A thousand years ago, ancestral Pueblo people were drawn to Chimney Rock’s soaring twin rock pinnacles. They built more than 200 homes and ceremonial buildings near the stone spires, in what was likely a spiritual center for the ancient society based in Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, nearly 100 miles to the southwest.

A rare and dramatic celestial event is the site’s most fascinating feature. The ruins of the great house stands at the only spot where the moon can be seen rising between the twin spires during a lunar standstill, a phenomenon that occurs every 18.6 years when the moon rises at its maximum northerly position.

On July 21, U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton introduced legislation in the House to establish Chimney Rock as a national monument. Chimney Rock is one of the most culturally significant areas in southwestern Colorado. As president and CEO of the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center, I applaud the congressman’s efforts.

Designated an Archaeological Area and National Historic Site in 1970, Chimney Rock is under the management of the U.S. Forest Service, and its Organic Act, which contains no provisions for preservation and management of historically and culturally significant sites.

National monument status provides a clear mandate to identify and protect Chimney Rock’s treasures. It would remain a unit of the Forest Service, but its nationally significant archaeological, cultural and scenic resources would be preserved and protected.

Today’s Pueblo Indians regard this area as sacred and an important part of their heritage. When the area is established as a national monument, American Indian tribes would retain access for traditional and cultural uses. In addition, local ranchers could continue grazing, and recreationalists could continue to enjoy Chimney Rock’s majestic beauty.

Archaeological tourism is one of the mainstays of Southwest Colorado’s economy. National monument status for Chimney Rock would bring increased public awareness to the area – attracting more visitors and bringing much-needed revenue and jobs.

The designation would require no new additional federal funds. And unlike many newly designated national monument areas, Chimney Rock already has visitor access, a parking lot and a small visitor center. The Forest Service now works with the effective and professional Chimney Rock Interpretative Association, a nonprofit that brings significant financial and human resources to this unique area.

The designation of Chimney Rock as a national monument has bipartisan support. Congress should follow the lead of Tipton and Sen. Michael Bennet, who introduced similar legislation earlier this year in the Senate and designate Chimney Rock as a national monument.

And while this legislative route for Chimney Rock is a great way to go, it is also appropriate that presidents can designate national monuments through their authorities under the Antiquities Act.

President George W. Bush used this authority most recently, as have many Democratic and Republican presidents before him who protected areas such as the Grand Canyon, the Grand Tetons and the Statue of Liberty.

These authorities must not be weakened, and a vote on the U.S. House floor last February confirmed congressional support for those authorities.

National monument designation for Chimney Rock provides strong protection for archaeological and cultural treasures, increases heritage tourism, and assures access for Native Americans, ranchers and recreationalists. It’s time to protect and preserve Chimney Rock for all Coloradans and all Americans.

Deborah J. Gangloff is president and CEO of Crow Canyon Archaeological Center. Reach her at (970) 564-4385.