For Immediate Release: September 15, 2005 CA-CDD-05-89
Contact: Doran Sanchez (951) 697-5220; E-mail: Doran_Sanchez@ca.blm.gov

Agency Seeks Volunteers for Turtle Mountain Clean-up Project

The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Needles Field Office in partnership with Sierra Club is seeking volunteers to help with a clean-up on Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 15-16 ) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. near the Turtle Mountain -Road west of U.S. Highway 95.

The BLM will provide shovels, rakes, trash bags, bulk water and trucks to haul the trash to dumpsters. Volunteers should bring water, hats, sun screen, a sack lunch and gloves. Transportation to the site will require a high clearance or 4X4 vehicle. The BLM will be able to provide a limited number of seats in vehicles on a first come basis and car pooling is encouraged. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or have a volunteer agreement release signed by parent or guardian.

The Turtle Mountains, in the low desert southeast of Needles, are known for their colorful volcanic peaks and wide variety of minerals found throughout the area. Unfortunately visitors along the northern end of this wilderness have left an appalling quantity of trash. Volunteers will assist the BLM in collecting the larger objects and bagging smaller debris in preparation for removal. Recreation will include a day hike to the interior of the area, but your true reward will be in knowing that we have helped restore a truly beautiful place.

Contact either Dan Abbe in BLM's Needles Field Office at (760) 326-7021/jabbe@ca.blm.gov, or Sandy Suzanne Swedo at (818) 781-4421/wild@inetworld.net by Wednesday, Oct. 12 to volunteer for the Turtle Mountain Road clean-up project.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office - 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, California - (951) 697-5220