In 1983, to meet the long-term needs of winter visitors—also known as “snow birds”—
BLM established Long-Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) in southern Arizona and California. LTVAs were selected on the basis of their popularity, as well as the availability of developed roads, water supplies, and sewage dump stations. BLM manages these LTVAs with the generous help of numerous volunteers, who serve as campground hosts and perform many other tasks.
Campground hosts generally are experienced campers with a wealth of knowledge to share. Often, they are retirees who are willing to serve because of their love for the public lands and their desire to interact with and assist people. Most hosts reside in recreational vehicles (RVs) on-site and are always prepared to provide information, collect visitor fees, or lend a hand to campers and other RV-ers when needed.
BLM expects a minimum time commitment from volunteer campground hosts—generally, at least three months. In exchange for service, BLM waives the season fee for the hosts at both the LTVA where they work and all other BLM LTVAs for the remainder of that year’s season. Besides saving the $180 season fee, hosts reap many intangible rewards, including the knowledge that they are helping others, the forging of new friendships, and honorary membership in the larger BLM community.
There is lively competition among Federal land managers for volunteer campground hosts, so BLM is fortunate to attract some of the very best volunteers each year. In 2006, for example, the BLM-Yuma Field Office recognized more than 60 outstanding volunteers at a closeout meeting held at Arizona’s Imperial Dam LTVA. They were given a big thank-you for all the hard work they provided during the LTVA season, which runs from April 15–September 15. Volunteers each received a certificate of appreciation and a non-monetary award, and all present celebrated with a potluck luncheon in their honor.
