For Immediate Release on September 28, 2007
Contact Mel Lloyd: (970) 244-3097

Volunteers needed to help restore local public lands

Montrose, Colo. – Join the Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office this year to celebrate National Public Lands Day!  The event, which is scheduled for 8:30 a.m., Saturday, October 6, 2007, gives everyone a chance to give back to the very lands they use for hiking, biking, four-wheeling, exploring, picnicking or just plain relaxing.  This year volunteers are working with BLM to clean up a heavily used access point to public lands located off Highway 90, southwest of Montrose about 20 minutes. 

“This is an area that has historically been used as a convenient and easy dumping area,” Field Manager Barb Sharrow said.  “We’re trying to change this kind of illegal behavior on public lands, and these volunteers are helping us by removing the trash and debris, and restoring the area.  They deserve a lot of recognition for sacrificing their Saturday to come out and clean up trash left behind by others.”

Volunteer crews will meet Saturday morning at the Montrose Public Lands Center, 2465 S. Townsend Ave.  Members from three local clubs, the Western Slope 4 Wheelers, Thunder Mountain Wheelers, and the Uncompahgre Valley Trail Riders, are signed up to help.  Join these and other volunteers by calling Ryan Mathis at (970) 240-5387 to register.  For those planning to volunteer, wear eye protection, durable work clothes, gloves and a hat, and bring plenty of water, snacks, rain gear and sunscreen.  Because it is hunting season, some “hunter orange” vests will be available for use, but if you have one, please bring that to wear as well.  Lunch will be provided after project work is completed.

Dumping on public lands is a common problem, and BLM is constantly faced with properly disposing of everything from household trash to hazardous materials.  Those who abuse your public lands need to learn that it’s not okay—ultimately, all of us pay through increased taxes.  Those who witness any suspicious activity on public lands are encouraged to contact the local BLM field office at (970) 240-5300, or call 911.

-BLM-