The City Council for Cortez, the municipality closest to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, has opted not to weigh in on the monument’s status.
Canyons of the Ancients is one of two dozen monuments under review by the Interior Department for possible downsizing or rescinding, and a 60-day public-comment period is open. During Tuesday’s workshop, the council split 3 to 3 on whether to support the monument. Mayor Karen Sheek tells KSJD that she, Ty Keel, and Bob Archibeque favored sending a letter, while Orly Lucero, Tim Miller, and Jill Carlson were opposed. Shawna McLaughlin was absent. Sheek says the opponents thought it was premature to comment because there is no evidence the monument is “really on the chopping block.” She said the council could send a letter later if it appears the monument’s status might actually be altered.
