Earlier this year, Fresno EOC Local Conservation Corps (LCC) contracted with the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District (FMFCD) to have LCC corpsmembers place plastic markers on storm drains in various areas of the city of Fresno. The plastic markers deter people from dumping oil and other hazardous chemicals into storm drains which can pollute ponding basin waters as well as the residential water table. The partnership allows corpsmembers to learn vocational training skills, all while learning about the importance of protecting the environment and getting work experience helping better their communities. This project is part of corpsmembers vocational training; they along with an assigned supervisor completed the placement of 70 markers. Corpsmembers will continue with this project June 21, 2021 for an additional three days.
“I had a meeting with [FMFCD]. They were impressed with the work performed, and they are willing to work with us again next year,” says Julio Lopez, LCC Recycling Program Manager. “Skills that corpsmembers learned during this project include taking care of our precious water resources along with working toward leaving a better Fresno for future generations. Work skills learned include punctuality, following directions, and using tools to identify locations where markers were to be placed.”
This project is a win for both LCC and FMFCD. The contracting agency wants to help provide working opportunities for the youth of the Fresno community, and that is just what they are doing. LCC’s slogan is “Training Tomorrows Leaders Today,” and on this project, FMFCD is helping to fulfil that slogan. The corpsmembers participating on this project are leading the way in natural water conservation, aiding in keeping Fresno a healthy place to live with clean water in our local ponding basins.