Implementation of the Every Kid Outdoors Act and Availability of the Fourth Grade Pass for 2019-2020

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
https://www.blm.gov

August 15, 2019

In Reply Refer To:
1115 (420) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 08/15/2019
Information Bulletin No. 2019-053

To:                   All Washington Office and Field Office Officials
                        Attn:  State Youth Leads, State Education Leads, Hands-on-the-Land Site
                                  Coordinators, National Conservation Lands Managers

From:               Assistant Director, National Conservation Lands and Community Partnerships

Subject:           Implementation of the Every Kid Outdoors Act and Availability of the Fourth Grade Pass for 2019-2020      

Section 9001 of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (Act) establishes the Every Kid Outdoors (EKO).  BLM’s implementation of the EKO program will build on the success of the Every Kid in a Park (EKIP) program, which officially ends on August 30, 2019.

The BLM’s participation in EKO will enhance visitor experiences and access to public lands, and create a sense of shared conservation stewardship.  The Act also encourages bureaus to collaborate with State and local partners to implement the program.  BLM offices are encouraged to host, participate in, and publicize events and activities for fourth graders, their teachers, and their families throughout the year. 

The EKO pass program will provide free access to Federal lands and waters for fourth grade students and accompanying individuals.  The annual pass program will run from September 1 through August 31 of the following year. 

The new EKO fourth grade passes are available (see ordering instructions below). However, the passes may not to be issued to the public until September 1, 2019.  Instructions on the disposal of prior EKIP passes can also be found below.  

2019/2020 Pass Ordering Instructions
The ordering process for the fourth grade pass is the same as for other passes in the Interagency Pass program.  All products must be ordered through the Printed Materials Distribution Service (PMDS) in Denver, CO.  Interagency Passes are accountable property and are issued only to state offices for further distribution.  Field office staff should send their pass orders to the state office employee assigned to ordering forms and publications from PMDS.  The 2019-2020 fourth grade pass is valid September 2019 through August 2020. 

Destruction of 2018/2019 Fourth Grade Passes
All remaining inventories of the 2018/2019 fourth grade passes must be properly destroyed no later than September 1, 2019.  These passes are accountable government property and must be shredded. They cannot be thrown into the trash or recycling bins.  Prior to being destroyed, the pass type and the assigned number should be recorded in the Pass Tracking Log.

If you have questions regarding the EKO program, please contact Derrick Baldwin, Acting Education Program Lead, Division of Education, Interpretation and Partnerships (WO-420), at 970-882-1145 or dbaldwin@blm.gov.

Signed by:                                                                   Authenticated by:
Nikki Haskett                                                              Robert M. Williams
Acting, Assistant Director                                          Division of Business Resources,WO-850
National Conservation Lands and
   Community Partnerships