BLM Nevada News
ELY DISTRICT OFFICE NO. 2008-063
FOR RELEASE:  Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008
CONTACT:  Chris Hanefeld, (775) 289-1842; chris_hanefeld@nv.blm.gov

BLM Solicits Volunteers for Highland Ridge Wilderness Project

Ely, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Ely District Office is inviting the public to participate in a one-day wilderness access project adjacent to the Highland Ridge Wilderness, located about 55 miles southeast of Ely, Nev, on Sept. 13, beginning at 8 a.m.  Volunteers will use hand tools to relieve soil compaction, transplant vegetation and disguise man-made disturbances, and construct a post and rail fence for a trailhead parking area.

Volunteers are encouraged to pre-register at least one week prior to the project date and bring food and water, and sturdy work boots and gloves.  Sunscreen is recommended.  The BLM will provide the tools and equipment, and instruction on their proper use.  The restoration project is hosted by the BLM Ely District in cooperation with Friends of Nevada Wilderness.

Wilderness areas offer visitors outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive types of recreation, which includes hunting, hiking, caving, horseback riding, primitive camping, rock climbing and rock-hounding.  Mechanized forms of transportation such as automobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and mountain bikes are not allowed in wilderness areas.  White Pine County has seven wilderness areas, designated through the White Pine County Conservation, Recreation, and Development Act of 2006.  Lincoln County has 14 wilderness areas, designated through the Lincoln County Conservation, Recreation and Development Act of 2004.

For more information or to register, contact Dave Jacobson, BLM Ely District wilderness planner, at (775) 289-1800 or dave_jacobson@nv.blm.gov.

-end-