Surrounded by the majestic backdrop of the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks, the Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District celebrated another banner year of volunteer contributions. Every year, the BLM leadership and employees show appreciation to the contributions made by volunteers in support of management’s goals of enhance America’s public lands and resources. This year was no different as over 40 volunteers and their family and friends gathered at the La Cueva Picnic Area for a barbecue on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
This year’s statistics of 88 active volunteers, contributing 21,727 hours, which equates to an additional 13 full-time staff, speaks volumes to their work on behalf of public land resources. The volunteers provided visitor services, trail patrol, maintenance and signing, as well as cultural and paleontological site monitoring. In addition, they removed graffiti, kept recreation areas operational and enticing to the public.
Making a difference for the 5.4 million acres of public lands in southern New Mexico is what draws a lot of volunteers to dedicate their time to clean up trash, build and enhance mountain biking and hiking trails and restore wildlife habitat – just to name a few activities. The hours volunteered this year saved the district more than $737,414.38.
Representing BLM District Manager Scott Cooke at the appreciation luncheon was BLM District Branch Chief, Cultural and Recreation Manager, Kendrah Madrid. In her remarks, Madrid outlined the 2024 volunteer statistics, saying the BLM Las Cruces District was very grateful for the volunteers’ commitment and all they have done to support BLM’s multiple-use mission to protect, maintain and enhance public land and resources. She applauded their interest and dedication, saying the BLM Las Cruces District could not have accomplished so much without their support.
“No contribution is too small, and every volunteer project makes a difference to enhance America’s public lands and resources,” said Madrid.
As a multiple-use and sustained-yield agency, the BLM is indeed grateful for the volunteers that labor alongside resource specialists for the benefit of all Americans, ensuring the public lands are maintained and enhanced now and for future generations.
