Volunteers needed for annual cleanup at Government Draw
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LANDER, Wyo. – The Fremont County ATV Association and Bureau of Land Management Lander Field Office will hold their annual cleanup of public lands on April 28 in the Government Draw area east of Lander. Partnerships like this are an essential component of the BLM’s priorities of being a good neighbor and practicing shared conservation stewardship on public land.
Volunteers will meet onsite at 9 a.m. To reach the cleanup site, turn east from Lyons Valley Road onto Coal Mine Road, cross the Little Popo Agie River and continue on Coal Mine Road to the staging area adjacent to the cattle guard. Volunteers should come prepared with proper clothing, gloves, food and sun screen. Water will be provided.
Fremont County residents enjoy numerous activities in the Government Draw area, especially when other parts of the county are inaccessible or closed. The area is in close proximity to communities, making it an ideal location for people who want to make a quick trip to their public lands. Unfortunately, litter and illegal dumping impact the area.
Past cleanup efforts in Government Draw, coordinated by the Fremont County ATV Association, have removed cartridges, targets, household waste and appliances. As a direct result of the cleanups, the BLM has documented less trash and public feedback is increasingly positive. The BLM thanks the ATV association for being active stewards of public lands and encourages all users to support this effort.
If you are unable to attend this event, you can still do your part to keep public lands free of trash. Leave areas cleaner than you found them. Remove targets and collect all spent ammunition before leaving shooting sites. If you suspect violations, including illegal dumping, do not risk escalating the situation by personally contacting the violator. A safer way to resolve the situation is to write down the license plate information if possible and contact appropriate law enforcement. You may also call 1-888-358-2310. The BLM offers a $250 reward for information leading to the conviction of any person damaging your public lands in the state of Wyoming.
For more information about the cleanup, please contact a Fremont County ATV Association leader: Mary Longtine at 307-840-6757, Ron Cunningham at 307-330-8667 or Ivan Laird at 307-330-6975.
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.