<\/p>\n
Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is one of 27 monuments earmarked for review by Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke, but his recent comments indicate it is not a priority for changes.<\/p>\n
During a Natural Resources Committee hearing June 20, U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., told Zinke that Canyons of the Ancients is what \u201cthe Antiquities Act was intended to do, protect cultural treasures while incorporating the historic use of the land. I urge you to protect this monument as it stands.\u201d<\/p>\n
When Gardner asked for an update on the monument, Zinke responded, \u201cIt is not on our priority review list.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then on June 22, during a budget hearing for the Department of Interior, U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Cortez, told Zinke that Canyons \u201cis important in my district, and to me personally of course, and should there be any changes moving forward, we\u2019d really appreciate making sure we\u2019re in concert with your office in having good communication.\u201d<\/p>\n
Zinke replied, \u201cMy intent was not to rip off Band-Aids and create wounds where there (are) none. (The intent was) to make sure that monuments had public input, that there is overwhelming support, and to make sure that the monument designations in the prescribed period followed the law.\u201d<\/p>\n
In May, Tipton and Gardner sent Zinke a letter<\/a> urging the Interior Department to preserve Canyons of the Ancients as it is. The monument was designated in 2000 by President Bill Clinton.<\/p>\n Monument manager Marietta Eaton directed questions about the monument\u2019s review process to the Bureau of Land Management\u2019s public affairs office in Montrose.<\/p>\n She emphasized that Canyons of the Ancients is \u201copen to the public, so come and explore.\u201d<\/p>\n The Anasazi Heritage Center, 27501 Colorado Highway 184, Dolores, offers itineraries on places to visit on the monument based on your schedule and hiking ability, she said.<\/p>\n