Who We Are

The Friends of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is a group of individuals and organizations interested in protecting and preserving Canyons of the Ancients National Monument and its valuable resources. Activities include outreach, public education, volunteer activities, stewardship, advocacy and more.

Below you'll find more details about our group, such as:

Mission Statement
Our Steering Committee
Membership in FCANM
History of Friends of CANM
Where Are We Going?
Other Organizations Involved with Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

Mission Statement

Our Mission

Friends of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument believe that it is important to protect the archaeological, cultural, and natural resources found within the Monument’s exceptional landscape. Our role is one of education, outreach, and stewardship; with an ultimate goal of building a network of individuals and organizations that are both knowledgeable and protective of the Monument’s unique qualities. In this way we will work to ensure that present and future generations are able to enjoy the spectacular resources that comprise the Monument.

Who We Are

Friends of CANM include local citizens, business owners, hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, ATV users, farmers, ranchers, energy production leaseholders, preservationists, conservationists, and archaeologists-people who know this place and care about it. We are your neighbors throughout the Four Corners region and beyond.

What We Do

Through public education and support, advocacy, and participation in policy-making and resource management processes, we help protect the natural, cultural, and historical assets of this special place.

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Our Steering Committee

The Friends of CANM Steering Committee started meeting in March, 2005. Members include representatives of various user groups of the Monument, as well as citizens at large. Click here for a list of Steering Committee members and their contact information. Feel free to contact a Steering Committee member with comments or questions about the group.

Membership in FCANM

Membership in Friends of CANM is based simply on your interest in the Monument and in being involved with the group. To become a member of Friends of CANM, send an e-mail with your contact information to Gabi Morey, Coordinator of the group. She will place you on the Friends e-mail list where you will receive updates about the group and will be informed of meetings and events.

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History of Friends of CANM

Friends of Canyons of the Ancients National Monument had its beginnings when the monument was designated by President Clinton in June 2000. With the presence of some vocal opposition to the Monument, a group of about 35 citizens gathered to demonstrate their support of protecting the significant natural and archaeological resources of the proposed monument. Their work included writing letters and making phone calls to State and Federal legislators. The group met several times over a 9 month period.

After realizing success with the monument being designated, the Friends group went quiet for a period of time.

In February of 2004, the Friends group came together again and has been meeting on a regular basis. Through 2004, citizen input at meetings was sought and discussions were heard on the following topics:

Roles of other "friends groups" involved with national monuments
Possible roles and activities of the Friends of CANM group
Discussion of groups that are currently involved in CANM issues
Possible funding sources and administrative oversight

The group has created a mission statement and continues to work on defining its role among other groups working in the area. Some recent projects and presentations are:

January, 2005: A new FCANM website was designed and brought online for the purpose of building awareness and providing information of the group's activities and contributions to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.
May, 2005: We heard a special presentation by Mark Varien, Director of Research and an archaeologist at Crow Canyon Archaeological Center.
October, 2005: The group had its first volunteer event at Cannonball Mesa where we helped finish a backfilling project by raking native grass seeds into the soil.
January, 2006: The group met to discuss conflicts and relationship building with other user groups of the Monument.
June, 2006: The group toured archeological sites around Kelly Place , participated in a pot luck supper, and enjoyed a great presentation by Fred Blackburn, local historian and educator, about historical and prehistorical sites found in McElmo Canyon.

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Where Are We Going?

We will continue to define projects, organize events, and develop forums to address the objectives of our Mission Statement.

Our website will continue to be a place where citizens can find out about our group activities as well as find links to other Monument user groups.

Friends of CANM is a group where various individuals and groups can get to know one another through on-the-ground projects, informational meetings, and fun gatherings.

We seek to establish alliances and strengthen relationships among all user groups which will in turn strengthen our ability to protect the resources of the Monument.

Other Organizations Involved with Canyons of the Ancients National Monument

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