| Contacts: | Sandra Snell-Dobert 970-641-2337 ext. 227 | |||
| Erin Curtis 970-244-3097 |
Black Canyon NP, Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area Observe 10th Anniversary
The public is invited to join the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management in celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area.
The event will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park Visitor Center, located 15 miles east of Montrose via U.S. Highway 50 and Colorado Highway 347. Parking is available at the campground, with free shuttle buses providing transportation to the visitor center. Be sure to allow at least 15 minutes for the shuttle.
U.S. Bureau of Land Management Director Bob Abbey, U.S. Congressman John Salazar, former U.S. Senator from Colorado Ben Nighthorse-Campbell, former U.S. Representative from Colorado Scott McInnis, Kenneth Lane from the office of the Secretary of the Department of Interior, and Ute tribal representative Roland McCook will be among the speakers.
“Designation of the Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area is a shining example of the public, local, state and federal government working together to protect land for present and future generations,” said BLM Director Abbey. “I’m looking forward to celebrating its anniversary with the local communities who championed the establishment of both the National Park and the NCA for the betterment of the community and the landscape.”
The celebration will recognize the efforts of the communities of Montrose, Gunnison and Delta in achieving the designation of these national treasures in 1999. Live music and refreshments will be available. There will also be on-going opportunities to view exhibits and video programs at the visitor center. Roving rangers will be at the overlooks to answer questions and help you enjoy your visit. Visitors are encouraged to bring lunch and enjoy a day the National Park and NCA.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. In Fiscal Year 2012, activities on public lands generated $4.6 billion in revenue, much of which was shared with the States where the activities occurred. In addition, public lands contributed more than $112 billion to the U.S. economy and helped support more than 500,000 jobs.
2465 S. Townsend Ave, Montrose, CO 81401