BLM hosts National Public Lands Day event with partnering organizations September 28-30

Organization:

Bureau of Land Management

Media Contact:

Fernando J. Pitones, Sr.

Sep 25, 2018

WINNEMUCCA, Nev. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Black Rock Field Office and their partner groups are hosting the annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD) event September 28-30 in the Soldier Meadows area, about 60 miles north of Gerlach, Nevada. BLM staff are working in conjunction with Friends of Black Rock High Rock, Friends of Nevada Wilderness, and Nevada Outdoor School to host the environmental project as part of the nationally recognized day to celebrate public lands.

The theme of this year’s event is the third annual “Desert Dace Day” – with a habitat restoration project aimed at protecting the Desert Dace fish, a threatened species found only in this part of the world.

Desert Dace habitat restoration will be the featured project of the three-day event and will include removal of vegetation to clear waterways and prevent flooding, which endangers the Desert Dace fish.

The event includes a campout, public land service projects, a “kid’s camp” for children 5 and older, and a Dutch oven competition. Anyone is welcome to compete in the competition, but participants not competing are encouraged to bring a dish for the potluck dinner on Saturday night. The event will also include breakfast provided by both Friends groups on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

As a thank you for the hard work and dedication, volunteers will receive BLM-NPLD shirts and coupons redeemable for free admission to any National Park or federal site with an entrance fee.

Participants are encouraged to camp out for the weekend, bring proper clothing for the weather and service projects. Volunteers are advised to bring plenty of water and sun protection.

For more information, or to sign up for the event, please visit https://neefusa.org/public-lands-day. Please note that the Winnemucca District is currently in fire restrictions and it may affect the ability to have campfires at the event. It is recommended that your vehicle is high clearance and four-wheel drive. For more information about the event, please contact Kathy Cadigan, Wildlife Biologist for the Black Rock Field Office at (775) 623-1500 or kcadigan@blm.gov.

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.