BLM announces fee-free days for 2015
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The Bureau of Land Management, in conjunction with other agencies within the Department of the Interior, will waive recreation-related fees for visitors to the National System of Public Lands on four occasions in 2015 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Jan. 19), Presidents’ Day weekend (Feb. 14-16), National Public Lands Day (Sept. 26), and Veterans Day (Nov. 11). One fee-free day remains for 2014: Veteran’s Day, Nov. 11.
“We want everyone to enjoy the incredible recreation opportunities available on BLM-managed public lands,” said BLM Director Neil Kornze. “Waiving fees is also a way of reaching out to those of you who may not yet know that we offer more recreational opportunities than any other land management agency - from hunting and fishing to mountain biking and hiking - and we look forward to welcoming you!”
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public lands, which provide numerous opportunities for a wide range of recreational opportunities from hiking, fishing and camping to riding off-highway vehicles and rock-climbing. About 61 million visits were made to BLM-managed lands and waters in 2013, supporting more than 42,000 jobs nationwide and contributing almost $5.5 billion to the nation’s economy.
Site-specific standard amenity and individual day-use fees at BLM recreation sites and areas will be waived for the specified dates. Other fees, such as overnight camping, cabin rentals, and group day use, will remain in effect. More details about fee-free days and activities on BLM-managed public lands are available at: http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/Recreation/BLM_Fee_Free_Days.html.
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.