| Contacts: | Cass Cairns, 719-269-8553 |
BLM recognizes National Fossil Day with volunteer opportunity on Marsh Quarry Overlook Trail (10-05-10)
Canon City, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management Royal Gorge Field Office and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) are looking for volunteers to help with a National Fossil Day project; Marsh Quarry Overlook Trail Restoration scheduled for Oct. 16 and 17.
“The Marsh Quarry Overlook Trail was built through a partnership between the BLM and VOC in 1996. Because of VOC’s organized efforts, the BLM is able to provide a unique onsite paleontological education experience. If you’re intrigued by dinosaurs, I encourage you to get involved in this project!” said Keith Berger, Royal Gorge Field Manager.
The interpretive trail leads to an overlook of the historic Marsh Quarry that produced several species of dinosaurs in the late 1800’s. The quarry is one of the primary areas responsible for generating worldwide interest in dinosaurs and setting the foundation for the science of paleontology.
National Fossil Day is a cooperative effort by federal and state agencies, associations and organizations to promote public awareness about the importance of paleontological resources as part of our Nation’s heritage.
When: Oct. 16 and 17; 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Saturday & Sunday). Volunteers may participate in one or both days.
Where: Garden Park Fossil Area located six miles north of Cañon City, Colo.
Directions: Provided upon registration.
Activities: The project includes trail restoration and the construction of an outdoor lecture and seating area for educational programs.
What to bring: Water and work gloves. Be sure to wear layered clothing, sturdy boots, and sunscreen.
Registration: Volunteers must pre-register to ensure adequate quantities of tools, supplies, and food. Register for one or two days via the Project Calendar at www.voc.org, or by contacting Fletcher@voc.org or 303-715-1010, x112. The minimum age to volunteer is 16.
For additional information contact Melissa Smeins at 719-269-8523 or visit our Web site at www.blm.gov/co/st/en/fo/rgfo/Recreation.html for this and other volunteer project opportunities
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
3028 E Main Street Canon City, CO 81212