and utilize pack animals, such as horses and mules, in wilderness trail work.
In addition to trail work, I contributed to several Forest Service conservation projects. These included a goshawk nesting survey, an old-growth forest stand assessment, and a Canada lynx habitat analysis—each tied to a proposed timber sale and aligned with environmental review procedures under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). These projects provided insight into how federal land management balances ecological stewardship with resource-based decision-making.
Through this internship, I maintained 30 miles of trail, improved 10 public recreation sites, and assisted in protecting habitat for multiple sensitive species. I not only exceeded my learning objectives but also gained clarity on potential career paths within trail work, ecological research, and federal land management. This experience deepened my understanding of wilderness stewardship and strengthened my desire to pursue a career in natural resources.
Recommended Citation
Briggs, Jared, "Montana Conservation Corps Intern" (2025). College of the Environment Internship Reports. 333.
https://cedar.wwu.edu/cenv_internship/333
Type
Text
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf