7. What the CCC built and why
The CCC worked on projects which fell within ten classifications, which included, erosion control, flood control, forest protection, forest culture, transportation, structural improvements, recreation, range management, wildlife control and protection, and emergency projects required due to natural disaster or phenomena. They built fire towers and woodland structures, logging roads and firebreaks, dams and irrigation channels, planted trees and shrubs, as well as created campgrounds and outdoor recreation areas. On the open ranges, they established livestock driving paths and worked to eliminate the threat from predators. They stocked streams and lakes with fish. They worked in mosquito abatement programs and swamp management.
They built stone retaining walls along the national parkways and in the national parks. The overlooks, stone retaining walls, and grades along both sides of Virginia’s Skyline Drive were built by the CCC (the first CCC camps were built in or near Shenandoah National Park). Eventually the CCC built much of the roadway too, including the section between Thornton Gap and Front Royal, completing the project in 1936. The construction of the roadway included the boring of a tunnel through Mary’s Rock. Also built along Skyline drive were campgrounds, ranger shelters, service buildings, picnic areas, and backcountry hiking trails which included wooden bridges and stairs cut into the slopes, with treads of stone or wood.