BLM and DWR seek volunteers for National Public Lands Day event in Newfoundland Mountains
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SALT LAKE CITY – The Bureau of Land Management Salt Lake Field Office and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources are seeking volunteers for a National Public Lands Day cleanup event on Saturday, Sept. 25, to improve a bighorn sheep guzzler site in the Newfoundland Mountains. The event will include cleaning up a significant amount of garbage and preparing the site for the installation of a new guzzler, storage tank, and catchment system.
“I’m excited about the landscape approach the BLM, DWR, and Bighorn Sheep Foundation are taking to restore a nearby spring while continuing to provide water for Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep and other wildlife,” said BLM Wildlife Biologist Emily Jencso. “The public’s commitment to volunteer on National Public Lands Day will be an instrumental first step in improving not only the guzzler system and seep, but also the surrounding landscape.”
Several decades ago, a seep was developed in the Newfoundland Mountains to provide water for domestic livestock and wildlife. Clean-up efforts and the future installation of a walk-in guzzler will be instrumental in restoring the seep, while continuing to provide water for wildlife. The project is funded through the BLM and Utah’s Watershed Restoration Initiative, which aims to improve watersheds throughout the state.
"We are very appreciative of all the people and organizations that help take care of the outdoors," said DWR Habitat Restoration Biologist Nathan Long. "It is crucial for wildlife to have the necessary habitat — which includes shelter, food and water — in order to maintain healthy populations. We are so grateful for those willing to offer their time and resources to improve areas for wildlife with projects like this."
The Newfoundland Mountains, located in the middle of the Bonneville Salt Flats, are home to diverse populations of wildlife, including Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep which were reintroduced in 2001. The new guzzler will provide water for numerous wildlife species.
Interested members of the public can learn more about the event and sign up by contacting BLM Wildlife Biologist Emily Jencso at ejencso@blm.gov, by COB September 17. Volunteers must have four-wheel drive, high-clearance vehicles to access the site and be willing to work the entire day. Scopes and binoculars are encouraged for viewing wildlife.
For additional information, please contact BLM Wildlife Biologist Emily Jencso at (801) 977-4300. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf may call the Federal Relay Service (FRS) at 1-800-877-8339 to leave a message or question. The FRS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Replies are provided during normal business hours.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.