News Release

For Release:  Dec. 23, 2008  
Contact: David Christy (916) 985-4474
CA-CC-09-19

Community Shows Support for Fort Ord Public Lands

Residents of the Central California coast volunteered time valued at nearly $200,000 in 2008 to help maintain the Fort Ord Public Lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management. 

This year, volunteers and hosted workers donated more than $190,000 worth of labor to improve trails, conduct biological surveys, battle invasive weeds, restore sensitive habitats, and construct fuelbreaks on the BLM’s Fort Ord Public Lands.

“The community support has been outstanding, and we truly appreciate the efforts of citizens, organizations and the community as a whole,” said Eric Morgan, BLM’s Fort Ord manager.  “With budgets tight everywhere, it is remarkable that the community values these open spaces enough to give perspiration and inspiration towards improving their health.”

In addition to the volunteer work, individuals donated money for the care and upkeep of recreation facilities.  At the Creekside Terrace Trailhead, citizens donated more than $350 in 2008.  Parking at the trailhead is free, however, a donation receptacle is available to people wanting to make a tax-deductible donation.

For more information on the Fort Ord Public Lands and volunteer opportunities, contact Morgan at (831)394-8314, e-mail emorgan@ca.blm.gov.

-BLM-