Thanking American Armed Forces
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To show our appreciation for those who serve in the U.S. military, on May 19--Armed Forces Day--the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will begin issuing an annual pass offering free access to all BLM-managed public lands for active duty military members and their dependents."We all owe a debt to those who sacrifice so much to protect our country," State Director Jamie E. Connell said. “This new pass is a way to thank military members and their families for their service and their sacrifices."To pay tribute to our Armed Forces, BLM Montana/Dakotas also plans to host open houses over the Memorial Day weekend:Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center located in Fort Benton, Mont., Open House 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 26-28Garnet Ghost Town Visitors Center located east of Missoula, Mont., Open House 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May 26-28Pompeys Pillar National Monument Interpretive Center located east of Billings, Mont., Open House 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., May 28 (also open May 26-27)Active duty members of the Armed Forces can pick up their pass at any BLM field office, visitor center, or public contact station. Military members and their dependents must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass. More information is available at Recreation.gov.This military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also permits free entrance to sites managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. The pass is also available at these locations."BLM public lands are America's backyard and offer the widest range of recreation opportunities of any public land agency. This spectrum of traditional and new outdoor recreation activities contributes to the health and well-being of millions of Americans including members of the military. "Connell said. “We are proud to recognize these brave men and women and hope that a visit to these lands will offer an opportunity to unwind, relax, rejuvenate, and just have fun with their families." For more information on recreation and visitor services, please visit the Bureau of Land Management website.
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.