This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Though it might seem a bit like an oxymoron to celebrate National Public Lands Day in Utah where the governor and legislators want to grab federal property, the day will occur Saturday.
The 22nd annual event serves as a time to to play, learn or work at the nation's public lands.
One benefit is that the day features free admission to every National Park Service site, as well as special activities and volunteer work projects across the country.
The day also includes the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
"National Public Lands Day is a unique opportunity for visitors and volunteers to reflect on their important role as stewards of America's public lands," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "As the National Park Service approaches our centennial in 2016, we look forward to engaging a new generation of Americans in a second century of caring for America's Best Idea – National Parks. I encourage all Americans to spend some time volunteering or enjoying your national parks and public lands on Saturday."
Volunteers in the Salt Lake County area looking for a project can join the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation by meeting at Alta for trail improvement and invasive weed removal Saturday. The group is looking for 100 volunteers for the project from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. To register, call 801-466-6411 or meal volunteer@cottonwoodcanyons.org.
According to a release from the National Park Service, service projects are also scheduled at Arches, Cedar Breaks and Dinosaur. Contact the parks there for information.
Or visit http://www.publiclandsday.org for more information and a list of project sites.
National Public Lands Day is sponsored by the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation and is billed as the largest single-day, hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance federal, state and local public lands in the country.
Last year, about 175,000 volunteers worked at 2,132 sites throughout the United States. Those who participate in a national park project will receive a free pass for a future visit to a national park.