Date: November 10, 2004

CONTACT: Jamie Thompson, Public Affairs Officer, (775) 623-1500

LOCAL GROUPS CLEAN UP SAND DUNES

A local four-wheel drive club teamed up with a Cub Scout pack Sunday, Oct. 10, to remove more than 840 pounds of trash at the Sand Dunes about five miles north of Winnemucca. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Winnemucca Field Manager Terry Reed and staff express their appreciation to the Great Basin Offroad Association and Cub Scout Pack #223, and the many others who volunteer valuable time to improve the public lands.

Kevin Sauers, the Cub Master for Pack 223 and one of the founders of the Great Basin Offroaders said, “The Sand Dunes Clean-Up effort was decided upon as a way for Pack 223 to earn the 'World Conservation Award' from the Boy Scouts of America.” Participating in the clean-up were 43 scouts and 37 parents who teamed up with the 7 members and 6 vehicles from Great Basin Offroaders. “All 87 of us had a great time cruising through the dunes as we collected the trash. Everyone was surprised at the amount and kinds of trash we collected. Overall we feel that it was a great success,” said Sauers. “We want to thank CYANCO for donating two dozen work gloves used by the scouts and Barb Keleher with the Winnemucca BLM Field Office for donation of work gloves and trash bags.”

Bob Edwards, BLM Supervisory Realty Specialist, said, “It’s wonderful to see so many people who care about their public lands. But it is also sad that they have to clean up after other visitors who still don’t follow the Pack-It-In / Pack-It-Out ethic.” BLM encourages volunteering on public lands. Anyone who is interested in volunteering is invited to call the BLM Winnemucca Field Office at 775-623-1500.

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