Areas of Critical Environmental Concern

As defined and authorized in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (FLPMA), an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) is an area within the public lands where special management attention is required to protect and prevent irreperable damage to important historic, cultural, or scenic values, fish or wildlife resources, or other natural systems or processes, or to protect human life and safety from natural hazards.

Currently, the Monticello Field Office manages seven ACECs.

Name	Acres	Values
Alkali Ridge	39,196	archeological
Hovenweep	2,439	scenic, habitat, cultural
Indian Creek	3,908	scenic
Lavender Mesa (Mesa Top only)	649	relict vegetation
San Juan River	4,321	scenic, clutural, fish and wildlife, natural systems and processes, and geologic features
Shay Canyon	119	cultural
Valley of the Gods	22,863	scenic

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