National Forest Service mascot Smokey Bear greets members of AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps' Forest Corps. VIPs include, in the front row from left, AmeriCorps Director Tanya Gipson-Nahman, U.S. Forest Service forester Liz Berger, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith, Smokey Bear, Congressman Ami Bera, AmeriCorps National Director Ken Goodson and Forest Corps team leader Veronica DeHart.

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Shovel in hand, National Forest Service mascot Smokey Bear last week welcomed inductees of a new Federal Agency established to help protect and manage US forests.

The ceremony at AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps’ Pacific Region campus, McClellan, expanded the American Climate Corps by 80 new members. Recruited from 50 states, the 18- to 26-year-olds serve an AmeriCorps offshoot called Forest Corps.

The program was established by a $15 million venture between AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps and the U.S. Forest Service. More than 800 young people applied to take part. The successful 80 will earn transportation, clothing, a living allowance and health benefits.

Over 10 months, members will each contribute about 1,700 hours in activity aimed at countering the wildfire crisis in 192 million acres overseen by the Forest Service.

“You could choose to work less hard than what you are about to do,” AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps CEO Michael D. Smith told inductees. “But a life of service is a gift that keeps on giving back. This program is a tangible way to make a difference in the fight to mitigate the effects of climate change. Service is not easy; it takes courage and determination. Seeing you today gives me hope for the future of this country.”

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps National Director Ken Goodson and Forest Corps program manager Nicolette Ledbury cozy up with Smokey Bear.

The Forest Corps’ inaugural teams trained six weeks on the McClellan campus and at the Forest Service's Wildland Fire Training Center. They will serve in Idaho, California, Oregon and Utah planting trees, helping fight fires and in the conservation of Forest Service infrastructure and natural resources.

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps is a federal agency for national service and volunteerism. Learn about its programs at AmeriCorps.gov.