Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State Parks (2024)

Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State Parks (1)

When Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) became president in 1933, the entire nation was in a state of turmoil never seen before or since. It was the height of the Great Depression: unemployment was at 25%, croplands were failing, and millions of families were going hungry. As governor of New York State, FDR had implemented the Temporary Emergency Relief Administration which put thousands of young men to work reforesting one million acres. Within his first one hundred days of his presidency FDR enacted the Civilian Conservation Corps, a national work program which gave men ages 17 to 28 unskilled labor jobs in infrastructure. The young men were paid $30 a month, $25 of which had to go home to their families. By the end of the program nine years later, over three million men from all fifty states had made significant improvements to the nation’s road system, planted three billion trees, and built thousands of facilities in state parks. The CCC had a major impact on New York’s state parks, with many of the structures remaining today.

Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State Parks (2)

The CCC was active at Fair Haven Beach State Park from 1934 to 1942. The young men employed by the Corps built roads, cabins, service buildings, and created barriers against waterfront erosion from Lake Ontario. Park manager Jerry Egenhofer says: “The establishment of the CCC – with their readiness to lend assistance with personnel, built in financial aid, and their readily accessible materials – aided greatly in expediting and promoting the park’s development and growth.”

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CCC activities at Green Lakes State Park.

A CCC company of Spanish-American War veterans built cabins, service buildings, roads, trails, the boathouse, the golf course, and the golf clubhouse at Green Lakes State Park. The men transferred tons of sand from Oneida Lake to create the beach in the park.

Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State Parks (3)

Allegany State Park can also thank the CCC for many elements of the current park, including bridges, roads, camp sites, trails, and the ski area. The CCC also worked on wildlife conservation projects, including reforestation and stream bank retention.

Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State Parks (4)

At Bear Mountain State Park, both the Perkins Memorial Drive and Perkins Memorial Tower – named after the first president of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission – were built by the CCC between 1932 and 1934. On a clear day, four states and the Manhattan skyline can be seen from the summit.

Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State Parks (5)

Bear Mountain State Park also housed Camp TERA (Temporary Emergency Relief Assistance), the first of several camps for women established by then-First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, nicknamed She-She-She camps. Jobless, single women under 40 from the New York City area spent the summer months in the woods learning new skills and recovering from health problems brought on my acute poverty and lack of food.

At Gilbert Lake State Park the CCC constructed cabins, trails, roads, dams, and erosion control structures between 1933 and 1941. The park is also home to the New York State Civilian Conservation Corps Museum, which displays photographs and artifacts from the days of the CCC.

New CCC recruit arrives at Newtown Battlefield

Company 1251-c (the “c” denoted a “colored” company), was assigned to the Newtown Battlefield in 1935.

Facing mounting controversy over racial integration, the CCC director Robert Fechner decided to segregate the camps in 1935. The “colored” CCC company at Newtown Battlefield hosted black educators and medical officers, and following complaints from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and other advocacy groups, the CCC appointed black officers to command the camp. The men built cabins, restrooms, ball fields, and the picnic pavilion.

Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State Parks (8)
Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State Parks (9)

The CCC contributed to many more projects at other state parks and historic sites not featured in this article. Without a doubt, the efforts of the CCC members created the foundation of New York’s incredible state park system, and their legacy deserves to be remembered and honored.

Post by: Alison Baxter, Excelsior Service Fellow

Sources

Civilian Conservation Corps in the Finger Lakes, Part 1. Walk in the Park, April 17, 2014. (Includes a video with a presentation by State Parks environmental educator Josh Teeter)

Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy

Kahramanidis, Jane. “The She-She-She Camps of the Great Depression.” History Magazine. February/March 2008.

Prejudice & Pride: Civil Rights and the CCC: Company 1251-c at Newtown”. The Preservationist. Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, 2007.

Thompson, Craig. “Force for Nature: Civilian Conservation Corps”. New York State Conservationist. Department of Environmental Conservation, February 2008.

State Parks Master Plans

Wikipedia

Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State Parks (2024)

FAQs

Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State Parks? ›

The Civilian Conservation Corps played a vital role in shaping state parks across the country, including in New York, by constructing trails, bridges, and structures that are still in use today. And it is the model for the President's new Civilian Climate Corps.

