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