BLM Director to visit Yuma Proving Ground

Yuma Welcomes BLM Director Robert Abbey


Yuma, Ariz. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Yuma Field Office will host a visit from BLM Director Robert Abbey on Monday, February 21, 2011. Director Abbey will be in the BLM Yuma Field Office looking at recreational issues in the area.

Director Abbey’s visit coincides with an America’s Great Outdoors event that was held yesterday at the White House. The America’s Great Outdoors Initiative, established on April 16, 2010, encourages partnerships with local communities to restore and protect the health, heritage, resources, and social and economic value of our nation’s lands and waters.

Director Abbey will tour several BLM recreation sites and will visit with the volunteers who assist with the management of the long-term visitor areas (LTVA). Media are welcome to attend the volunteer potluck luncheon scheduled from noon to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Dam LTVA ramada. There will be an opportunity to interview Director Abbey at that time. Directions to the site are: Take Highway 95 north to the Big Guns turn-off to Yuma Proving Ground. Take Yuma Proving Ground Road approximately seven miles to Senator Wash Road (you will pass Yuma Proving Ground). Turn right and follow it approximately 1 1/2 miles. Turn left on the dirt road marked with the “BLM Volunteer” sign. The ramada is approximately one mile west on the dirt road.

The BLM manages more land – 245 million 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, cultural, and other resources on public lands.