Core Goal 4: Support Community Revitalization

Communities throughout the Hardrock mining West have experienced the periods of boom and bust characteristic of mining. Many communities search for an alternate economy, such as creating a tourist-based economy but still struggle to preserve their mining heritage. Little infrastructure or public river access for recreational development exists, as historically that land is privately owned. The WHWT supports community revitalization through economic redevelopment projects that increase awareness,  understanding and access to local history, culture, and the continuing relationship between the river and the community.

Casey Carrigan initiates community greenhouse project in Lake City, CO

Three generations of OSM/VISTAs working for the Lake Fork Valley Conservancy: Camille Richard, Katie Testa, Casey Carrigan (left to right)

OSM/VISTA Casey Carrigan with the Lake Fork Valley Conservancy initiated a community greenhouse project in December of 2010.  The Lake City community has an interest in having fresh, affordable produce, but Lake City’s remote location means that produce must be shipped great distances, diminishing the quality and raising the price of produce. Carrigan's project has received considerable community support, and the town agreed to lease land and provide water for a community garden site near the Moseley Health Care Complex for three years. Almost concurrently, a Lake City native donated a green house to the project valued at $25,000. The mission of the community garden is “to improve the agricultural sustainability of the Lake City community, and encourage good stewardship of natural and community resources.” Money spent on produce grown through this project also would stay in the Lake City community. Carrigan sees the potential this project holds in his community: an educational opportunity, meaningful interaction between residents, teachers and students and healthier food choices.

OSM/VISTAs weatherize homes in Silverton, CO for 2011 MLK Jr. Day of Service

OSM/VISTA Leader Adrian Uzunian (left) and OSM/VISTA Whitney Gaskill (right) help weatherize a home in Silverton, Colorado

On January 17th, 2011 three OSM/VISTA volunteers from the Western Hardrock Watershed Team (WHWT) and AmeriCorps volunteers with the Southwest Conservation Corps weatherization crew joined forces with the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) and Mountain Studies Institute (MSI) to provide Silverton residents with energy conservation and demonstrate weatherization techniques. The goal for this day of service was to assist those in the community interested in improving their energy efficiency who may not be able to afford it. During the day the 4CORE weatherization crew performed a full energy audit of the Silverton Hostel, while the WHWT OSM/VISTAs, Whitney Gaskill, Rachel Boothby and Adrian Uzunian, assisted the Silverton Youth Center and residents in need with simple weatherization techniques, such as putting up window plastic and insulating doors. The Youth Center coordinator, Julie Danjou, who is an AmeriCorps volunteer, thanked the Western Hardrock Watershed Team for their engaging and beneficial service to the Silverton community.