The Bureau of Land Management celebrates the 20-year anniversary of McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area
Organization
BLM Office:
Media Contact:
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Today, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) honors the 20-year anniversary of the establishment of the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, a 123,000-acre jewel in the high desert of western Colorado and eastern Utah, designated for its scenic, recreational, natural, and multiple-use purposes. The McInnis National Conservation Area is located 15 miles from the Robert F. Burford BLM headquarters.
“This is a special place for so many people, and its designation exemplifies BLM's excellence in conservation stewardship,” said Colorado State Director Jamie Connell. “It is clear that the local community has immense pride in this national conservation area and without them, its success would not be possible.”
Established by Public Law 106–353 on October 24, 2000, and renamed by Public Law 108–400 on January 1, 2005, in honor of Representative Scott McInnis, the national conservation area is home to threatened and endangered species, holds significant cultural and paleontological resources, and dramatic views. The Black Ridge Canyons Wilderness is in the core of the national conservation area with over 75,000-acres full of red rock canyons and the second highest concentration of natural arches in North America.
McInnis Canyons offers opportunities for world class mountain biking, hiking, and exploring, while preserving traditional uses such as hunting and livestock grazing. Local partners and communities come together in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area to conduct volunteer and youth education programs, a testament to the close connection shared between public lands and communities.
“Today we celebrate McInnis Canyons for the outstanding resource it provides the American people,” said McInnis Canyon National Conservation Area Manager Collin Ewing. “To me, this area serves as a perfect illustration of the BLM’s multiple use mission and the critical role that strong local partnerships play in supporting our public lands.”
To find out more information and opportunities available within McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, please visit: https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/colorado/mcinnis-canyons
-BLM-
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.