For Release: Immediately CCal-04- 62
Contact: Scott Justham (760) 872-5034

BLM Asks Climbers' Assistance

National Public Lands Day/Access Fund Adopt-A-Crag Day

The Bureau of Land Management is asking for the assistance of volunteers and climbers on a National Public Lands Day event in the Sad Boulders area north of Bishop, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 20.

The project will be part of Adopt-A-Crag, an event sponsored by the Access Fund, a national non-profit group dedicated to keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment.

Activities will include trail stabilization, trail delineation and sign installation, along with general area clean-up (trash removal and reduction of duplicate trail proliferation) in the Sad Boulders climbing area. Depending on the number of volunteers, the BLM may also conduct project work in the Happy Boulders and in the winter campground known as "the pit".

BLM Bishop Field Manager Bill Dunkelberger said the event is one of hundreds of such projects nationwide to commemorate National Public Lands Day, held annually to focus attention on publicly owned lands.

Volunteers are invited to meet at the Sad Boulders Lower Parking area, (one mile east of Happy Boulders parking area) along Chalk Bluff Road, north of Bishop. All tools will be supplied by BLM. Volunteers are encouraged to wear outdoor gear, including hat, sturdy shoes, work or gardening gloves, and to bring lunch and water. BLM will provide extra gloves.

For more information please contact Scott Justham (760) 872-5034, or email: sjustham@ca.blm.gov .

-BLM-

Bishop Field Office, 351 Pacu Lane, Suite 100, Bishop, CA 93514

Background on Adopt-A-Crag Day
http://www.accessfund.org/events/events_events_adopt.html

WHAT IS ADOPT-A-CRAG? In the Fall 2004, the Access Fund will sponsor the Fifth Annual Adopt-a-Crag, a national initiative devoted to natural resource stewardship and volunteerism. This year, the Access Fund anticipates over 100 Adopt-a-Crag events at climbing and bouldering areas around the country.

Why is Adopt-a-Crag important? Adopt-a-Crag is about giving back to the climbing areas we use on a regular basis. From the signs in the parking areas, to the established trail systems, to the rocks and boulders where we devote endless hours, climbers are frequent land-users, and it is important that we make an effort to maintain and care for that land. Adopt-a-Crag encourages climbing communities to engage local land managers, landowners, park service employees and forest rangers in conversation about ways to preserve and protect their climbing areas and environments.

What are the Goals of Adopt-a-Crag?

Preserving climbing resources and maintaining climbing areas.
Uniting the national climbing community.
Promoting public awareness and appreciation of America's diverse climbing resources.
Encouraging cooperative efforts and building partnerships between climbers and public land managers.
Providing a venue for thousands of individuals to give back to the environment.

About National Public Lands Day:

National Public Lands Day began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers. Last year nearly 80,000 volunteers worked in 550 locations and in every state. Now, 9 federal agencies and many state and local lands participate in this annual day of caring for shared lands.

National Public Lands Day keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933-42 to preserve and protect America's natural heritage.

More information at www.npld.com