 The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer association with headquarters in Pagosa Springs, CO. It was organized in the spirit of joint community stewardship of the Chimney Rock National Monument's cultural, heritage, and natural resources through public interpretation, information, education, and participation. CRIA works in cooperation and partnership with the Pagosa Ranger District of the San Juan National Forest (USDA Forest Service). This partnership is authorized through a Special Use Permit between CRIA and the Forest Service.
CRIA's volunteers support the mission to preserve and protect the Monument while educating the public. CRIA promotes public education, interpretation, and stewardship of culture and history through guided tours and special events. Volunteers reach out to the community through free programs for school children and monthly potluck dinners/speakers for volunteers and the public.
Chimney Rock Interpretive Association
Mission Statement
The Chimney Rock Interpretive Association (CRIA), a non-profit organization, is devoted to providing increased numbers of visitors with a meaningful, enjoyable educational experience through interpretive tours and special programs and to the long term preservation of Chimney Rock National Monument.
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 Programs at the Monument are presented by trained volunteers. In addition to a 2-day training session each Spring, volunteers receive a thick training manual and on-the-job continuous training.
CRIA's bylaws require election of a board of trustees at an annual meeting each fall. The current board of trustees and officers are: Susan Yalom, president; Joan Mieritz, vice-president; Helen Richardson, treasurer; Debra Roddy, secretary; and John Gwin, Joan Organ, and Scott Roddy, at-large trustees. CRIA's USDA Forest Service representative from the San Juan National Forest, Pagosa Ranger District, is Wendy Sutton, District Archaeologist/Chimney Rock National Monument Manager. CRIA also supports five part-time, paid personnel - an administrative director, an administrative assistant, a business manager, and two day managers who assist in day-to-day operations at the site.
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