Writer and historian Wallace Stegner called national parks “the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.”

National parks were created to preserve history and incredible natural landscapes for current and future generations to enjoy. With the formation of the National Park Service (NPS) in 1916, it quickly became apparent that additional funding was necessary, so cooperating associations were formed.

In 1961, NPS personnel and a local citizen group established a natural history association for the Black Canyon of the Gunnison. By 1964, this association became a nonprofit organization, initially named The Colorado - Black Canyon of the Gunnison Nature Association. 

The initiative was spearheaded by acting superintendent Fred Bussey and Black Canyon supervisory ranger T.J. Fewless. The board of directors included notable members such as former mayor Clarence Smith, who also held positions as president of the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, recognizing the project’s significance to the community. In 1974, the association was incorporated as the Colorado National Monument Association (CNMA).

SUPPORTING THE FUTURE

Citizens’ love for national parks has consistently driven their support for these cherished public lands. Cooperating associations are nonprofit partners that generate revenue through gift store sales and other means to help the NPS fund projects and programs that might otherwise remain unfunded or take years to accomplish. 

CNMA is the 501(C)(3) nonprofit that raises funds for the Colorado National Monument. CNMA generates revenue from various sources, primarily through the gift shop located at the Monument’s Visitor’s Center. Each purchase contributes to funding programs and projects at Colorado National Monument, and the merchandise is carefully selected with the approval of store and NPS management out of respect for historical accuracy. Additionally, CNMA sources gift shop items locally whenever possible, including toffee, coffee, scented soaps, postcards, prints and outdoor gear.

In 2023, CNMA was able to contribute over $60,000 in direct aid to the NPS. It was a record-breaking period for bookstore sales. By December 1, CNMA had achieved gross sales close to $639,000, reflecting a notable increase of 7.6% from the previous year. 

Each year, two calendars are published, featuring art and photographs from talented photographers and artists in the Grand Valley.

Proceeds from events such as the Monuments and Canyons Plein Air Invitational support the Monument’s educational programs, scientific research and special projects. This fall event hosts local, regional and nationally recognized artists at Colorado National Monument and the surrounding BLM National Conservation Areas. Over the course of a week, these artists paint and exhibit work created during the event. 

PART OF THE LEGACY

Park volunteers play a significant role in enhancing visitor experiences by providing friendly welcomes, engaging conversations, park information, hiking recommendations and information on park films and exhibits. CNMA collaborates with Native American consultants, Colorado Mesa University staff and students and other national parks’ nonprofit associations to enrich programs and projects.

“We proudly fund the Junior Ranger program, educational field trips, trail maintenance, seasonal NPS staff, historic preservation, scientific research and much more,” said Johanna van Waveren, CNMA’s Executive Director.

Another important source of income is CNMA’s membership program. Members not only gain the satisfaction of supporting an incredible park but also enjoy perks like gift cards, discounts on shop merchandise, reciprocal discounts at gift shops of other national parks, invitations to exclusive events and regular newsletters. Those interested in becoming members can visit ColoradoNMA.org/membership. 

$60K for 60 Years

Over the past 60 years, board members, staff and volunteers have contributed to the birth, development and success of CNMA and its support of the Colorado National Monument. 

As we celebrate our 60th anniversary this year, we invite you to join us in launching into the next 60 years of support for our beloved national monument. Please consider contributing to our fundraising goal of $60,000 so we can continue preserving history and serving our community in monumental ways.

We’re excited to commemorate this anniversary with a series of special events. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

• April 17: We kick off our concert series at the Hot Tomato in Fruita with delicious pizza and live music by the Troy Douglas Band at 5:30 p.m.
• June: Ramblebine Brewing Company hosts a beer release with special gifts for CNMA members.
• August 2: Celebrate the grand re-opening of the Saddlehorn Amphitheater and Trail with a concert in the updated venue, featuring multi-instrumentalist Jeneve Rose Mitchell. Sign up for CNMA’s newsletter to be the first to know when tickets go on sale.
• September 25: CNMA’s official anniversary date. Come celebrate this monumental milestone with us at Monument Vista Place. With a beautiful backdrop of the Colorado National Monument, we are planning for a night of fun and fundraising with music by Hot House West.