Glenville, WV – Senior Glenville State College Land Resources student, Brian Carson, is applying what he has learned through his courses to an internship at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Burnsville Lake Project with the Student Conservation Association this summer.
Carson began his internship at the beginning of May. As part of his responsibilities, he assists with a variety of duties throughout the park grounds, including park maintenance, conservation, and more. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve been involved with everything from assisting the park rangers with patrol, visitor assistance, and helping maintenance with things like clearing trails and cleaning ditches,” said Carson.
“My favorite part of the internship is the variety. Every day is something different which keeps things interesting. To anyone who is not taking advantage of internships, you are missing out. It is all about getting out there and gaining experience, as well as making a name for yourself,” he added.
Because his internship is located on Burnsville Lake, water safety also plays a large roll in Carson’s daily responsibilities. “Water safety is a big topic with the Army Corp of Engineers. We want to promote water safety; that way, everyone is safe while they’re out boating, swimming, fishing – anything,” said Carson. “If you’re near the water, wear your life jacket because it floats and you don’t.”
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Burnsville Lake Project spans nearly 13,000 acres and is home to one of the largest lakes in central West Virginia, Burnsville Lake. The lake spans 968 acres and accommodates fishing for bass, trout, walleye, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. More than 260 tent and trailer campsites bring hundreds of visitors to the lake throughout the year. The park is managed by only 11 full-time employees, four of whom are GSC alumni.
Carson is from Buckhannon, West Virginia, and is the son of Todd and Beth Carson. He is studying Natural Resource Management with a major in Land Surveying Technology within the Department of Land Resources. After graduation, Carson plans to remain in central West Virginia and hopes to obtain a full time Park Ranger position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
