GRAND JUNCTION — Any potential changes to the name or status of the Colorado National Monument will have to percolate a while longer so a committee can continue to weigh options.
A working committee appointed by U.S. Sen. Mark Udall to give input on how best to protect and promote the popular recreational area, met by conference call with Udall Thursday and asked for more time.
The group initially was considering if the monument should be changed to a park – a switch that would bring higher visibility. Lately, Some committee members have been looking at the possibility of simply renaming, or “rebranding” the monument so it better reflects what is there.
Too many confused tourists long have driven the 23 snaking miles of Rim Rock Drive through the monument to look for a statue or tablet because of the word “monument.”
Some committee members spoke up against the renaming option in Thursday’s meeting because it would not bring the same benefits as a national park designation would. But some committee members are feeling pressure from the conservative less-government movement in Mesa County to avoid a status change they believe would give the federal government more authority.
Management of the monument, which has been under the auspices of the National Park Service since 1911, would not change if it became a park. But changes in the past to national park status at other monuments has brought increases in tourism, including heightened interest from international visitors.
The committee will meet with Udall again in July with a plan about how to move forward.
Udall said his goal is “to ensure any change has a net benefit to the valley.”
Nancy Lofholm: 970-256-1957 or nlofholm@denverpost.com
