For Immediate Release: August 3, 2004
Contact: Steven Hall: 970-244-3052

BLM employee dies after ATV accident

GRAND JUNCTION -- Peter Larson, 62, died Aug. 2 following an ATV accident while conducting land health assessments in Coon Hollow near South Shale Ridge. Larson worked as a biological technician for the Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office.

He had worked for the BLM for three years. He had worked at the Colorado National Monument for 10 years.

"Pete was always looking on the bright side," said Harley Metz, BLM ecologist. "He was a positive employee dedicated to what he was doing, and he enjoyed working with his fellow BLM employees. He always had a smile for everyone."

"Pete was a tireless worker that enjoyed what he was doing, cared about the land and cared about all the people," said Dave Price, Colorado National Monument Chief of Resource Management. "He was always, always willing to do whatever needed to be done to make things easier on people. He loved what he did, who he did it for and where he did it."

The accident occurred in steep, rocky terrain about 20 miles north of Grand Junction. Larson was wearing a helmet and safety equipment when the accident occurred. BLM staff began a search for Larson after he failed to check in at the end of the day.

Larson was a retired teacher from Mesa County School District 51, where he taught for 29 years.

"The BLM and National Park Service will miss a valued friend and colleague," BLM Grand Junction Field Manager Catherine Robertson said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Pete’s family and friends."

- BLM -