October 6, 2003

Advisory Group Announces Fall Meetings

The Canyons of the Ancients National Monument Advisory Committee will hold meetings on Tuesday, Oct. 21 2003, and Friday, Nov. 14, 2003 at 9 a.m. at the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores, Colorado. The meetings are open to the public. The Committee advises the Secretary of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management on the development and implementation of a resource management plan for the Monument.

At the October meeting, BLM will offer an update of the overall Monument planning process. Discussions will cover the public participation plan for the planning effort and strategies for upcoming Committee meetings. A working lunch will take place at the Anasazi Heritage Center, followed by a review of current planning issues and an overview of Monument land health determinations.

At the November meeting, BLM will again provide an update of the Monument planning process. Other topics of discussion will include planning issues and management concerns, partnerships, science, and other issues.

A public comment period will be offered during both meetings at about 2:30 p.m. for interested persons to make oral statements or submit written statements. Time limits for oral statements may be necessary to make sure all those interested have an opportunity to speak. At the end of the meetings, members will discuss the agenda for next meeting.

For more information contact Steve Kandell, Monument Planner, Anasazi Heritage Center, 970 882-5600.