by Dave Ward, Hamilton
I read recently that efforts were being made by the Trump Administration to close the Trapper Creek Job Corps Center. I was greatly angered by this news. Over the past five years I have had the opportunity to work closely with the students and some of the teachers at the center. I have worked with them on various conservation projects, including the Lee Metcalf restoration project at the Wildlife Refuge. We have also worked on Boat Ramp rebuilding projects and a fisheries research project.
I have without exception been impressed with the enthusiasm of the students and their hard work. They have made significant contributions to our community while increasing their job skills. The students are very polite and seem to be very happy to be given this opportunity to learn skills that make them more employable.
This coming Wednesday, the science teacher at Trapper Creek will be helping the students release Rainbow Trout that they have raised from fertilized eggs. This is the fifth year she has successfully done this program. The students learn water chemistry and other factors that go into making sure the fish grow to a releasable size. These same students also are participating in a macroinvertebrate inventory of the Bitterroot River to monitor its health.
I feel it would be a huge loss to our community to have this center closed. We would lose the positive energy that these students and staff bring to the Bitterroot Valley. It’s time to take a stand and make our voices heard about our disagreement with the closure.