Volunteers

The public lands, administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Nevada, reach from the Sierra Nevada mountains in the West, across the Great Basin, to pinyon-juniper woodlands in the east. They include mountainous desert country which is the home of Desert Bighorn sheep, the official Nevada State animal. Scenic wonders are found throughout the state, from Red Rock Canyon in southern Nevada to Blue Lakes in northern Nevada.

The BLM administers land used for mining and livestock grazing which are among the state's primary economic industries, geologic wonders, great open spaces, recreation and wilderness. The BLM has a responsibility to chronicle and preserve natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

The delicate balance among these often-competing uses is BLM's responsibility.

Your participation as a volunteer can give you a more meaningful stake in your country's future. Volunteering provides an opportunity to participate in work that benefits all the citizens; it is not only a personal link, but a partnership, to manage and restore the health of the land.

BLM Ely District volunteers can participate in virtually every aspect of the district’s activities, depending on the season. Archeology, recreation, range and wildlife are just four of the options available to anyone desiring to get involved. National Public Lands Day is another option, and what a great chance for families to come together with a purpose.

Working with BLM will increase your skills which may help you in the future. Or, it may help you decide what your future will be.

You will make new friends with the same interests, and have fun while accomplishing something that could have far-reaching effects.

Anyone can volunteer to help manage the public's land. Citizens under the age of 18 must have parent or guardian approval, whether they are volunteering as an individual or as part of a group. Volunteer service must comply with federal and state laws on using the services of minors.

If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must possess a valid visa to become a BLM volunteer.

Volunteers can participate in almost any BLM program where a need has been identified. Some of the assignments that volunteers have accomplished include trail work, wildlife monitoring, visitor contact, restoring riparian areas, planting trees, mapping, and much much more.

What are the Benefits?
BLM volunteers have the same benefits as Federal government employees for compensation for work-related injuries and tort claims protection. Although volunteers contribute their services without pay, they may deduct out-of-pocket expenses on income tax returns within the limits set by tax laws. Deductions can include car mileage, meals and lodging expenses incurred as a result of volunteer work.

The only areas which prohibit volunteers are law enforcement, fire suppression, and participating on special use flights.

To find out about available BLM Nevada volunteer opportunities go to the Volunteer Federal website at http://www.volunteer.gov/gov/, which lists numerous volunteer opportunites for the Department of Interior's agencies by state.   If you are interested in volunteer opportunities with BLM in Nevada, contact that office through the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of the page.