Contact: David Boyd, Public Affairs Specialist, (970) 947-2832

Nov. 7, 2008

BLM hosts volunteer recognition and recruitment reception Nov. 17

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The Bureau of Land Management Grand Junction Field Office will celebrate the accomplishments of its diverse volunteer work force -- and recruit more volunteers -- at a reception Nov. 17 in Grand Junction.

Past, present and any potential future volunteers are encouraged to attend the reception from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Museum of the West, 248 South 4th St. in Grand Junction. Light refreshments will be served.

“Volunteers and partnerships are vital to the success of many of our BLM programs,” said BLM Grand Junction Volunteer Coordinator Chris Pipkin. “Each year, volunteers and partner organizations contribute thousands of hours and dollars to help us accomplish many projects that would be impossible without their help."

During the 2007 fiscal year, 775 volunteers contributed nearly 32,000 hours at an estimated value of $597,412 to the Grand Junction Field Office.

Volunteers performed a variety of tasks, including monitoring a shooting range, assisting the Wild Horse Program, surveying archaeology sites, monitoring wildlife and endangered plant species, building and maintaining trails, and assisting with visitor services.

“Our volunteer program continues to grow, and we’re hoping to see people interested in learning more about volunteering for BLM come to the reception as well,” Pipkin said. “In addition to recognizing the contributions of our current volunteers, we’ll give an orientation and overview of new volunteer opportunities.”

Those planning on attending are asked to RSVP by Nov. 15. For more information and to RSVP, call 970-244-3000. Attendees can also RSVP at www.voutdoors.org (click “Find Volunteer Opportunities,” then enter keyword: Thanks).

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