BUENA VISTA, Colo. – On Saturday, July 18, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell and U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell will join the local community and other federal, state, tribal, and local leaders to celebrate President Obama’s designation of the Browns Canyon National Monument.
The new monument was officially designated on Feb. 19, 2015, and is jointly managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The BLM portion of the monument is managed as part of BLM’s National Conservation Lands.
Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Bureau of Land Management Director Neil Kornze, U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, U.S. Representative Diana DeGette, as well as other local leaders will join Jewell and Tidwell.
Browns Canyon National Monument, located in Chaffee County, CO between the towns of Buena Vista and Salida, spans approximately 21,500 acres of rugged cliffs, colorful rock outcroppings and stunning mountain vistas. Browns Canyon tells the story of the area's native peoples as well as the history of recent settlers and mining communities. The monument protects one of the nation's most popular destinations for whitewater rafting, with the Arkansas River and adjacent uplands supporting world-class recreation opportunities and a strong outdoor economy.
The designation of the monument allows existing uses of the historic Browns Canyon area to continue under joint USFS and BLM management, including hunting, fishing and grazing, and does not alter or affect the valid water rights or management of the Arkansas River flows. The state of Colorado preserves existing agreements for recreational uses and access and serves as a vital management partner for this special area and the successful Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife will continue.
Prior to the celebration, on Friday, July 17, Secretary Jewell will discuss conserving public lands and the importance of connecting America’s youth to the great outdoors as part of the Hurst Lecture Series at The Aspen Institute. The Hurst Lecture Series features conversations with renowned and inspiring leaders for public audiences in Aspen. After her lecture, Secretary Jewell will meet with local elected and community leaders in Glenwood Springs regarding the Coloywo mine.
Who:
Sally Jewell, U.S. Secretary of the Interior
John Hickenlooper, Governor, State of Colorado
Tom Tidwell, Chief, United States Forest Service
Neil Kornze, Director, Bureau of Land Management
Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator
Diana DeGette, U.S. Representative
Austin Box, Tribal Elder, Southern Utes
Local leaders and community members
What:
Browns Canyon National Monument Dedication Ceremony & Celebration
When:
Saturday, July 18, 2015
2:45 p.m. MDT – Media check-in
3:00 p.m. MDT – Dedication ceremony followed by brief media availability
Where:
Buena Vista River Park, Soccer Field
Intersection of East Main Street and South Main Street
Buena Vista, CO 81211
Media:
Credentialed members of the media are encouraged to RSVP here.
Source: Department of Interior
