FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2009

BLM Accepting Public Comments on Proposed Acquisition of Private Lands Within Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is accepting public comments on a Preliminary Environmental Assessment for the acquisition of up to 240 acres of private land. The private land is located within the boundaries of the Monument and has been offered to the Monument by the landowners.

If acquired, the lands would become part of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, and would be subject to all laws, regulations and policies for managing the Monument. The acquisition would allow for federal oversight and protection of the cultural sites and artifacts located on the private lands. Additionally, acquisition of these private lands would provide a more continuous geographic and cultural landscape for the Monument. This continuity is important for preserving the connections between the cultural resources on this landscape.

Written public comments must be postmarked by April 4, 2009, and mailed to Manager, Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, 27501 Highway 184, Dolores, CO 81323. No electronic or verbal comments will be accepted.

The Preliminary EA is available on the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument website at: www.blm.gov/co/st/en/nm/canm/nepa_documents.html. Paper copies of the Preliminary EA are available at the Anasazi Heritage Center, 27501 Highway 184, Dolores, CO, the Dolores Public Lands Office, 29211 Highway 184, Dolores, CO, and at the San Juan Public Lands Center, 15 Burnett Court, Durango, CO 81301.

For more information, contact LouAnn Jacobson at the Anasazi Heritage Center at (970) 882-5600.