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<br />Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument <br /> <br />The spectacular canyon and adjacent uplands known as the Black Canyon of the Gunnison is <br />a special place that touches mind and soul and offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy and <br />contemplate one of nature's foremost scenic wonders. A place where quiet is enhanced by <br />sounds provided by nature-where the continuous roar of the river rushing amidst boulders <br />and over falls attests to the power of the Gunnison to carve out a canyon over 2,000 feet deep. <br />Although upstream dams have partially regulated the Gunnison, it is managed to exemplify a <br />wild river, with flows mirroring natural levels, where the water is unpolluted, and the exceptional <br />recreational, scenic, and educational values of the system are protected. Highly regarded and <br />appreciated for its clean air and panoramic vistas, the rural and undeveloped nature of the <br />landscape adds a pristine appearance that promotes opportunities for discovery and <br />enlightenment. The canyon is, indeed, a living classroom. <br /> <br />For those seeking to expand and expound on the resources and values found in the <br />wilderness and front country, exceptional interpretive opportunities and media are available. A <br />wide variety of activities and challenges includes sight-seeing, hiking, fishing, wilderness <br />backpacking, climbing, and white-water boating. Developed areas and facilities offer modest <br />amounts of visitor conveniences in some areas, which provide a good balance when <br />compared to the primitive opportunities found throughout the monument. <br /> <br />The National Park Service manages the river, canyon, and uplands as a part of the larger <br />Gunnison Basin. Partnerships with a variety of local, state, and federal agencies as well as <br />private organizations help align goals that aggressively protect the natural and cultural <br />resources of the region, including riverine resources, wildlife, superb air quality and visibility, <br />arid maintenance of a rural viewscape. This in turn maintains a high quality of life for our <br />neighbors. Additionally, partnerships assist in coordinating a variety of high-quality services <br />that meet our visitors' needs as well as those of the people in nearby communities. <br /> <br />Our children's children will be able to learn from and enjoy the canyon as we have because the <br />canyon is used in ways that are sustainable, leaving the resources unimpaired. Our canyon <br />memories and experiences do indeed last a lifetime. <br /> <br />12 <br /> <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />I <br />