Amador County – Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp fire fighters switched gears about two weeks ago and moved into conservation work for the fall and winter months. One long-standing project, the clearing of Jackson Creek and Sutter Creek is the primary responsibility of Crew One.

Under the direction of Captain John Kirkpatrick, and assisted by a City of Jackson Maintenance Worker, vegetation is removed from the creek bed prior to the start of the rainy season.

Pine Grove Camp Superintendent Mike Roots said the “task is a daunting one and takes a great deal of energy and teamwork to accomplish. Often working in water thigh deep, the stream clearing crew uses chain saws, weed whackers, and a variety of hand tools to remove a year’s worth of growth.”

Roots said “while it is uncomfortable to work standing in water a good part of the day in October, it really takes a hard working and dedicated crew to do the same work in December and January.”

He said “Pine Grove Camp firefighters have tamed the creeks of Amador County for years and they take great pride in making the surrounding communities a safer place to live and work.”

In other community participation, the Pine Grove Camp’s Crew Four participated in the City of Jackson’s Annual Veterans Day Parade Nov. 11. Captain Chris Sauer led the 17 firefighters of Crew Four and received applause and shouts of, “Pine Grove Camp, Pine Grove Camp” all along the parade route. Some bystanders were heard saying “thank you” as they walked in the parade.

Roots said “from time to time a citizen would approach the crew, shake their hands, and thank them for their hard work in cleaning out the Jackson Creek.” He said “although the parade route was only a half-mile long, the crowd’s enthusiasm and support will create memories not soon forgotten.

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