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.