National Conservation and Recreation Lands Service Day Brings Trail Project to the White Mountains
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FAIRBANKS, AK — On Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), partnering with the Northern Alaska Environmental Center and Conservation Lands Foundation, will host a one-day public service project to celebrate National Public Lands Day and the 15th anniversary of the National Conservation Lands.
As part of this celebration, volunteers will improve trail access from the White Mountains National Recreation Area to Mt. Prindle and the Steese National Conservation Area by building a natural rock crossing on Nome Creek. After a comprehensive environmental review, BLM specialists designed a rock crossing that allows for fish passage and maintains a stable stream channel.
The BLM oversees the National Conservation Lands—America’s newest system of public lands, waterways, and historic trails. Fifteen years ago, the National Conservation Lands received special designation for their outstanding cultural, ecological, and scientific values. Alaska’s National Conservation Lands include the Steese National Conservation Area, the Iditarod National Historic Trail and six Wild and Scenic Rivers. Alaska is also home to the BLM’s only National Recreation Area, the one-million-acre White Mountains National Recreation Area.
“In Alaska it’s easy to forget that places this special across the country are hard to come by, so it’s important to keep Alaska’s National Conservation Lands accessible for everyone to enjoy,” said Jessica Girard, Arctic Program Director with the Northern Alaska Environmental Center.
Volunteers will meet at the Mt. Prindle Campground in upper Nome Creek at
10 a.m. The BLM will provide tools and safety equipment, and the Northern Alaska Environmental Center will provide snacks. Volunteers should dress for cool and/or wet weather and bring a lunch.
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.