CALIFORNIA CONSERVATION CORPS HISTORY OF THE CCC

The California Conservation Corps is the oldest and largest conservation corps in the nation. But it didn't happen overnight. From a small beginning the CCC has grown to its current size with residential centers and nonresidential satellite facilities throughout the state.

Modeled after the original Civilian Conservation Corps created in 1933 by President Franklin Roosevelt, legislation for today's California program was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown on July 7, 1976. Governor Brown envisioned the program as "a combination Jesuit seminary, Israeli kibbutz, and Marine Corps boot camp."

Boyd (Buck) Hornorwas the first to head up the CCC, followed by Leroy Chatfield (1977-79). The first CCC academy was established in the San Bernardino Mountains, with the first CCC center opened in San Luis Obispo in the spring of 1977. Other centers would soon follow.

When the irrepressible B.T. Collins became director (1979-81), the former Green Beret coined the CCC's motto: "hard work, low pay, and miserable conditions." He garnered national and international attention for the work of the Corps. He was followed by Jack Dugan (1981-1983), who had served as the CCC's chief deputy since its inception.

When Governor Deukmejian took office in 1983, he made the CCC a permanent state department with the elimination of its "sunset clause." Under the direction of Bud Sheble (1983-91), the CCC consolidated various centers and added several dozen nonresidential satellite facilities.

In 1992, Governor Wilson appointed Al Aramburu to direct the program. Mr. Aramburu's focus was to make the Corps "bigger and better" through an entrepreneurial approach.

In November, 1999 Governor Davis appointed H. Wes Pratt as CCC director. Corpsmember development through education, emergency response and conservation work was Mr. Pratt's focus at the CCC.

Governor Schwarzenegger appointed Will Semmes as Director of the CCC in September 2004.