Public Lands Gain Partners, Volunteers Through New Agreement

America's Public Lands received a boost recently from two organizations dedicated to their care and conservation. The National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF) and the Public Lands Foundation (PLF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bureau of Land Management in a ceremony on May 6, 1999 in the Interior Building in Washington, D.C.

The partnership between these organizations is a long-standing one, with the MOU formalizing the relationships. The focus of the partnership is National Public Lands Day, an event that encourages volunteers to improve and enhance the nation's public lands. This annual program, which began in 1994, also educates Americans about the need to conserve natural and cultural resources, and about the breadth and importance of public lands to the nation's economic and social well-being.

National Public Lands Day's theme this year is "Helping Hands for America's Lands." On September 25, 1999, thousands of volunteers across America will pitch in and volunteer to enhance their public lands by rehabilitating hiking and riding trails, improving wildlife habitat, combating invasive weeds, cleaning up campgrounds, and restoring archaeological and historic sites. The result is that America's open spaces and natural and cultural resources are made cleaner, safer and more accessible to visitors. Children, families, and seniors work together and achieve tangible outcomes, and at the same time they learn about their public lands and meet others with similar interests.

NEETF, under the direction of President Kevin Coyle, has been coordinating and promoting National Public Lands Day activities for seven federal agencies since 1996. Since 1998, state and local organizations have also joined in. BLM Acting Director Tom Fry said "We are grateful for NEETF's dedication to public lands improvement and environmental education. The organization's efficient coordination and promotion of this major national event has helped make it possible for the BLM's participation to grow by leaps and bounds." Participation has grown from three sites and 700 volunteers in 1994 to over 140 sites in 1999, with 38 of this year's locations being on BLM lands. The BLM hopes to increase its number of sites to 75 in the year 2000 and eventually to 300 sites.

Public Lands Foundation members know the from the inside out; the foundation was established in 1987 to enable BLM retirees to continue their commitment to public lands. The organization is now open to others with the same commitment, and chapters are located around the country. Beginning this year, PLF members will be assisting BLM site coordinators with National Public Lands Day planning, recruitment and sponsorship. Public Lands Foundation board members were present for the signing, including founder and President George Lea.

The Memorandum of Understanding spells out the commitment each organization brings to the National Public Lands Day partnership. The work of NEETF and PLF benefits the public lands immensely, enabling much needed work to be done. "Our volunteers get a real education in this process," Tom Fry said. "It seems that nothing brings our citizens closer to the BLM and each other than a chance to experience first-hand the treasures located on our public lands. National Public Lands Day activities help them to understand, too, that they have a responsibility to act wisely when they enjoy the fragile treasures on public land, and to teach their kids to recreate responsibly as well."

For information on how you can participate in National Public Lands Day activities this year, call 1-800-VOL-TEER (1-800-865-8337), or visit websites at <www.blm.gov/education/npld/1999/> or <www.npld.com>.