On Tuesday, Oct. 3, Maggie Wyatt of the Public Lands Foundation presented the 2017 Landscape Stewardship Award to longtime volunteers Geoff and Sandy Freethey.
The BLM nominated the Freetheys for their service helping the BLM develop a world-renowned non-motorized trail system, promote responsible recreation and improve public lands surrounding Moab. The agency extended its thanks to the Freetheys for their continued leadership and to the Public Lands Foundation for honoring them with this award.
The Public Lands Foundation accepts nominations annually and chooses the winner based on outstanding contributions of citizen efforts to bring people together and work to improve management of public lands.
The BLM said that the Freetheys are exemplary volunteers with Grand County Trail Mix, working across agency boundaries to provide the community and visitors with a non-motorized trail system that serves hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian users.
Although the Freetheys have “retired” from Grand County Trail Mix, they continue to volunteer more than 60 hours each week maintaining trails, cleaning up trash, placing signs, and performing other tasks that make a big difference on public lands.
The Public Lands Foundation is a national nonprofit organization aimed toward the professional and sustainable management of public lands for responsible use and enjoyment by everyone.
Public Lands Foundation honors Geoff and Sandy Freethey
For more information about the Public Lands Foundation, visit: www.publicland.org. To learn more about Grand County Trail Mix and volunteer opportunities, go to: www.grandcountyutah.net/223/Trail-Mix-Committee. If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities with the BLM, please call the Moab Field Office at 435-259-2100,or visit: www.blm.gov/get-involved/volunteers.
