GOV. RITTER PRAISES CANYONS OF ANCIENTS LAND PURCHASE

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter today praised the federal government’s decision to purchase thousands of acres from willing sellers in Colorado, Montana and Nevada, including nearly 4,600 acres within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.

“On behalf of the people of Colorado — and the millions of people who visit our great state every year — thank you to Secretaries Salazar and Vilsack for leading this effort,” Gov. Ritter said. “Adding nearly 4,600 acres to the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument is a tremendous accomplishment that will allow us to protect one of Colorado’s most treasured natural, cultural and archeological areas now and in the future.

“My administration will continue to look to the Departments of Agriculture and Interior to bring balance and responsible land-management practices to the multiple uses within the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument.”