Marine Corps
Logistics Base Albany personnel and their families can now assist in the
preservation of wildlife aboard the installation through volunteering efforts,
according to Base Order 11015.1, Conservation Volunteer Program.
The CVP provides
policy and procedural guidance with regard to accepting and using the services
of volunteers to accomplish various projects associated with the program.
Julie Robbins,
natural resources manager, MCLB Albany, oversees the program.
“The Conservation
Volunteer Program provides an opportunity for individuals interested in
wildlife and outdoor recreation to contribute toward the management of these
resources aboard the installation,” Robbins said. “With limited resources
available, volunteers can make a big difference in completing and maintaining
natural resources projects.”
“There is a wide
range of opportunities available and we make efforts to match projects to the
skill, ability levels and interests of the people who volunteer,” she
said.
Al Belanger, game
warden, MCLB Albany, said with the shortage of office staff, volunteers provide
an opportunity to accomplish many more tasks.
“We have
volunteers (who) have very little experience to those (who) are skilled
carpenters,” Belanger said. “When you have individuals with this type of
specialized skills, you get professional-grade work done.”
He said
volunteers help save time and the government money.
Before beginning any
project, Belanger said volunteers complete a brief interview process to identify
their strengths and weaknesses, what they would like to do and then they
receive the proper training.
“We are always
seeking help and no one will be turned away,” Belanger said. “We have programs
that everybody can participate in individually or as a family.”
Staff Sgt.
Jeffrey Chorn, equipment specialist, Marine Corps Systems Command, recently
spent his free time helping hang duck boxes aboard the base.
“It is important to me to volunteer
for the CVP so I can do my part in keeping the wildlife safe,” Chorn said.
“While helping (the natural resources manager and game warden) I have learned
more about the wildlife we have on this base and how they live.”
Volunteers are needed for the
following projects:
-
Archery Range: maintain range and organize shooting matches;
-
Fishing at Covella Pond: keep feeders full, watch water levels in the pond, trash pick-up and assist with Buddy Fishing Tournament scheduled in June 2016;
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Operate heavy equipment: tractor, loader, dozer work and maintenance of equipment;
-
Hunting mentor (deer): assist new hunters in developing proper hunting skills and assist with workshops;
-
Hunting mentor (duck): help new hunters in developing proper hunting skills for harvesting waterfowl, construct blinds and maintain wood duck boxes;
-
Multi-use trails/firebreaks: develop multi-use trails and maintain boardwalk located near the Bosma Skeet Range and Recreational Pistol Range;
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Nature Center: support with grounds and building maintenance at Building 9251B at the corner of Williams Boulevard and Crabb Avenue; and
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Other projects include bluebird boxes, carpentry, surveys and maintaining the game warden’s work area.
For more
information, call the natural resources manager at 229-639-9946.