Results

Between March 1997 and September 2000, 313 people participated in one of Kelly Place’s working vacations. These past participants are now informal ambassadors for low-impact visits to archeological sites everywhere.

The presence of the volunteers and archeologists has helped to keep the area open and expand the capabilities of BLM to monitor the land.

Four archeological sites in Sand Canyon have been stabilized including Castle Rock (1998), Sunny Alcove (1998), Vision House (1999-2000), and Two Storey House (1999-2000).

BLM has noted a shift in visitor behavior since 1997. Subsequent visitors have been more respectful of the landscape and archeological sites.

BLM is currently in discussion with other commercial outfitters who would like to take a more active role in preserving Sand Canyon. Outfitters have expressed an interest in helping monitor the land, gather information, and produce educational materials about how to be a responsible visitor.

On June 9, 2000, President Clinton signed a presidential proclamation designating this area as the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

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