Americorps Volunteers
The recent announcement regarding the closure of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) by DOGE, has created a ripple that will affect Superior and other rural communities in the coming years.
The abrupt and unexpected announcement by the Trump administration marks the end of a federal initiative that has played a meaningful role in Superior and other rural communities. The Town of Superior in conjunction with the Legends of Superior Trails Inc. and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum hosted AmeriCorps NCCC crews for the past five years. Each year the crews would focus on trail and fire break construction along with fire break maintenance.
“Our entire community would come out to support our annual NCCC crew, offering meals and camaraderie during their stay,” said Mayor Mila Besich. “This is a tremendous loss of resources for our community.”
The Town’s hospitality and support for the assigned crew earned the town an award from AmeriCorps.
The NCCC program, known for deploying teams of young adults to assist with critical service projects, from wildfire mitigation and environmental restoration to infrastructure improvements and community development, has been a vital partner for towns with limited resources.
For Superior, the loss of this program will mean fewer opportunities to access cost-effective labor for important community projects. In past years, NCCC teams have contributed to wildfire fuel reduction efforts, trail maintenance, and various beautification and restoration initiatives that not only protected the town’s natural environment but also enhanced recreational tourism and community safety.
The absence of NCCC support will challenge Superior’s capacity to complete future projects and maintain existing fire breaks.