Celebrating National Public Lands Day across the High Desert District in Wyoming

National Public Lands Day is largely supported across the United States as a cornerstone celebration centered around volunteerism, outdoor recreation, access, and environmental stewardship. 

The Three Corners monument marks the unique point where the states of Colorado, Utah and Wyoming meet. Located in the remote corners of Utah, Colorado and Wyoming, this century-old tri-state marker offers visitors the chance to stand in all three states at once. The monument itself is a simple stone marker, set in a rugged landscape that highlights the region's natural beauty and historic significance. 

On Saturday, Sept. 12, BLM Wyoming High Desert District Resource Advisor Sonja Hunt organized a National Public Lands Day event to repair, replace and upgrade the area. Recreation staff from BLM Utah’s Vernal Field Office, BLM Colorado’s Little Snake Field Office and BLM Wyoming’s High Desert District, along with volunteers from local communities, all helped to improve the area. Eight decades of experience skillfully guided 72 hands to improve the flag poles, put up new flags, replace fencing and repair the turnstile for better access. 

A huge shout-out to the High Desert District Force Account Crew for grading and maintaining access to both locations for public benefit.

The Rock Springs Field Office was also able to facilitate a second location for NPLD at the Tri-Territory Marker near Farson, Wyoming. Skillfully led by Lauren Hazzard, Maura Bradshaw and Anthony Ray, all from the Rock Springs Field Office, 10 volunteers assisted with the replacement of rails, road base and vegetation trimming. The Tri-Territory Marker indicates the spot where the 42nd parallel north intersects the Continental Divide.

Visitors can stand at the meeting point of the three territorial claims of the Louisiana Purchase, Oregon Territory and Mexican Territory. The inscription on the monument names all those countries included: Spain, France, Great Britain, Mexico, the United States and more. Standing at this now refurbished location, visitors can reflect on shifting sovereignty over time.

Community partners are the reason the BLM successfully completed two projects at two locations in the local area on the same day. Thank you to our community partners: Clint Eddy of Sweetwater Custom Works; Pete Liebee of Bobcat and Rocky Mountain Power Sports; Stony Searle of Searle Brothers Construction; Jim McCollum and Taylor Jones for riverbed improvements; and Sweetwater County Commissioner Mary Thoman for supporting this event.

Many more volunteer opportunities are scheduled for Sept. 26, 2026, with other BLM offices in the area. Please visit the National Environmental Education Foundation’s National Public Lands Day page for additional opportunities. 

The BLM looks forward to many more opportunities to host National Public Lands Day. If you have a project in mind, please share it with our local BLM office.