Deputy Director Mok proposes naming Montezuma County valley Baines Draw

The June 9, 2025, meeting of the Colorado Geographic Naming Advisory Board convened to discuss the proposal for officially naming an unnamed feature in Montezuma County. The primary agenda item focused on the recommendation to designate the 4.2-mile-long valley as "Baines Draw."

Deputy Director Mok presented the case, highlighting that the valley has been informally known as Behn's Draw or Behn's Canyon since 1919, attributed to homesteaders Eugene and Roland Behn, who settled in the area between 1919 and 1926. Notably, Eugene Behn is interred at Sunnyside Cemetery, located approximately 5.5 miles from the stream's source.

The proposal received backing from the Montezuma County Commissioners, and the United States Board on Geographic Names (USBGN) had previously reached out to both the county and 574 recognized tribes for input. The board has considered this naming proposal multiple times, indicating ongoing interest and deliberation regarding the valley's official designation.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for attendees to review previous updates related to this case, ensuring all members are informed of the discussions leading to the current proposal. The board's next steps will likely involve further evaluation of community feedback and finalizing the naming process for Baines Draw.