Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering
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SALMON, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management’s Salmon Field Office will host virtual and in-person Earth Day volunteer events the week of April 19-25. The BLM has historically held an annual Earth Day cleanup on public lands near Salmon, and it’s that time again.
Last year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the normal volunteer events that usually consist of garbage dump cleanups or trail maintenance work were modified to accommodate the health protocols in place. In partnership with Salmon Valley Stewardship, the BLM included a virtual option where participants could pick up garbage or perform trail maintenance while maintaining social distancing, anytime and anywhere on public lands during the week before Earth Day. By allowing people to participle all week long and on their own schedule, the number of total volunteers was increased.
Most years, 10-20 people come out to volunteer, but last year the event had over 35 registered participants, with individuals and small groups performing trail maintenance and picking up loads of garbage on public lands. Instead of providing the normal brown bag lunch to volunteers, all registered participants were entered into a drawing for several gift cards to local businesses.
The Salmon Field Office and Salmon Valley Stewardship are keeping the same model this year, with both in-person and virtual volunteer events for Earth Day. A trail maintenance project will take place at the Goldbug Trailhead at 9 a.m. on Saturday, April 24. The BLM will provide all necessary personal protective equipment to volunteers and make sure social distancing is maintained. “This is a great way for people to get outside and do something great for the community,” said Travis Seaberg, Salmon Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner. “We have some exceptional partners helping to coordinate this event, and we would love for it to be a huge success.”
Volunteers are needed to help sign established mountain biking trails, pick up trash and perform light trail and trailhead maintenance. Please bring sturdy shoes, a water bottle and appropriate clothing. To register or for more information about the virtual event contact Salmon Valley Stewardship at (208) 756-1686. To register or for more information about the in-person event contact Travis Seaberg at gseaberg@blm.gov or call (208) 756-5412.
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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.