BLM Colorado’s Volunteer of the Year award presented to Larry Keller for his work at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
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Cortez, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Tres Rios Field Office is proud to announce Larry Keller as the recipient of BLM Colorado’s Volunteer of the Year Award. The award is presented annually to a volunteer in Colorado who goes above and beyond to support the BLM’s mission.
“Volunteers are essential for the BLM to achieve our mission of sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands,” said acting State Director Stephanie Connolly, “For his dedication, scholarship, enthusiasm, and hard work on our heritage resources in the museum and on the Monument, we’re proud to recognize Larry Keller as the 2022 BLM Colorado Volunteer of the Year.”
Mr. Keller’s work cataloging several important collections is equivalent to one and a half years of a full-time employee, or $89,216 in value added to the BLM. Mr. Keller’s contributions help support both the Department’s and the BLM’s Museum program goals, ensuring that important artifacts and specimens are properly cared for and preserved in a manner consistent with federal policy. Mr. Keller has volunteered for the BLM since 2010 and has contributed over 3,100 hours of his time to BLM Colorado.
“I knew I wanted to spend my retirement giving back to the community, and I believe in the BLM’s mission,” said Mr. Keller, surrounded by his friends and colleagues, “I want to thank my wife, who, with some convincing, supported our move to Cortez so we could pursue this dream.”
The BLM works with thousands of volunteers who offer their time, skills, and service to help care for the nation’s natural and cultural resources. Volunteers contribute to many BLM program areas, including recreation, wild horses and burros, cultural and historical resources, and environmental education. BLM volunteers work to protect the significant resources in the diverse communities we serve.
More information about how you can get involved volunteering for the BLM in Colorado please visit https://www.blm.gov/get-involved/volunteers.
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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.