FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Open Space Program accepted the 2016 Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Commission (GAAC) Award on June 10, 2016.
The Award in Public Archaeology, categorized in Government Agency, praises the program for the work done to protect, preserve and interpret resources within the Picture Canyon National and Cultural Preserve. The 478 acre preserve is located in northeastern Flagstaff and serves as a critical riparian habitat, a popular recreation corridor and is home to significant archaeological resources.
The Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) nominated the Open Space Program for their outstanding partnership efforts to acquire and preserve Picture Canyon. The Museum describes Open Space as a program that “conserves natural and cultural resources, and provides opportunities for ecologically sensitive public recreation.” Program volunteers assist with managing invasive species, monitoring archaeological and natural resources, building trails and leading educational tours.
Karen Enyedy, nominator on behalf of MNA, states “The preservation of Picture Canyon provides a model for bringing grassroots, non-, and for-profit organizations together with City, County and State governments to achieve a community goal.”
Betsy Emery, Open Space Specialist with the Open Space Program, says “It is a great honor to be recognized for the substantial work we have done to provide educational and recreational opportunities at Picture Canyon. It is a great example of what dedicated volunteers and partnerships can achieve.”
For more information about the City’s Open Space Program or Picture Canyon Natural and Cultural Preserve, please visit https://www.facebook.com/FlagstaffOpenSpace or contact (928) 213-2154.