BLM Utah Urban Rangers Program

Background: The Urban Ranger program is an expanding partnership that involves multiple agencies and organizations in the Salt Lake Valley. Local college students are recruited to participate as citizen stewards who interface with the public to conduct nature outings, classroom presentations and service projects. The Urban Ranger Program aligns with the Secretaryâ¿¿ of the Interiorâ¿¿s youth initiatives: â¿¢ Engaging the Next Generation â¿¢ Education, Interpretation and Youth Engagement Nat'l Strategy and Implementation Plan 2013-2018 â¿¢ BLM Connecting With Communities 2014-2019 â¿¢ Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Strategic Plan 2013-2018 â¿¢ Let's Move Outside (LMO) Objectives: The BLM Utah Urban Ranger program will provide opportunities to provide natural resource education programs, volunteer and recreation opportunities, and agency career information to the public. The Salt Lake Field Office will provide leadership and professional development opportunities to Urban Ranger participants, orienting them to agency mission, resources, and targeted efforts to reach urban populations through resource education. The Urban Rangers will provide classroom presentations teaching youth about natural resources, the value of public lands, and natural resources education and career paths; help manage volunteer projects; help build partnerships; assist with BLM outreach associated with Earth Day, National Public Lands Day, Bonneville Flats Speed Week, Nature High Summer Camp, Archaeology Week; assist with Outdoor Recreation Program data collection; and work with Boy and Girl Scout groups, especially Eagle Scouts conducting projects on public land managed by County, State and Federal agencies. Public Benefit: The Urban Ranger students will work with the BLM-Utah to build partnerships with local youth-serving organizations and schools; provide positive outdoor and classroom experiences for traditionally underserved urban youth in the Salt Lake Valley; and cultivate environmental stewardship among all users of the regional trail systems, especially the Bonneville Shoreline. The activities of the Urban Rangers will focus on personally engaging with diverse youth and families on the Wasatch Front in culturally appropriate ways to increase understanding and appreciation of public lands and trails, outdoor recreation and volunteer opportunities, and land management careers.