The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced in a Jan. 6 release that efforts to protect the "culturally significant" Chaco Canyon will continue.
The Bureau plans to withdraw approximately 351,000 acres of land around Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico from public lands. This withdrawal would create a 10-mile radius around the park protecting the land from new federal oil and gas leasing for at least two years, the release stated.
President Joe Biden and the Department of the Interior announced efforts to protect Chaco Canyon because of its significance to Indigenous people in a November 2021 press release.
"Chaco Canyon is a sacred place that holds deep meaning for the Indigenous peoples whose ancestors lived, worked, and thrived in that high desert community," DOI Secretary Deb Haaland said in the release. "Now is the time to consider more enduring protections for the living landscape that is Chaco, so that we can pass on this rich cultural legacy to future generations. I value and appreciate the many Tribal leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders who have persisted in their work to conserve this special area."
Haaland also directed the Interior Department to conduct an in-depth assessment of the Greater Chaco region to better reflect the sacred sites, stories, and cultural resources in the region.
"Today’s announcement has been years in the making," BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning said, in the release. "We look forward to kicking off a broader regional conversation with the many people who care deeply about the Greater Chaco landscape on how we can best manage the cultural and natural values unique to this special place."
Located in the high desert of northwest New Mexico, Chaco Canyon is one of the world’s most culturally significant landscapes, according to the BLM website. The area served as the center of Chacoan culture for approximately 400 years.
"This important step shows the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to protecting sacred places for Indigenous people and is a great example of how Tribally-led conservation can advance the nation’s goal of addressing climate change," Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland said.
The public is invited to comment on the removal of public lands around Chaco Canyon. There will be a 90-day comment period and several public meetings. Comments will be accepted until April 6.
More information on how to submit comments can be viewed on the BLM website or the Federal Register. Comments can be submitted by mail to: Bureau of Land Management, Farmington Field Office, Attn: Sarah Scott, 6251 College Blvd., Suite A, Farmington, NM 87402.
