#RecreateResponsibly this #GreatOutdoorsMonth
Today kicks off #GreatOutdoorsMonth! The more than 245 million acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management offer a wide variety of diverse landscapes that feature unique and memorable experiences as vast as the land itself. This summer, we invite you to explore the outdoors with us, but please do so safely and responsibly.
Following guidance from the White House, CDC, and state and local public health authorities, we are increasing access and services to BLM-managed public lands, offices and facilities in a phased approach based on regional, state, and local conditions. Before visiting, please contact your local BLM office to check operating status and current conditions: www.blm.gov/contact.
If you go outdoors, please #RecreateResponsibly by being prepared, flexible and respectful of other users, as well as of the natural and cultural resources on public lands.
Tips to Recreate Safely and Responsibly:
Stay home if you don’t feel well or have recently been sick.
Follow guidance from local and state authorities, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Avoid heavily used or crowded trails, parking areas, and sites and seek dispersed recreation opportunities in your local area. Have a backup plan to avoid crowded high-use areas. If you find an area to be crowded, turn around.
Check with local offices for current conditions, including closures and changes in service, before visiting popular areas and visit blm.gov for operating status updates.
Practice social distancing. Be considerate of others enjoying the outdoors by giving them as much space as possible in parking lots, at trailheads, and out on public lands.
Help prevent human-caused wildfires. Completely extinguish campfires by using the “drown, stir and feel” method. Don’t park on dry grass and ensure tow chains aren't dragging and tow straps are secured. Observe fire danger restrictions on BLM lands designated as high-risk early in this fire season. Follow fireworks restrictions and target shooting requirements at all times.
Avoid unnecessary risks while recreating to prevent overwhelming medical facilities.
Bring supplies for sanitation with you and pack out your trash. Facilities, including bathrooms and visitor centers, may not be open or available for in-person contact.
If you’re unable to visit #yourpubliclands, please continue following along with us on our social media for plenty of virtual trips through our ongoing #ArmchairAdventures.
Visit your public lands: www.blm.gov/visit
Updates about the overall BLM response to COVID-19: https://www.blm.gov/alert/coronavirus-advisory
CDC Information on Protecting yourself: www.coronavirus.gov
Wildfire information: https://www.nifc.gov/fireInfo/nfn.htm
Leave No Trace ethics: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
Tread Lightly principles: https://www.treadlightly.org/learn/
