Public Lands Day almost rained out

Rain and 55-degree temperatures limited public turnout Saturday as Bureau of Land Management employees marked National Public Lands Day by improving accessibility at the Rainbow Canyon Interpretive Site.

Five BLM employees, joined by a neighboring resident who was the day’s only public volunteer, worked through heavy rain and wet bentonite. Led by outdoor recreation planner Rick Tryder, the crew built a bridge over the second creek, extended the path and placed small, crushed stone on the trail to improve traction.

 BLM maintenance worker Zach Cowfer, who took a break from the John Blue repairs to the washed-out road, led the bridge-building crew along with wildlife biologist Abel Guevara and recreation tech Camille Scott. Tryder and Anthony Camiccia worked on the trail improvements together. 

The crew also installed beams along the path as part of the effort to make the entire trail accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Organizers said they hope more community members will participate next year.

Participants received T-shirts, lunch provided by the BLM and a free pass valid at national parks and other federal recreation sites that charge entrance or day-use fees.

The BLM plans another Public Lands Day project this Saturday in the Cody area, where crews will work on fencing intended to help protect wildlife. Additional information is available on the BLM website.