Check before planning group events at BLM Recreation Areas
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(MILES CITY, Mont.) –The river is up, the temperatures are up and so are the crowds at the Matthews Recreation Area.
A little advance planning can go a long way to ensure that a group event is successful. If you would like to have a gathering at Matthews or any BLM recreation site, first check with the BLM Miles City Field Office before you send out the invitations.
This popular destination, located about nine miles northeast of town on Valley Drive East, is seeing an increase in use by both individuals and groups as the weather improves.
Individuals or organizations wishing to use the site for group activities may be required to get a Special Recreation Permit. This depends on the type of activity planned, the number of participants and the duration of use.
Do yourself and your guests a favor and contact the field office beforehand to check for other scheduled events or calendaring conflicts. BLM staff need some lead time to prepare the paperwork if a permit is needed. For event scheduling details, contact Outdoor Recreation Planner Dena Lang at (406) 233-2828.
The BLM is also accepting applications for a volunteer site host at Matthews. The preferred time frame is from June through October however, those dates are flexible.
Duties would include greeting the public, providing visitor information and assisting with site maintenance. Volunteers are required to provide their own camp trailer or motor home to stay on the property. The BLM will provide a septic system hook-up and electricity. Some expenses may be eligible for a small stipend.
Go online at: https://www.volunteer.gov/
Call the BLM Miles City Field Office at (406)233-2800 for more information or to report violations. Violations or unsafe activity may also be reported by calling 1-800-826-3023 or 1-800-TIP-MONT.
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.