BLM to recognize contributions of local volunteer
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management will honor Janice Shepherd with the 2016 Volunteer of the Year Award at the Grand Junction Field Office on Jan. 20. The award recognizes individual volunteers or volunteer organizations for their contributions toward public land management in Colorado throughout the year.
“We rely heavily on citizens who are willing to volunteer time and energy to further BLM’s mission,” said BLM Colorado State Director Ruth Welch, who will present the award to Shepherd. “I applaud Janice’s commitment to our public lands.”
A retired computer programmer, Shepherd began volunteering with the BLM in 2010, assisting cultural, range, wilderness and recreation staff with efforts throughout the Grand Junction Field Office and its two National Conservation Areas. In 2016, she logged more than 203 volunteer hours of independent fieldwork, clean-ups and restoration projects.
“Her contributions over the past six years have helped the BLM fulfill its mission to be responsible public land stewards, positively impacting the local community,” said BLM Archaeologist Alissa Leavitt-Reynolds. “Janice really cares, is a very hard worker and always willing to go the extra mile.”
Volunteers play a vital role for the BLM. In Colorado alone, volunteers performed nearly 183,000 service hours in 2016. As this year’s recipient, Shepherd will be considered for BLM’s “Making a Difference” National Volunteer Awards.
To learn more about BLM’s volunteer program, contact BLM Public Affairs Specialist Chris Joyner at (970) 210-2126.
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.