September 25, 2006
Contact: Lesley A. Collins
307-261-7603

Casper BLM Celebrates National Public Lands Day with “No Fee” Day;
Encourages Public to Visit Local BLM Sites on Saturday, September 30

In celebration of National Public Lands Day, the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Casper Field Office encourages the public to visit the Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area and National Historic Trails Interpretive Center on Saturday, September 30.

As part of this annual celebration recognizing the importance of public lands to all Americans, camping and entrance fees at these two local BLM recreation sites will be waived for the day. While enjoying these sites, BLM encourages people to take the opportunity to say “Thank You” to the volunteers who help at these sites. “Volunteers have made major contributions to both the Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area and Trails Center, and they continue to do so. They treat every day as National Public Lands Day,” said Outdoor Recreation Planner Eve Bennett.

National Public Land Day has become America's largest demonstration of how local efforts can make a national difference. Last year alone, nearly 80,000 volunteers and community partners contributed an estimated $11 million of improvements to 800 public land sites – federal, state, city and county lands – in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Because of volunteer efforts, the Muddy Mountain Environmental Education Area provides camping, hiking, biking and other recreational opportunities to the public, and the National Historic Trails Interpretive Center can offer a year round, high quality visitor experience. Bennett said. “Volunteers are vital to many public land endeavors, including local projects,” she added, “and we hope the public will go out and visit these special places in the Casper area.”

Please be aware that the main access road to Muddy Mountain is currently very rough. All drivers should use caution and follow common sense rules of the road. For more information contact the Casper Field Office at 307-261-7600.

-BLM-