Palmer Land Trust Recognizes Kalem Lenard with Southern Colorado Conservation Award
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CAÑON CITY, Colo. – Local government and community representatives presented Bureau of Land Management Associate Field Manager Kalem Lenard with the Environmental Stewardship Award as part of the Palmer Land Trust’s Southern Colorado Conservation Awards. Lenard was recognized for his role in spearheading a trail development project in Oil Well Flats.
“Kalem’s contributions over the past five years have helped the BLM fulfill its mission to be responsible public land stewards, while positively impacting our local community,” said BLM Royal Gorge Field Office Manager Keith Berger. “Kalem really cares and is always willing to go the extra mile.”
In 2012, Lenard visited the Oil Well Flats area and envisioned a trail that would climb above the valley, offering the public unparalleled views of the Royal Gorge region. Through his work, hikers, bikers, trail runners and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world can now enjoy these views on the 17-mile Oil Well Flats trails system.
These trails are now a recreation hotspot for residents and visitors. In Fiscal Year 2016, recreation activities on BLM-managed lands generated $590.8 million and supported about 4,800 jobs in Colorado.
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.