As a small area nonprofit, Mosquito Range Heritage Initiative strives to coordinate and balance preservation and conservation with recreation and economic development so that the natural integrity and heritage of the Mosquito Range and the South Park community is not lost. To succeed, we need the entire community. Programs are science-based, include all applicable partners, and welcome everyone interested in making a difference. Founded in 2007, the MRHI mission is: Through cooperative efforts, seeks to conserve unique natural areas, preserve historic & cultural sites, promote diverse recreation and develop community business opportunities. VISTA will help address these increasing issues by working with towns, county, national heritage area and forest service stakeholders to assist in the development and implementation of a land conservation and recreation plan for the Mosquito Range. This plan will focus on travel management, land conservation and easement priorities to address development concerns, and historical resource protection through interpretation and restoration to reduce vandalism and preserve our remaining mining heritage.

Member Duties:

\n
• continue to build on the development of a land conservation, natural resource and recreation plan for the Mosquito Range to address significant current natural, cultural and recreation resource issues that directly impact the local economy.
\n
• establishment of a formal MRHI Land Conservation Program for project implementation. Primary efforts will target travel management, land conservation, easement priorities to address development concerns, legal recreational access, and historical resource protection to preserve mining heritage.
\n
• analysis and expansion of current project and job opportunities in resource protection, restoration and interpretation for immediate positive local impact.
\n
• create new economic opportunities in what was once primarily a mining community through dedicated environmental stewardship of the Mosquito Range.
\n

Program Benefits:

Training, Choice of Education Award ($6,895) or End of Service Stipend (appx. $4,000), Living Allowance (~$1,400/month), Relocation Allowance ($750), Mileage Reimbursement, Childcare assistance, Health Coverage* (Benefit Plan or Allowance)

*For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare

Service Areas:

Community and Economic Development, Environment, Community Outreach, Education, Children/Youth.

Skills:

Community Organization, Education, Environment, Youth Development, Recruitment, Fund raising/Grant Writing, Public Speaking, First Aid.