News : NCCC Fire Team reflects upon accomplishments in Benton, other counties

NCCC team members wait for smoke to clear before extinguishing smoldering flames with hand tools

Mitchell Holcomb, 19, monitors the wetline to ensure that fire remains on the inside perimeter.

By: Lauren Brostowitz, Maple 4

When Maple 4, an AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) fire team, began work with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, they were eager and excited to indulge in prescribed burns. Since the 11-member team departed on April 16, they have reflected upon their accomplishments and knowledge gained working alongside the Iowa DNR and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The NCCC team participated in more than 14 prescribed burns throughout portions of Benton, Iowa and Tama Counties totaling more than 3,000 acres. Prescribed burns, or controlled burns of designated areas, continue to strengthen wildlife habitat for native species by regulating invasive flora and enriching soil and plant life. The team also assisted in boundary postings, fence and beaver dam removal and various tasks aimed towards environmental conservation.

Maple 4 team member Stephen Wasp, 22, a Long Island, New York transplant, can’t believe the team has successfully burned such a large amount of acreage in such a short time.

“It’s exciting to know that we’re close to achieving the DNR’s best acreage burned in a year,” Wasp said. “It means we’re getting a lot done, which is really rewarding.”

In addition to working with the Iowa DNR, Maple 4 successfully completed 9 hours of independent service project hours in Wapello, Iowa collecting and filling forty 50-gallon bags of cans and twenty bags of plastic bottles for a PTA can and bottle drive. The team also dedicated four hours assisting Meals on Wheels in Cedar Rapids.

Maple 4 is now working with the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Necedah, Wisconsin where they will serve until May 11. Participating in another four-week term, the team is eagerly applying their newly acquired knowledge and experience engaging in prescribed burns and environmental preservation.