National Public Lands Day 2010
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As part of the Let's Move! campaign, First Lady Michelle Obama recently launched a new Let's Move Outside! initiative involving the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture that encourages activities both on public lands and close to home. The 17th annual National Public Lands Day is a perfect opportunity for families to get outdoors and experience what our public lands have to offer.The Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is looking for volunteers to participate in National Public Lands Day events Saturday, Sept. 25. Participants will come together in what has become the largest volunteer effort of its kind in the country, to lend a hand to the lands they use to hike, bike, climb, fish, swim, explore, picnic, or just plain relax.“We have access in this country to some of the greatest parks and recreation facilities," Michelle Obama said. “We just want to encourage kids to use the resources that are available to them. And it's not just a great way to get exercise. It's also a phenomenal way to come together as a family and spend some time together without spending a whole lot of money.Individuals, families, and community groups of all ages are encouraged to come together to give something back to their public lands. T-shirts, lunches, and environmental education activities will be provided for the volunteers at each of the project sites. All tools, safety equipment, and materials needed for the projects will be furnished by the BLM.Volunteers at Federal sites will receive free admission on the day of the event, and a coupon for a “fee-free" day any time in the next year at any site managed by the BLM, National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Please note that some events may occur before Sept. 25, due a conflict or another overlapping event. A complete listing of BLM events is attached. In addition, volunteers are encouraged to visit publiclandsday.com or blm.gov for complete information on events planned near you.
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.