Due to the precarious nature of the boulder, park staff determined it would be necessary to reduce its size by blasting. On Monday, February 27, 2012, Franklin Drilling and Blasting from Durango reduced the size of the boulder with a controlled, single load blast that shattered the rock into small, manageable pieces from the inside out. The blast removed the top six to eight feet of the rock, approximately 100 tons of mass. It took 2 ½ hours to drill the holes, insert explosives and detonate the charge. Park staff were on site to remove debris from the roadway. The video of the blast may be viewed at here.

“We are glad that no one was in the area when the slide occurred,” stated Superintendent Cliff Spencer. “It serves as a reminder for park staff and the public alike that warning signs in the park are for staff and visitor safety.” There are multiple signs cautioning drivers not to stop or park anywhere along that stretch of road. Visitors are also warned of winter driving conditions this time of year and to watch for wildlife at all times.

Sierra Club Service Outing, September 9-15, 2012
Archaeological Restoration in Mesa Verde National Park

Trip Number: 12351A
Price: $625
Deposit: $100
Capacity: 14

Highlights:
• Help the National Park Service restore an Ancestral Puebloan archaeological site in Mesa Verde National Park
• Tour spectacular archaeological sites in Mesa Verde, some not available to the general public

Includes:
• Transportation from our base camp to our work site and nearby archaeological sites
• All food, park entrance fees, and camping fees
• Tools, training, and instruction for our restoration project

Trip co-leaders are Larry and Nancy Wiseman. Please view the brochure here for more information.

Sojourns Magazine is published twice a year by the Peaks, Plateaus & Canyons Association (PPCA). PPCA is a consortium of fourteen nonprofit educational organizations (including MVMA) that share not only regional geography, but also a common mission to support research and education on the vast lands of the Colorado Plateau. It is also the only association of its kind in the country. PPCA meets twice a year to report public land happenings, compare notes, and share ideas. Member associations also collaborate in mutually beneficial projects, networking, and training.

Sojourns Magazine was born of these collaborations. This stunning regional magazine published by PPCA interprets the natural and cultural history of the spectacular public lands of the Colorado Plateau. Each issue is sent to our Sojourner ($50) and higher level members in the winter and summer as a benefit of membership.

To celebrate the magazine’s award, we are offering all back issues of Sojourns for the special sale price of just $9.95. Normally this magazine retails for $12.95, and a very limited print run is produced for each issue, so when they’re gone, that’s it!

Click here to take advantage of this special offer now, or shop at our year-round stores in the Chapin Mesa Archeological Museum and at the Colorado Welcome Center in Cortez, CO. As always, proceeds from your purchases support Mesa Verde National Park.

While you’re at it, browse the selection at our newly revamped webstore at www.mesaverde.org. We’re adding more products all the time! If you don’t find what you’re looking for, call us at 800-305-6053 or 970-529-4445 for assistance.

As always, Mesa Verde Association members receive a 20% discount on these Sojourns back-issues, and on all regularly-priced merchandise. Not a member yet? It’s easy to join! Just click here or call us for assistance. And if you’d like to receive two issues of Sojourns magazine annually, consider upgrading your membership to the $50 or higher level today.

The member discount is applied at check out using the code you received in the mail or in an email. Lost your code? Just call us at 800-305-6053 or email us at info@mesaverde.org and we'll be happy to give you the code.