National Public Lands Day 2007 Will Be September 29th
The volunteer drive for the 14th annual coast-to-coast effort to clean up public lands is now underway - with year’s focus is on the rising tide of invasive species
The largest hands-on volunteer effort to preserve America’s lands, the 14th annual National Public Lands Day, will take place Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007. In addition to the usual facility clean ups and repairs, this year will have a new focus on countering the tide of invasive plants and animals that take over habitats and squeeze out native species.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the government spends $120 billion annually on the control and impact of more than 800 out-of-control invaders that pose a threat to the environment, economy, and human health. That doesn’t include the value of biodiversity, aesthetics, soil erosion, water contamination, etc. Every volunteer who removes invasive species helps keep the toll from rising.
The estimated dollar value of volunteer time is $18.77 an hour for 2006, based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Independent Sector. So every 100,000 volunteers who participate in National Public Lands Day represent an additional $1.8 million worth of labor for American lands.
This year’s goal is to exceed the 2006 National Public Lands Day numbers of 100,000 volunteers by at least an additional 10,000.
“Public lands serve all Americans, and National Public Lands Day provides a fun and educational opportunity for Americans to return the favor to those lands and the wildlife they harbor,,” states Robb Hampton, Director of National Public Lands Day. The event continues the legacy started by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which enrolled 3 million Americans to maintain and improve public lands during the Great Depression.
Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc., for the ninth consecutive year, has again enthusiastically volunteered to sponsor the event. This year, the National Invasive Species Council joined seven federal agencies and over thirty state park agencies as National Public Lands Day Partners.
One third of America’s land is in public hands, and may be used for everything from recreation and relaxing to logging and mining for natural resources. National Public Lands Day is a yearly chance for Americans to take ownership of these lands, which are constantly threatened by human causes such as pollutants and natural causes like disasters and erosion. Events will take place in parks, forests, rivers, lakes, wetlands, at cultural and historic sites and neighborhood areas. Families and students can tour national parks and many state parks for free on this date, and learn about wildlife habitats while working to benefit them.
Those interested in organizing a project or volunteering for this year’s event can learn more at www.publiclandsday.org. This website offers tips for site organizers, and more information and photos for the news media.
For more information about Public Lands Day: (202) 261-6478
Source: National Environmental Education Foundation
To read more about the desert, go to DesertUSA.com.