Workers from local union trades in the Houston area lend expert skills, time, supplies
he Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA), a Nashville-based non-profit, conservation organization, announces its newest ‘Work Boots on the Ground’ initiative, taking place Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m. – noon at the Sheldon Lake State Park, 15315 Beaumont Hwy, in Houston, Texas.
When: Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. – noon CT
Where: Sheldon Lake State Park, 15315 Beaumont Hwy, in Houston, Texas.
What: Forty-plus skilled union volunteers refurbishing a fishing pier in need of repair, a designated conservation project of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s ‘Work Boots on the Ground’ program.
This fishing pier at Lake Sheldon State Park will be good as new Saturday, thanks to hands-on volunteer efforts this Saturday to refurbish the bridge, in conjunction with the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance’s ‘Work Boots on the Ground’ program.
Interview Opportunities: (Each available prior to May 3 and on-site the day-of the event.)
Kelley Morris, Park Superintendent, Sheldon Lake State Park, Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. – (832) 588-4738
Ed Vargocko, Volunteer Project Coordinator & Business Manager, Ironworkers Local 84 – (713) 824-5130
Photo Opportunities: Forty-plus volunteers from local Houston-area union trades refurbishing the fishing pier, which will involve the replacement of floor boards, hand rails and repairs to the walkway leading up to the pier.
About Work Boots on the Ground: USA’s ‘Work Boots on the Ground’ program is a volunteer initiative that mobilizes skilled labor union volunteers to tackle hands-on conservation projects. Saturday’s project, the refurbishing of a fishing pier, is led by Ed Vargocko, Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 84, in Houston.
“If we don’t give back to our community, who will?” said Vargocko of Rosenberg, Texas. “I like the idea of a state park so close to Houston, so that many people who would not regularly get a chance to be outdoors and fish have a safe pier to fish off of.”
Fred Myers, Executive Director and CEO of the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance said the organization created the program to address the issue of budget challenges and a backlog of repair and maintenance projects facing America’s parks.
“American’s more than 7,000 state parks are an intrinsic part of our country’s culture and legacy,” said Myers. “All over the country, we are forming committees, identifying needs, raising money and taking on projects to ensure future generations can enjoy the outdoor opportunities that we enjoy today.”
About the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance: The Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) is a union-dedicated, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, whose members hunt, fish, shoot and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or www.facebook.com/unionsportsmen.
USA Contact:
Laura Tingo, Public Relations Coordinator – 615.831.6795/[email protected]
Event Contacts:
Kelley Morris, Park Superintendent, Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. – (832) 588-4738
Ed Vargocko, Project Coordinator & Business Manager, Ironworkers Local 84 – (713) 824-5130
