b'Conservation Corps Success:Making a Lasting Impact During the PandemicCOVID-19 made a lasting impact on countless industries and professions, and the Rocky Mountain ConservancyConservation Corps (RMCCC) program was no different. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the normal operating crew of 40 individuals was cut in half, which was challenging, but it also highlighted the resilience of each of these young people as they worked to improve some of Colorados public lands. This year, the 20 Corps members were split into two pods to work in the Boulder Ranger District and Sulphur Ranger District of the Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests, which sits adjacent to Rocky Mountain National Park. Crew members initiated their required AmeriCorps training via Zoom and quarantined at their own homes prior to arrival. By mid-June, crews arrived at their respective locations to work in their designated pods, with an assigned Field Coordinator that allowed the crews to minimize travel and reduce exposure.Our Boulder and Sulphur Ranger District crews worked in heavily trafficked areas to restore and improve more than 50 miles of damaged trail within James Peak and Indian Peaks Wilderness areas. They also worked with Front Range Climbing Stewards on access projects involving trail maintenance and heavy rock step and bridge work in heavily trafficked wetland areas to protect this fragile habitat. The crews also conducted maintenance on many miles of trail within Grand County. While the season was anything but normal for our 2020 Conservation Corps, it was full of life-changing experiences, and a thrill to witness the crews adapting so seamlessly to the times. What an incredible group of public lands stewards!Extending the Conservation Corps ImpactWith 2020 being anything but a typical year, trying something new with the Conservation Corps seemed like a likely opportunity. For the fall of 2020, we extended our Corps season to any crew members that were interested in staying on to work on projects within Estes Park. We engaged four crew members and two Field Coordinators to focus on trail maintenance projects within the Rawah Wilderness area, and within Estes Park on the Thumb and Needle Project. These crews continued working in a pod environment, and this extended opportunity remains a Conservancy priority for the fall of 2021 as it provided a valuable opportunity for members to continue to hone their craft, and also to work on projects that hold unique challenges for local land managers. Within Estes Park, the Extended Crew worked on creating access to close-to-town recreation that will serve local and visiting adventurers alike. Innovative programming at its best. Conservation Corp | RMNP10 |ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY 2020 ANNUAL REPORT| 11'