Cindy Thill
Special to the Sun

Saturday, March 6, local youth with the Kern Valley Sheriff’s Activities League, in cooperation with the Kernville Chamber of Commerce, partnered with Forest Service personnel to participate in a local volunteer project.

The project was the rehabilitation of the site utilized by the Kernville Chamber of Commerce for this year’s Whiskey Flat carnival. An area on the Forest Service compound, adjacent to Kernville Road had been cleared for the festivities and required minor repair work for future erosion control, safety and aesthetics.  

Members of the Kern Valley Sheriff’s Activities League, with Sgt. Dean Marshall from the Kern County Sheriff’s Department (far left), assist in the clean up of USFS land.

A crowd of 22 people, 11 of which were under 18,  braved the chill Saturday morning as tools and gloves were passed around.  The energetic volunteers under the direction of Sgt. Dean Marshall  went to work, repairing the area in less than half the estimated time.  The camaraderie was evident as adults and youth worked side by side, sharing the workload, tools and conversation.

The Sheriff’s Activities League (SAL) was started in the Kern River Valley in 2008.  There are four SAL  locations within Kern County.  The membership here in the Kern River Valley is 39 kids.  SAL focuses on community projects, team building, mentoring, and expanding their life with trips to educational locations.  The SAL depends on donations from the community to operate the project.

Steve Griffin, Kern River Ranger District Battalion Chief and project leader stated, “The project proved to be a positive experience for everyone involved.  It was great to experience the youth and the adult volunteers working together for the benefit of the community.”  Griffin went on to say, “The assistance from this group was greatly appreciated and we look forward to the possibility of future projects together.”