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Sunday, September 16

From: John Sefick

by jsefick1 on Sun 16 Sep 2007 01:44 PM PDT

Protect Chaco Canyon —Don’t Pave the Road!

There is a movement afoot to finish paving the road to Chaco Culture National Historic Park . About 16 miles of passable dirt road remains to be paved. The San Juan County Commission has asked Rep. Tom Udall for money to “finish” this road - why seem to be unclear. The park employees did NOT ask for this to happen and it appears the N. M. Department of Tourism and San Juan County Commissioners took it upon themselves to seek this “improvement”. Some think this road represents a liability, but if one takes the time to drive the posted 35 MPH posted speed limit, it is not a liability.

What may happen if this road is “improved”? More tourism will be encouraged, and thus affect the park’s already fragile resources. If increased visitation occurs the National Park Service’s ability to manage these resources will certainly be affected. It is rumored that increased visitation will increase revenue to San Juan County - maybe so, maybe not.

San Juan County wants to pave the road to Chaco Canyon . If you want to protect the ruins of Chaco and preserve the remote character of the area, you can help. The State Historic Preservation Officer, the Director of San Juan County Public Works, and each of the San Juan County Commissioners need to hear from you! Tell them how you feel and request that NEPA/Section 106 regulations be enforced. If you chose to write a letter, please CC: the other parties listed below in each correspondence.

State Historic Preservation Officer, Kak Slick

Phone # 505-827-4044 or email: k.slick@state.nm.us

Director of San Juan County Public Works, Dave Keck

Phone # 505-334-4520 or email: dkeck@sjcounty.net

San Juan County Commissioners: Phone # 505-334-3168 (same for all commissioners)

Wallace Charley, email: wcharley@sjcounty.net

Ervin Chavez, email: chavez15@earthlink.net

Keith Johnson, email: kejohnson@sjcounty.net

James Henderson, email: hendersonj@sjcounty.net

Tony Atkinson, email: tatkinson@sjcounty.net

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From: John Sefick

by jsefick1 on Sun 16 Sep 2007 01:43 PM PDT

The letter the society has voted to send regarding chaco canyon's proposed road paving issue.

The Albuquerque Archaeological Society has recently learned about the proposal to pave County Road 7950 leading into Chaco Canyon. Our membership is deeply concerned about this proposal and the adverse effects this would have on Chaco Canyon, if completed.

Among our primary concerns are the impacts that would result from the rise in visitation to the park and the subsequent development that would come with a paved road. A paved road to Chaco will increase visitation to the park, putting strains on fragile park resources and staff. Anticipated consequences of this would be a rise in vandalism, concerns for the integrity of ancient standing structures, and insufficient staff numbers to educate visitors and provide for resource protection and management. Furthermore, a paved road to Chaco Canyon will undoubtedly result in increased development along the roadway. This means more traffic, more structures, and more lights. As you know, one of Chaco’s prized resources is its history of archaeoastronomy and the dark night sky that has been safeguarded over the centuries by its remote location. Paving the road will significantly and irreparably degrade this unique resource of the Southwest.

On behalf of the Albuquerque Archaeological Society, I urge you to consider these serious concerns that will threaten one of the region’s greatest cultural treasures.

Sincerely,

Dara Saville
President, Albuquerque Archaeological Society

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Untitled

by jsefick1 on Sun 16 Sep 2007 01:40 PM PDT

Editorial: Not paving Chaco

road preserves area's value

The recent decision by the San Juan County Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of the road to Chaco Canyon Cultural National Historical Park is the right thing to do.

For now, the commission in Farmington has taken the high road in the controversial push to pave the road to Chaco. It is a path, we hope, that once journeyed will lead to the thoughtful conclusion that Chaco:

Is a treasure beyond monetary value.

Should be cherished beyond its ability to generate government-tax or business revenues.

Ought to be preserved and protected beyond current generations' prejudices, expectations or greed.

Which is to say, as difficult as it is to get to Chaco on the existing 13 miles of bone-jarring washboard road, the unpaved dirt road is one of the remote park's most protective elements. Like the park itself, the rugged road should be preserved, with only the occasional grading or gravel to keep down the ruts and mud.

Going beyond that would be an assault on Chaco's downright charming and vintage New Mexico character. Some parts of this vast, rugged, magnificent, enchanted land - Chaco's at the top of any list - should be kept as simple and pure as possible.

The federal government should contribute no money toward paving the road to Chaco, and the New Mexico congressional delegation - led by Rep. Tom Udall, a Santa Fe Democrat, in whose district Chaco lies - should oppose paving the road, including the use of any federal money to do it.

Chaco is not just another beautiful national monument. It is a rare World Heritage site that is vital to understanding who we are, who preceded us here and what happened to them.

These questions are so fundamental that they should not be clouded by the commerce, bustle, light pollution and environmental degradation that always accompany paved highways.

Light pollution alone is reason enough to disqualify the road-paving and associated development - including the inevitable tourist trappings. Why? Besides being one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, Chaco is a world-class archaeo-astronomical site that demonstrates astronomy's vital role in the lives of the people who built Chaco and lived there.

Part of the park's most important cultural and scientific missions is in its impressive astronomical observatory. Visitors can see the night skies as Chacoans did with the naked eye, but also through powerful telescopes.

In taking its action, the commission has committed itself to considering all the options, "from doing nothing all the way up to paving" the road, promises Dave Keck, San Juan County's director of public works.

If the commission considers the most important aspect and asset - the relic that is Chaco Canyon - the members will conclude there is no middle ground and protection must be paramount. In this case, the commission should take the road less traveled and save Chaco from those who see it as a destination instead of a journey.

As much as possible, we need to let Chaco be, so we can see, hear and feel what Chaco needs to tell us about yesterday, today and tomorrow.

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