CAÑON CITY, Colo. - Local government and community representatives presented Bureau of Land Management Associate Field Manager Kalem Lenard with the Environmental Stewardship Award as part of the Palmer Land Trust’s Southern Colorado Conservation Awards. Lenard was recognized for his role in spearheading a trail development project in Oil Well Flats.
“Kalem’s contributions over the past five years have helped the BLM fulfill its mission to be responsible public land stewards, while positively impacting our local community," said BLM Royal Gorge Field Office Manager Keith Berger. “Kalem really cares and is always willing to go the extra mile."
In 2012, Lenard visited the Oil Well Flats area and envisioned a trail that would climb above the valley, offering the public unparalleled views of the Royal Gorge region. Through his work, hikers, bikers, trail runners and equestrian enthusiasts from around the world can now enjoy these views on the 17-mile Oil Well Flats trails system.
These trails are now a recreation hotspot for residents and visitors. In Fiscal Year 2016, recreation activities on BLM-managed lands generated $590.8 million and supported about 4,800 jobs in Colorado.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management
