National Historic Department Grant: Preservation Maintenance at Lees Ferry and Lonely Dell Ranch

A second component of this project is to highlight the work performed by the youth crew by partnering with the National Trust for Historic Preservationâ¿¿s HOPE Crew- Hands-On Preservation Experience. The Hope Crew is an initiative to train young people in preservation crafts while helping to protect historic cultural sites on public lands. The groupâ¿¿s primary goal in this project is to document and publicize the work performed by the youth crew.

This project addresses public purpose by training youth corps participants in preservation, maintenance, pest control on historic structures, and maintaining orchards. Training will also include learning and abiding by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The work carried out by the conservation corps members will also improve the condition of the historic structures and orchard at the NHD. This improved condition will provide a more satisfying interpretive experience for thousands of visitors to the district.

The public benefit of working with the HOPE Crew is that it gives the public an insight in to how tax dollars are spent in preserving the nationâ¿¿s heritage. Partnering with HOPE also brings the stories of Lees Ferry and Lonely Dell to a much wider audience. This wider audience includes state and national news outlets, as well government leaders through the groupâ¿¿s governmental affairs office.