News release BLM. Join the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a fun-filled Saturday on Sept. 30 on the Blue Ridge Trail System to help the agency revitalize the trails and celebrate National Public Lands Day! National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest volunteer event for public lands, and we believe partnerships and inclusion are vital to managing sustainable, working public lands. Volunteers will brush overgrown vegetation, install water bars, place signs and markers, remove debris and pick up litter on various segments of the trail system. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. All ages and abilities are welcome. “The Blue Ridge area is one of the closest places to Coos Bay to enjoy forested public lands. The 12-mile trail system is a unique area that offers hiking, biking, horseback riding and dirt bike riding options,” said Kathy Westenskow, Coos Bay District Manager. “The area has been closed for several years for a logging operation nearby, and now the trails need some work so people can again enjoy playing in this area,” continued Westenkow. The Blue Ridge Trail System is located 17 miles east of Coos Bay, Ore. To reach the project site from Coos Bay, drive four miles south on U.S. 101 and turn left onto Coos-Sumner Lane. Continue for 7.6 miles. Turn left onto Blue Ridge Road (BLM road #26-12-4.2). Continue for 2.4 miles and turn right onto BLM road #26-12-35.0). Travel 0.1 miles and turn right onto BLM road #26-12-35.1. Go 0.9 miles and turn left onto BLM road #26-12-35.4. Volunteers should meet at the parking area 0.3 miles down this road. Those participating in the event will receive a free National Public Lands Day t-shirt and a voucher good for a fee-free day at a public lands site. The BLM will provide food, and the necessary tools and safety equipment to complete the projects. Volunteers can bring shovels and other basic tools to help with the project, if available. Volunteers should bring water and sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes and work clothes. To learn more about the event visit: https://www.neefusa.org/public-lands-day. Volunteers can also call Leslie Peters at the Coos Bay District Office at (541) 756-0100.
