| Contacts: | Stephen Baker 505.954.2022 |
Tent Rocks Monument Reopening Celebration Planned for September 12th
Albuquerque, N.M. – Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument will officially reopen to the public on Sunday, September 12, 2010, with a special reopening celebration. After some weather related and construction delays, crews have been making good progress with the road paving project. BLM officials look forward to reopening the monument and hope an earlier reopening may be possible if the remaining work goes smoothly.
The reopening celebration will feature a road dedication and ribbon cutting, guided hikes and activities at the monument, and events at the nearby Cochiti Pueblo.
“The construction crews have been working hard to finish the road and we anticipate opening the monument just as soon as we’re able to,” said Ed Singleton, BLM Albuquerque District Manager. “We want to thank the public for their patience during this project and we can’t wait to welcome folks back to the monument for our special reopening celebration when the paving’s finished.”
The purpose of the paving is to improve the quality of the road, reduce the need to close after heavy rain and snow, and minimize the dust stirred up from the five mile dirt road.
During the monument’s closure, the public is encouraged to consider alternative BLM recreational sites, many of which are within a short drive of the monument.
More information about the road and monument closure, as well alternative recreational sites, can be found at www.blm.gov/nm/TentRocksClosure. The public is encouraged to check the website frequently for updates and information about the reopening. Details on the official reopening celebration will be announced soon.
The BLM manages more land - over 245 million acres - than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.