China Region Lakes Alliance delays summer employment process

photo by Eric Austin

With all the uncertainty surrounding the novel coronavirus pandemic, the China Region Lakes Alliance (CRLA) announces a delay in advertising for summer employment opportunities.

The lake stewardship organization traditionally hires seasonal members of its Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) and Courtesy Boat Inspector (CBI) team. These positions, which typically start in June, involve working with the public and in close proximity to other team members. YCC members work on projects with private landowners to protect and improve lake water quality at China Lake, Three Mile Pond and Webber Pond. CBI team members interface with hundreds of lake users coming and going from area boat launches.

“We know a lot of kids in our community have come to count on us for summer employment, but we don’t want to let people apply for a job that we don’t know they will be able to hold come summer,” says Scott Pierz, CRLA president. “We hope to make a decision in mid- to late May on what YCC and CBI will look like this year.”

There are many unknowns regarding the summer season, and the health and wellness of community members are the CRLA’s top concern. The CRLA, together with its program partners, will use guidance from the state to determine how to best operate these critical lake protection programs. When decisions are made, the CRLA will provide details via The Town Line and the town of China website.