The BLM is accepting public comments on a proposal to conduct preservation work on four archaeological sites in the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Montezuma County.

Architectural stabilization, erosion control, and identification of access paths are proposed for Lowry Pueblo, 9 miles west of Pleasant View, and three sites in the Sand Canyon area about 12 miles west of Cortez.

Lowry Pueblo is a national historic landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places that receives up to 17,000 visitors per year. Dispersed backcountry use in the Sand Canyon area has dramatically increased to some 15,000 visitors annually.

A management plan for the newly designated Canyons of the Ancients National Monument will evaluate the impacts of visitor use and make recommendations for protection; however, the above proposed stabilization measures are necessary to ensure site preservation until the long-term plan is completed.

Copies of the Environmental Assessment are available at the San Juan Public Lands Center in Durango, and the Anasazi Heritage Center in Dolores.

The EA can also be accessed on the Web at www.co.blm.gov/canm/index/html.