Eagle Scout service project enhances BLM's Fowl River Access Site

It isn’t often that the BLM gets to bring a new surface management unit online, as is the case with the Fowl River Access Site, a recreation area in southern Mobile County, Alabama managed by the Southeastern States District Office (SSDO). With considerable leadership, dedication, and perseverance, prospective Eagle Scout Zac Cupp has made a tangible impact on the still nascent Fowl River Access Site by completing his Eagle Scout service project on these public lands. Through collaboration with the BLM’s SSDO staff, Cupp's project has enhanced the site’s suite of amenities and bettered the experience for outdoor recreation users.

Cupp was inspired by a presentation from former BLM Natural Resource Specialist Kyle Connelly to his Boy Scouts of America District last year. Cupp worked diligently, coordinating with BLM staff, to develop a project implementation plan that culminated in a successful fundraising campaign within his community.

The bulk of Cupp’s project included the installation of a discrete hammock hanging area that will prevent damage to nearby trees, offer an additional amenity to visitors, and prevent inadvertent site expansion due to the use of mulch and concrete edging.

Throughout the process, Cupp, Connelly, BLM leadership, and personnel from the area’s Boy Scouts of America troop ensured communication needs, expectations, and timelines were coordinated with one another. Each party also ensured their respective bureaucratic processes were smoothly navigated and paperwork was in order.
 

Cupp’s collaboration with the SSDO, including an on-site visit to identify the optimal placement for the project, helped foster a meaningful connection between the area’s Scouting community and the BLM. In doing so, Cupp contributed to his community and practiced skills in teamwork and project design through this hands-on experience.

This project can serve as an example to other Scouts or service groups in the area, and the SSDO looks forward to working with more prospective Eagle Scouts in the future to provide both service opportunities and value to the American public.

The Fowl River Access Site is comprised of 5.1 acres of land acquired through the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 2022 to aid in providing contiguous access for outdoor activities in Mobile County, Alabama. The BLM partnered with the Trust for Public Land on the acquisition, which opens access to more than 40 acres of BLM-managed public land and 300 river miles on the Fowl River.