CODY — Local volunteers, the Northwest Wyoming OHV Alliance, the Shoshone Trails Coalition and the Bureau of Land Management Cody Field Office made substantial improvements to the Red Lake area south of Cody recently to celebrate National Public Lands Day.

The Red Lake area is known for its diversity of recreational opportunities including off highway vehicle (OHV) travel, mountain biking, hiking and birding.

However, according to a BLM release, the area has historically been used as an illegal garbage dump, which detracts from the prominent scenic and recreational values of the area.

During the National Public Lands Day event, more than 5,000 pounds of trash were removed from the landscape. Additionally, the information kiosk was updated to include an area map, and signs to deter dumping were installed.

“It’s great to see the community come out year after year to make a valuable contribution to public lands in the area,” said BLM Outdoor Recreation Planner Rick Tryder. “We look forward to these community projects each year and enjoy seeing new partners willing to help out.”

After a morning of hard work, the Northwest Wyoming OHV Alliance treated the volunteers to a pizza lunch. In addition to the dedication of the volunteers, this project was made possible by Keele Sanitation’s donation of a 30-yard roll-off dumpster and portable restrooms, as well as through the support of the Park County Landfill and Park County Commission.

For more information about opportunities to volunteer on public lands in the Cody area, contact the BLM Cody Field Office at 307-578-5900.