National Public Lands Day a Success
On September 26, 2009, more than 120,000 Americans volunteered to help restore the beauty and vitality of our public lands as part of the 16th annual National Public Lands Day. National Public Lands Day is coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation in partnership with nine federal land management agencies.
Volunteers who participate in National Public Lands Day events are rewarded with coupons for free entry into their favorite federal public land areas that have entrance or other day-use fees.
Volunteers work on trails
Volunteers Make a Difference:
Hailey, Idaho
In Hailey, Idaho, the BLM Shoshone Field Office conducted trail work to assist in this national effort.
The BLM Shoshone Field Office has been working with local trail users for the past several years to plan and provide single-track trail opportunities west of Hailey. This summer, the BLM hired a contractor to construct 12.5 miles of trail. Construction is complete but some finish work remains. Volunteers helped necessary complete the trail system. Work consisted of defining the lower edge of the trail tread by strategically placing sagebrush that was removed during construction alongside the trail’s edge. It was fun, easy work that allowed people to see the new construction and put the finishing touches on this new trail system.
The trail system will not be open until next spring or potentially late this fall. The trailtread is currently very soft and susceptible to major damage until it can be hardened and compacted by a significant amount of rain or snow. Respecting the fragile condition of the trails will help ensure they are in good shape next spring.
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
BLM and Volunteers Conduct Trail Work at Blue Creek Bay
The BLM Coeur d’Alene Field Office was pleased to take part in a National Public Lands Day (NPLD) event on September 26, 2009. This year’s event took place in the Blue Creek Bay area east of Coeur d’Alene and involved construction of 2,200 feet of non-motorized trail using hand tools. Volunteers helped construct the trail which, when completed, will link to an existing network of trails in the area. A new trailhead facility, expected to be constructed in 2010, will provide public access to the trails.
The site where trail work will be conducted near Coeur d'Alene
Brian White, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the BLM’s Coeur d'Alene Field Office stated, “This is my ninth year organizing a Public Lands Day event, and I’ve enjoyed the experience every time. This year will be particularly satisfying for me, as the trail construction will help culminate a three-year planning effort involving public lands at Blue Creek Bay.”.
BLM and Volunteers Clean Up the Beautiful Owyhee Mountains!
The BLM Owyhee Field Office conducted an Owyhee Front Clean-Up effort in three key recreation areas for National Public Lands Day. Volunteers assisted the BLM in removing trash from parking areas, trailheads, and along roads and trails throughout the Owyhee Front. Local 4x4 clubs, the Southern Idaho Desert Racing Association, and the Owyhee Gem and Mineral Club helped with the clean up efforts.
Volunteers clean up public land in the Owyhee Mountains
Burley, Idaho
BLM Burley Field Office Plants Trees
The BLM Burley Field Office planted willows on September 26, National Public Lands Day. The field office partnered with a local non-profit group to plant the trees with approximately 30 volunteers. The willows will improve water quality along Cottonwood creek near Oakley, Idaho.
“We planted a lot of willows this year, which will improve water quality and habitat conditions for local populations of mule deer and neotropical migratory birds,” said Jeremy Bisson, Burley Field Office Wildlife Biologist.
Idaho Falls, Idaho
BLM and Volunteers Clean up Idaho's Precious Sand Dunes
Hundreds of volunteers worked at the St. Anthony Sand Dunes to help the BLM clean up this popular recreational area as part of National Public Lands Day. Students from BYU-Idaho’s University Fifth Stake in Rexburg gathered at the Snow Building at 8 a.m. and then set off to the Cinder parking lot, located off the Red Road near the Sand Hills Resort, east of the main dunes complex. The students were joined by other organizations and other local volunteers.
The volunteers provided litter clean-up throughout the dunes and sifting nails and other debris typically left after campfires along the Red Road. The BLM capped off the day with lunch and T-shirts for volunteers.
“We rely on all our volunteers to help us keep our public lands a nice place to play. It would be too big a job for BLM without outside help,” stated Bill Boggs, an outdoor recreation planner with the BLM Upper Snake Field Office.
Blackrock Canyon/Chinese Peak Recreation Site Clean Up
The Boy and Girl Scouts of America and other volunteers repaired/replaced interpretive, directional and regulatory signs located in the Blackrock Canyon parking lot, day use area, and along the designated trail system. They also collected trash, maintained trails, and repaired any damaged facilities in the picnic sites. Following the work session, the BLM will gave a short presentation on BLM travel Management direction and OHV Tread Lightly Ethics. Lunch was then provided in the picnic sites east of the Blackrock Canyon parking lot.
Water Catchment Project to Benefit Swainson’s Hawks – A Work in Progress
Morely Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) staff members and volunteers from the Snake River Raptor Volunteers, Inc. (SRRV) joined together to continue working on water catchments and to plant trees. The catchments are designed to provide water to support honey locust trees, which will become nest trees for Swainson’s hawks in about five years.
Mr. Whitlock, a former Idaho BLM State Director, volunteers
at the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National
Conservation Area
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