History of YEP
A brief summaryHumble Beginnings
First organized in 1994 in cooperation with Lemhi County. Board members included magistrate judge, local business owners, county clerk and representative of court system.
First Partnership
Initial projects from 1994-1996 were with the Salmon Regional office of the Idaho BLM. Work included fencing and range improvement.
Expanding Reach
In 1996 work included a wide range of program work for the Salmon/Challis National Forest.
Growing Scope
In 2000 program expanded to the Challis Regional Office of the Idaho BLM with a focus on implementing Travel Management Plan and work to address habitat improvement.
Larger Toolset and Skills
Since 2016 program has had strong involvement with Recreational Trails on both the BLM and USFS. Initiated a mechanized use program to include dozer and excavator use to improve efficiency of trail dollars as well as provide job skills training in the use of equipment.
Branching Out
In 2018 started the initial dialogue with The Nature Conservancy to plan and fund a program in Dillon, Montana. Program has grown to include several agency and non-profit organization partners to provide unique career training opportunities to participants.
Higher Education Programs
New to the program is our partnership with two universities that will provide undergraduate and master programs individuals with opportunities to work in fields of choice that will assist in career growth and college degrees.
Marching On
The program continues to work with its numerous partners to create/win projects.