Plateau explores the historical, natural, scientific, and environmental issues that have affected and are still impacting the Colorado Plateau — a 130,000-square-mile area encompassing portions of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. Every issue celebrates the diversity and splendor of this unique geologic and cultural region through multidisciplinary articles, striking color images, and historic archival photographs.

This publication is a membership benefit of the Museum of Northern Arizona at designated levels. Membership information is available on the membership web page or at 928/774-5211 x219. Plateau is also available at the Museum of Northern Arizona Bookstore and through a subscription by calling 928/774-5213 ext 240.

Plateau is published twice each year. Subscriptions and gift subscriptions are available independent of MNA membership for $17 a year per year or $30 for two years. Back issues and single copies are also available. Single copies are $9.95.

Plateau Volume 1, Number 1, premiered in December 2004 and showcased a new content emphasis that focuses on a single topic with each issue.  Plateau features the fine work of editor Rose Houk and graphic designer Julie Sulivan. Some issues will look back while others look ahead.  In the inaugural issue we stop and look back with four essays originally published in 1976 (Vol. 49, No. 1):

“Come On In,” by Edward Abbey
One of the Colorado Plateau’s most literate, outspoken defenders talks about how we might begin to understand the significance of this strange, marvelous place.

Geology: “Slicing Through the Layer Cake,” by William J. Breed
For a geologist, the Colorado Plateau and the Grand Canyon are a dreamscape, where more earth history is revealed than nearly any other place on the planet.

Ecology: “Canyons, Commitments and Experiences,” by Steven W. Carothers, Ph.D.
The canyon country’s plants and animals tell of evolution’s prime principles, and in the natural world of Grand Canyon, biologists an find a lifetime of discovery.

Archaeology: “Human History and the Plateau,” by William D. Lipe, Ph.D.
In the Colorado Plateau’s secret-filled ground resides layers of human history, stories of adaptation and survival, of people’s relationships with each other, their deities and the land.

This issue also includes a poem by Joy Harjo, photography by Michael Collier, John Running, Dave Edwards, Steve Mohlenkamp, Alan W. Roberts, Gary Ladd, Tom Till, Tim Fitzharris, Tom Bean, Jack Dykinga, Larry Ulrich, Fred Hirschmann, George H. H. Huey, Tom Till, Larry Lindahl, Stephen Trimble, Tom Brownold, Dugald Bremmer, and Tony Marinella.

Questions or comments about Plateau may be directed to the MNA Publications department at 928/774-5211 x240 or via email.

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Back issues of many editions of Plateau Journal are available from the MNA Publications department at 928/774-5211 x240 or via email.