BLM Eastern States and Sierra Club to connect America's Heroes with Americas Public Lands
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Sierra Club will host a special military families' and veterans' recreation adventure at the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA), Lorton, Va., on June 21, 2014, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This special event is made possible by a national agreement between the BLM and Sierra Club, which provides opportunities for military veterans and their families to recreate and be restored on their public lands in locations around the nation.There is no fee for this event, but participants are encouraged to pre-register on-line at http://Americaheroes.eventbrite.com. Attendees may also register the day of the event at the Meadowoood SRMA Mustang Trailhead, 10702 Harley Road, Lorton, Va. A guided bird walk will begin at 7:30 a.m., and a guided mountain bike ride will take off at 9:00 a.m. from the parking lot of the Gunston Elementary School, 10100 Gunston Road, Lorton. (Bring your own bike and helmet.) Other activities are scheduled throughout the day including pony rides and kids' games, fishing, rock wall climbing and youth archery. Veterans may also obtain career and job information at a BLM exhibit promoting natural resources careers for veterans transitioning from military service. All events and exhibits may be accessed from the Mustang Trailhead. Parking will be available. The BLM recognizes the value of partnerships in delivering programs to our veterans, and is committed to working with the Sierra Club to create new opportunities for vets to connect with public lands. John Ruhs, Acting BLM Eastern States Director, said, “The BLM appreciates the service ethic of all our military veterans and their families, and we're excited to welcome to Meadowood, those who give so much. This agreement with the Sierra Club recognizes the intrinsic value of our public lands for family recreation destinations, and as settings where our veterans may look for balance in their lives."The Meadowood SRMA is open year round from sunrise to sunset. It boasts a 15-mile multiple-use trail system for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers, in addition to fishing, and geocaching. Wildlife viewing and bird watching are also popular pastimes here, with habitat for 30 species of migratory birds.The Sierra Club is America's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.1 million members and supporters nationwide. In addition to creating opportunities for people of all ages, levels and locations to have meaningful outdoor experiences, the Sierra Club works to safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and litigation. For more information, visit http://www.sierraclub.org.
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.