BLM-WO, Providing Access to Public Lands and Waters to Underserved Youth

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BACKGROUND: The 245 million acres of BLM public lands offer visitors countless opportunities to pursue outdoor adventures, such as camping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, boating, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, birding and wildlife viewing, photography, climbing, all types of winter sports, and visiting natural and cultural heritage sites. But many Americans are not aware of these opportunities to connect with nature and still others have limited experience in the outdoors and are not comfortable pursuing recreational activities on their own. It is particularly challenging for youth in urban areas and those with disabilities to enjoy recreation experiences on BLM public lands. The BLM has a long tradition of working with partner organizations to ensure that young people from all backgrounds have opportunities to play, learn, serve, and work on public lands. For example, Wilderness Inquiry⿿s Canoemobile program has provided environmental education opportunities and Voyageur canoe rides to urban youth on waterways managed by the Department of the Interior, including the BLM. The BLM wants to continue to engage the next generation. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this financial assistance is to help non-profit organizations provide opportunities for under-resourced youth, including urban youth and youth with disabilities, to participate in the wide range of recreation opportunities available on BLM public lands. Recreational activities could include educational hikes, backpacking or horse packing trips, canoe or kayak trips, bird watching, and camping. Organizations should have a history of working with young people from diverse backgrounds and should have an understanding of non-traditional user needs and abilities. They should have experience working with federal land management agencies and with community partners, including schools, youth organizations, businesses, and foundations, to ensure broad community support and to expand opportunities for targeted audience to participate in recreational activities. Organizations should also share a commitment to the ultimate goal of promoting safe and responsible enjoyment of public lands and waters by all people. PUBLIC BENEFIT: The principal purpose of this project is to connect young people with the outdoors by providing opportunities for them to pursue recreational activities on BLM public lands. A particular focus will be placed on providing those opportunities for youth from diverse backgrounds and from urban areas as well as youth with disabilities. This project serves several public purposes that have been designated as high priorities by the Secretary of the Interior⿿helping to connect youth with nature; educating them about outdoor ethics and natural resources, including treasured landscapes such as those of the National Landscape Conservation System; and introducing young people to land management careers. Public lands are to be accessed and enjoyed by ALL Americans. This financial assistance is intended to provide outreach, education, and access to young people who might otherwise not be able to enjoy recreational opportunities on public lands. As more citizens of diverse abilities and backgrounds come to enjoy the public lands, they will develop a better understanding of and appreciation for America's Great Outdoors.

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