For Immediate Release: May 29, 2007 
Contact: Mel Lloyd BLM 970-244-3097

Get out and celebrate National Trails Day

GATEWAY, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office, in partnership with Gateway Canyons Resort, is planning to turn National Trails Day 2007 into a weekend-long event full of fun, camaraderie and hard work all rolled into one.  On June 2-3, just to the southwest of the Gateway Canyons Resort in Gateway, crew leaders will rally their troops of volunteers to construct about one mile of new singletrack hike and mountain bike trail, completing the first in a series of proposed scenic loop trails near the mouth of Lumsden Canyon. 

“National Trails Day is a great opportunity for the family to spend the day together and to do something that will benefit not only the surrounding public lands, but the community of Gateway as well,” Field Manager Catherine Robertson said.  “Gateway Canyons Resort is one of BLM’s partners in promoting public land stewardship.”

Volunteers, who will be treated to a barbeque at Gateway Canyons Resort after each day’s work, are asked to register for the project at voutdoors.org.  Volunteers will enjoy live entertainment, t-shirts, and free prize drawings provided by REI and the resort that will almost, but not quite, match the spectacular red rock canyon setting of the new loop trail.

“Our guests are traveling to Gateway Canyons Resort to enjoy the magnificent setting—which wouldn’t be possible without the surrounding public lands,” Lee Bowden, general manager of Gateway Canyons Resort, said.  “Because we benefit from public lands, we’re pleased to provide a public trailhead and parking area located on the west grounds of the Gateway Canyons Resort.

“This project provides BLM with a rare opportunity to be ahead of the recreational use this area is certain to experience,” Robertson added.  “Rarely do we get to be proactive in protecting public lands ahead of the anticipated use.”

To participate in the National Trails Day event, all volunteers should register at voutdoors.org.  Click “Find Opportunities,” type keyword “Gateway,” click “Search” and select “Gateway Trail Construction” to find out more about the project and to sign up.  Volunteers may register for either or both days. Volunteers can catch a shuttle or car pool from REI each morning at 7:00 a.m., or follow the signs at Gateway Canyons Resort to join their crew members at 8 a.m.  Volunteers should prepare for hot temperatures, wear durable work clothes, gloves and a hat, and bring a sack lunch, plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen.  Camping is available on nearby public lands or information on room rates, availability and guest services at the Gateway Canyons Resort can be found at http://www.gatewaycanyons.com.  For more information, contact BLM Park Ranger Chris Pipkin at (970) 244-3024 or Luke Reece at the Outpost Adventure Center at (970) 931-2458.

-BLM-

Editor’s Note:  Media invited to cover the event on June 2, Saturday. Contact Mel Lloyd by May 31 if you plan to travel to Gateway.