BLM: Recreate Responsibly, Recreate Safely This Weekend

The Bureau of Land Management has a Memorial Day message – stay safe this weekend.

A statement on behalf of the BLM was releases yesterday asking everyone to enjoy the nation’s public lands during the holiday, but to come prepared, be flexible, and respect others as well as natural and cultural resources on public lands. Our public lands are a tangible monument to the sacrifices made by the United States Armed Services veterans who gave their lives to preserve our freedoms, and so it falls on us to respect and honor their sacrifice while respecting and honor our natural resources as well.

The main concern, obviously, is the spread of COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only thing to look out for. The BLM has released a series of recreation tips for everyone to follow while they’re out exploring:

Recreate Responsibly, Recreate Safely Tips

• Stay home if you don’t feel well or have recently been sick.
• Follow guidance from local and state authorities, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Avoid heavily used or crowded trails, parking areas, and sites and seek dispersed recreation opportunities in your local area. Have a backup plan to avoid crowded high-use areas. If you find an area to be crowded, turn around.
• Check with local offices for current conditions, including closures and changes in service, before visiting popular areas and visit blm.gov for operating status updates.
• Practice social distancing. Be considerate of others enjoying the outdoors by giving them as much space as possible in parking lots, at trailheads, and out on public lands.
• Help prevent human-caused wildfires. Completely extinguish campfires by using the “drown, stir and feel” method. Don’t park on dry grass and ensure tow chains aren’t dragging and tow straps are secured. Observe fire danger restrictions on BLM lands designated as high-risk early in this fire season. Follow fireworks restrictions and target shooting requirements at all times.
• Avoid unnecessary risks while recreating to prevent overwhelming medical facilities.
• Bring supplies for sanitation with you and pack out your trash. Facilities, including bathrooms and visitor centers may not be open or available for in-person contact.

These might be second nature to us in Cody, but reminders never hurt.