LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District will waive entrance fees for visitors to its recreation sites this Saturday, September 24th, in honor of National Public Lands Day. National Public Lands Day is the nation's largest single-day volunteer event for public lands. Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, this celebration brings out thousands of volunteers to help restore and improve public lands around the country. It is also a “Fee-Free Day”—one of only five days a year when entrance fees are waived at national parks and other public lands.
This year, the theme is Giving Back Together.
“During the pandemic, our public lands became a haven for recreation and the simple pleasure of being outdoors. Throughout this time of uncertainty, the outdoors brought people together and deepened our appreciation for the important role these spaces play in our lives,” said Bill Childress, BLM Las Cruces District Manager. "To celebrate National Public Lands Day, we're waiving recreation fees for all of our sites across the district to encourage families to get outside and enjoy their public lands."
Fee sites include: Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, Aguirre Spring Recreation Site, and Dripping Springs Natural Area. Site standard amenity and individual day-use fees at these recreation sites and areas will be waived. Other fees, such as overnight camping and group day use will remain in effect. More information about National Public Lands Day can be found at www.publiclandsday.org.
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The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.