BLM-CO Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area Education Program

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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado's 8.3 million acres of public lands, along with 27 million acres of mineral estate, are concentrated primarily in the western portion of the State. The lands range from alpine tundra, colorful canyons, and mesas in the southwest, to rolling sage-covered hills in the northwest. These public lands play a vital role in providing open space and contribute to Colorado's quality of life. The public lands and resources administered by the BLM are among Colorado's greatest assets, benefitting local communities and our nation. Every year, BLM-managed public lands support thousands of jobs in Colorado and draw millions of visitors. Colorado's public lands support diverse lifestyles and livelihoods on healthy and working landscapes in Colorado's backyard. BLM Colorado's National Conservation Lands encompass approximately one million acres, or one-eighth of all BLM land in the state. In addition, BLM Colorado manages the following: â¿¢ 3 national conservation areas â¿¢ 53 wilderness study areas â¿¢ 5 wilderness areas â¿¢ 1 national historic trail â¿¢ 1 national scenic trail â¿¢ 2 national monuments Unlike many other recreation destinations, BLM Colorado's public lands are still quite rustic. There are no entrance stations and comparatively few developed recreation areas. BLM Colorado focuses recreation on the visitors' freedom to choose where to go and what to do. More than one-quarter of BLM lands in Colorado are managed specifically for recreation and tourism. About six million visitors per year come to BLM Colorado lands to hike, mountain bike, whitewater raft, camp, and fish. The Royal Gorge Field Office (RGFO), as part of BLM Colorado, administers more than 668,000 surface acres of public land along the Front Range and 6.8 million sub-surface acres. Since the RGFO spans such a large area, it covers a variety of terrain and is involved in a multitude of initiatives, including those activities that provide opportunities to engage and inform the public. The RGFO partners with various organizations and cooperators to provide outreach to the public and innovative interpretive and educational programs about public lands and resources in the Arkansas River Valley of Colorado. The RGFO seeks a cooperator to provide education and interpretive materials for distribution at the RGFO and Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) office as well as to develop and conduct educational programming for the public and youth. The Recipient will provide education and interpretive materials for public consumption, host and train volunteers, offer learning opportunities for youth and adults, and assist visitors with information regarding recreational opportunities, natural resources, wildlife, and hunting on public lands.

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