How to get into NY state parks for free? ›

The New York State Empire Pass brings free entry to most NY state parks. No need to pay for the pass – library cardholders may borrow it from us! This pass allows for free admission for one vehicle to any New York State park.

What is the Civilian Conservation Corps in New York State? ›

Within the first one hundred days of his presidency, FDR enacted the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a national work program that gave men ages 17 to 28 unskilled labor jobs in infrastructure. The CCC had a major impact on New York's state parks, with many of the structures remaining today.

Did the CCC build state parks? ›

The CCC built some 1,500 structures and landscape features in California State Parks during the 1930s. Many survive, although some are now in dire need of repair and rehabilitation. The California State Park System owes its signature look to the thoughtful designers of the National Park Service.

Do seniors get in free to NYS parks? ›

New York State Golden Park Program

If you are a New York State resident 62 or older, on Monday - Friday (except holidays), you can obtain free vehicle access to most* state parks, boat launch sites and arboretums and fee reduction to state historic sites and state-operated golf courses.

What age is senior discount in NY? ›

To qualify for reduced fare one must be 65 or older. People with disabilities qualify for reduced fare at any age. For Subways: Purchase Reduced Fare and show your Medicare card or use Reduced Fare Metrocard.

Can veterans get into New York State Parks for free? ›

Overview. The Lifetime Liberty Pass offers various benefits, including free entry to state parks, DEC-operated day-use areas, boat launch sites, historic sites, and more. It also provides perks like free golf at State Park golf courses, access to State Park pools, and discounts on camping and cabin rentals.

Who is eligible for the Civilian Conservation Corps? ›

The CCC or C's as it was sometimes known, allowed single men between the ages of 18 and 25 to enlist in work programs to improve America's public lands, forests, and parks.

What is the Civilian Conservation Corps benefits? ›

A CCC worker's salary was $30 a month, most of which the men sent home to their families. Meals, lodging, clothing, medical, and dental care were all free for enrollees. The men generally spent $5 to $8 of their monthly salary on toiletries, postage, haircuts, and occasional entertainment.

What are some examples of Civilian Conservation Corps? ›

They built hundreds of state parks with cabins, artificial lakes, and water supply systems, and much of the infrastructure in the U.S. National Park System was created using CCC labor. CCC workers built water tanks for cattle on the Western plains and constructed fire lookout towers in forests.

Why was the CCC discontinued? ›

The Civilian Conservation Corps was discontinued by the United States Congress in 1942, as the country prepared to enter World War II. By this time, the need for work relief had declined, and the military was specifically seeking out CCC enrolees to aid in the war effort.

What was the controversy with the Civilian Conservation Corps? ›

Controversies over enrollment of African Americans in the CCC, the location of camps housing them, and the jobs they were assigned lasted throughout the program's existence. Because of hostility and harassment from some communities, officials separated black and white enrollees.

Does the CCC still exist today? ›

When the United States officially entered the war in December 1941, almost all CCC efforts were stopped unless they directly assisted with the war effort. Congress quickly reappropriated the funds from the program and the formally terminated the Civilian Conservation Corps on June 30, 1942.

What is the difference between a golden age passport and a senior pass? ›

The Senior Pass (officially called America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass) allows access and discounts at National Parks and other federal recreation sites. This pass replaced the Golden Age Passport (which is still valid if you have one).

Do seniors get in NYS Fair free? ›

Admission and parking pricing details:

Admission tickets are just $8 each. People 65 years old and older, and children 12 years old and under are admitted free every day of the Fair. Check our special fair days page for other daily admission offers.

Is Jones Beach free for senior citizens? ›

Seniors (62+)

Parking on weekdays (Monday through Friday) is free throughout the year, but fees apply on weekends and holidays.

How much is a state park pass in New York? ›

For $750 you will receive an Empire Pass card with no expiration date. Buy it once and enjoy the parks for your lifetime!

How can I park for free in New York? ›

Where can I park for free in NYC?
  1. There is free parking on Sundays on metered spots. ...
  2. On major holidays, standing and alternate side parking rules are suspended.
  3. You can park for free during off hours in areas with regulations like “No parking between 2 am and 6 am” if there aren't meters.

Are US state parks free? ›

Across the country, many state parks waive admission fees for certain groups (like kids, seniors, or military members), while others welcome all visitors for free. Below, we share all the tricks for getting into national parks and state parks in 2024, without opening your wallet.

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