Western Rivers Conservancy Award for Sandy River Recreation Projects
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The Public Lands Foundation presented the Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) with a 2014 Landscape Certificate of Appreciation for work along the Sandy River. The BLM is an active partner with the WRC and has helped to expand recreational opportunities along the river. Since 1999 the WRC has worked closely with the BLM to bring over 3,000 acres of private land along the Sandy River into public ownership. One of the most notable efforts was the decommissioning of Marmot Dam in 2008. Removing the dam allowed the BLM and its partners to construct a world-class mountain bike system, campgrounds, and trails. The partnership between BLM and WRC is invaluable to the enhancement of America's public land heritage. “Our [BLM] partnership with the WRC is a win-win success story of what can happen in an atmosphere of cooperation," said State Director Jerome Perez at today's ceremony in Portland. The award was presented by Ed Shepard, President of the Public Lands Foundation. Kim Titus, Salem District Manager and Adam Milnor, Salem District Recreational Planner also participated in the event. The Public Lands Foundation's mission is to advocate and work for the retention of America's National System of Public Lands in public hands, professionally and sustainably managed for responsible common use and enjoyment. Photos of the Sandy River are available online at: flickr.com/photos/blmoregon/sets/72157645609210833. A short video of Sandy River recreation opportunities is also available at: youtube.com/watch?v=QyRd4Ne7Bag
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.