News.bytes Extra, issue 485

BLM takes part in Mule Days

Bureau of Land Management personnel and volunteers from around California participated in the annual Mule Days celebration this year in Bishop. (text continues below)

The BLM Bishop Field Office's parade entry was a antique mule-drawn fire wagon driven by Norm Noftsier. The engine was refurbished over the past year by inmates at the Calfire Owens Valley Camp.

Ranger Reid Hopkins from BLM's Bakersfield Field Office and the 1 Spade Youth Packers participated in a variety of Mule Days events.

Hopkins, a a BLM Bakersfield employee, has used horses and mules -- including some gathered from BLM land -- for more than three decades, to help youth headed for trouble turn their lives around. The annual program starts in January and finishes in May when they participate in the Bishop Mule Days. Youngsters learn how to ride and pack, care for the animals and behave in the backcountry. The youth represent Rotary in the parade with BLM wild horse and burro mules and take part in competition.

1 Spade Youth Packers -- an earlier article with photos and more information about this program

Pictured from left to right: Noftsier, Adrienne Dunfee with her kids Trent, Ryan, Jordan and Bishop Field Manager Bernadette Lovato.

- David Christy, BLM Central California District, 6/13/11

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 485
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