Boost ecosystems; put prisoners to work

On the front pages of the newspapers are headlines about forest fires devastating our national parks. On the next pages are stories concerning overcrowding of prisons in the United States.

During the Roosevelt administration, there was vast unemployment and a failing economy. What emerged was the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Why not take first-time offenders and minor criminals and give them the choice of going to jail or joining the CCC?

The benefit to nature, society and the individual would be very rewarding. The ecosystem would be restored from the replanting of trees and the cleaning of the burned debris.

The individuals would gain a work ethic as well as feelings of pride and accomplishment. After serving their sentence, maybe their attitude would change to one of the purpose and a better outlook on life.

Robert A. Vlazny

Hoffman Estates