FDR creates Civilian Conservation Corps
On this day in 1933 President Franklin D.Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) an innovative federally funded organization that put thousands of Americans to work during the Great Depression on projects with environmental benefits.In 1932 FDR took Americas political helm during the countrys worst economic crisis declaring a government worthy of its name must make a fitting response to the suffering of the unemployed.He implemented the CCC a little over one month into his presidency as part of his administrations New Deal plan for social and economic progress.
The CCC reflected FDRs deep commitment to environmental conservation.He waxed poetic when lobbying for the its passage declaring the forests are the lungs of our land [which] purify our air and give fresh strength to our people.The CCC also known as Roosevelts Tree Army was open to unemployed unmarried U.S.male citizens between the ages of 18 and 26.
All recruits had to be healthy and were expected to perform hard physical labor.Blacks were placed in de-facto segregated camps although administrators denied the practice of discrimination.Enlistment in the program was for a minimum of 6 months many re-enlisted after their first term.
Participants were paid 30 a month and often given supplemental basic and vocational education while they served.Under the guidance of the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture CCC employees fought forest fires planted trees cleared and maintained access roads re-seeded grazing lands and implemented soil-erosion controls.They built wildlife refuges fish-rearing facilities water storage basins and animal shelters.
To encourage citizens to get out and enjoy Americas natural resources FDR authorized the CCC to build bridges and campground facilities.From 1933 to 1942 the CCC employed over 3 million men.Of Roosevelts many New Deal policies the CCC is considered by many to be one of the most enduring and successful.It provided the model for future state and federal conservation programs.
In 1942 Congress discontinued appropriations for the CCC diverting the desperately needed funds to the effort to win World War II.
