August, 2018
We have a lot of great programs in our AmeriCorps portfolio, but the Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) has some of the most rugged and adventurous AmeriCorps members in the state! Our AmeriCorps member of the month for August, Chris “CJ” Dimacali, is a perfect example of how AmeriCorps members “get things done” in the toughest conditions!
CJ joined the Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) as a crew leader in February of 2018. CJ graduated from Florida State University in May of 2015 with a B.S. in Environmental Science. CJ’s trail crew experience began in 2016 through the California Conservation Corps’ legendary backcountry trails program. CJ continued working in the trail world through late 2017, serving on a trail crew with Golden Gate Nationals Parks Conservancy and as a backcountry trails worker in Kings Canyon National Park.
CJ continues to serve the UCC on a variety of conservation projects out of the field office based in Cedar City, Utah. He is set to graduate from a 1700-hour term of service in November of 2018.
Check out some of CJ’s many accomplishments:
- Led improvements of multiple rock climbing sites in the world renowned bouldering area of Joe’s Valley outside Orangeville, Utah. In partnership with the Access Fund, improvements included: rock retaining wall construction, high use area rock armoring, rock stairs and check step construction, social trail eradication, and trail corridor clearing.
- Planted thousands of trees, shrubs, and willow stakes along the Sevier River, Beaver Rover, and Otter Creek in southern Utah in partnership with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
- Assisted in the instruction of Wilderness First Aid course for incoming summer 2018 crew members
- Was an integral leader in the construction of the new Eagles View mountain bike trail in Escalante Petrified Forest State Park in Escalante, Utah. This is easily one of the most technical trail projects ever taken on by the UCC. The trail is set to be completed in the fall of 2018
That is quite the resume! Thank you for your leadership and service, CJ!
Think you have what it takes to join the Utah Conservation Corps? Check out open positions here!