Nature High Summer Camp Deadline for applications extended through May 29

Contact:  Cindy Ledbetter (801)977-4377

Richfield, Utah—May 1, 2009—The Nature High Summer Camp is a weeklong educational camping experience offered to teenagers interested in learning more about natural resources and the environment. The event is held at the historic Great Basin Environmental Education Center, located on the Manti-LaSal National Forest in Ephraim, Utah. The camp will be held July 13 through July 18.

To encourage academic study and careers in natural resource management, science, and agriculture, the camp exposes students to the activities and missions of natural resource agencies. Among the many activities, students also take a tour of Snow College to gain insight on college life. Students will learn about forest ecology, practice soil sampling techniques, sample water quality, evaluate ecosystem health, natural resource careers, and learn how to apply for seasonal jobs.

Nature High Summer Camp is open to all Utah high school students, freshman to seniors who are in good standing with their high school. While at Nature High Camp students must follow camp rules and participate in all lessons and activities.

Registration is $50 and includes meals, lodging and supplies. The deadline to apply is May 29.  Scholarships are available; please contact your local Conservation District or Cindy Ledbetter for more information.

Agencies involved in Nature High include: Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Geological Survey, US Forest Service, Intermountain Region, Geospatial Service and Technology Center, Utah Association of Conservation Districts, and Snow College.

For more information, or an application please visit the website at www.naturehighcamp.com or contact Cindy Ledbetter, Environmental Specialist, Salt Lake Field Office BLM, at (801) 977-4377 or via email cindy_ledbetter@blm.gov.

The BLM manages more land – 256 million surface acres – than any other Federal agency.  This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska.  The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation.  The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.  The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, and cultural resources on the public lands.