For Immediate Release: October 27, 2004
Contact: Mel Lloyd:  970-244-3097
Hillerie C. Patton: 303-239-3671
 
 

BLM Director joins in celebrating community-based plan

GRAND JUNCTION, CO—Director Kathleen Clarke will join Bureau of Land Management (BLM) employees and local citizens at 10 a.m., Thu., Oct. 28, at the Devil’s Canyon trailhead kiosk.  This event celebrates the community partnership essential to the BLM in completing the Resource Management Plan for the Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area. 

BLM Colorado State Director Ron Wenker, Dept. of Natural Resources Executive Director Russell George, City of Fruita Manager Clint Kinney, Mesa County Commissioner Doralyn Genova and former chair of the Colorado Canyons NCA Advisory Council, Warren Gore, will join Clarke in speaking at the event.

“Designation of this incredible area would not have been possible without the support and enthusiasm demonstrated by the local community,” Grand Junction Field Manager Catherine Robertson said.  “This partnership enabled the designation to take place and many area residents worked tirelessly to create the vision for the Colorado Canyons NCA.” 

The Colorado Canyons NCA, located west of Grand Junction and south of I-70, comprises 122,300 acres of rugged, sandstone canyons surrounding a 24-mile stretch of the Colorado River.  The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness, 75,550 acres of pristine canyon country, forms much of this area’s dramatic landscape.  Designated by Congress in Oct. 2000, current legislation is awaiting the president’s signature for renaming the area to honor retiring Rep. Scott McInnis, who coauthored the original bill in 2000. 

Individuals who plan to attend and need special assistance should contact the BLM.  For more information on the event, contact Mel Lloyd, 970-244-3097.

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