BLM Nevada News
ELY DISTRICT OFFICE NO. 2009-003
FOR RELEASE:  Thursday, Oct. 8, 2008
CONTACT:  Chris Hanefeld, (775) 289-1842; chris_hanefeld@nv.blm.gov

Lincoln County NPLD Event Draws Residents and Visitors Alike

Panaca, Nev. – More than 75 area residents and visitors turned out at Cathedral Gorge State Park in late September to participate in National Public Lands Day (NPLD) and help celebrate the Civilian Conservation Corps’ 75th anniversary.

Volunteers helped construct, paint and stain wooden walkways.  They also planted trees in honor of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a work relief program established in 1933 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt for young men from unemployed families.

Designed to combat unemployment during the Great Depression, the CCC became one of the most popular of the president’s New Deal programs, operating in every state and several territories.  In 1935, CCC enrollees constructed a juniper-willow shade Ramada at Cathedral Gorge State Park’s day-use area, as well as a stone-walled restroom and stone water tower that still stand today.

NPLD is a success nationwide because of the collaboration between federal, state and local agencies, and private organizations and volunteers.  The National Environmental Education & Training Foundation spearheads the annual event.

Local NPLD participants this year were Lincoln County, Nevada Division of State Parks, Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service.  The Great Basin Institute and Southern Nevada Water Authority also participated.

-BLM-