Canyons of the Ancients National Monument was established on June 9, 2000. This 164,000 acre monument in southwest Colorado contains the highest known density of archeological sites in the United States. Occupation by hunters and gatherers likely began over 10,000 years ago. Among some of the treasures are cliff dwellings, villages, kivas, shrines, sacred springs, agricultural fields, check dams, reservoirs, rock art, and sweat lodges. The monument is part of the Paradox Basin. From McElmo Dome in the southern part of the monument, the landscape slopes gently to the north, with rugged sandstone cliffs, mesa tops, and dissected and incised canyons throughout. The area north of Yellow Jacket Canyon is crucial habitat for the Mesa Verde nightsnake, long-nosed leopard lizard, and twin-spotted spiny lizard. The monument is also home to the peregrine falcon, golden eagle, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, northern harrier, Gambel’s quail, and mourning dove. The majority of these lands (85 percent) have already been leased for oil and gas and will remain open for such development. Industry has conducted many cultural inventories, providing extensive information on the heritage of the area. Grazing is permitted and the BLM is implementing land health standards to ensure that resource uses are compatible. Off highway vehicles (OHVs) are restricted to existing roads and trails to prevent damage to cultural resources. A charter to form an advisory committee is awaiting approval by the Secretary of the Interior. This committee will assist the BLM in developing a collaborative plan that includes the local communities.