BLM volunteer dies at Schnell Recreation Area
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(DICKINSON, N.D.) – A volunteer for the Bureau of Land Management North Dakota Field Office was found deceased Sunday at the Schnell Recreation Area near Richardton. The Stark County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the unattended death, but the preliminary findings are consistent with a lightning strike.
Kyle Brierley, 33, of Dickinson, was a volunteer for the BLM, mowing trails on public lands at the Schnell Recreation Area and on the Little Missouri National Grasslands. Brierley was dedicated to his family and well-known in the local mountain biking community. This was his first summer volunteering with the BLM.
“Our heart-felt condolences go out to the family and friends during this difficult time,” said BLM Montana/Dakotas State Director John Mehlhoff. “This is such a tragedy. There’s no way anyone can be prepared for an accident like this, which takes a loved one so soon.”
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.