WASHINGTON – The newest effort to make the Chimney Rock Archaeological Area a national monument received wide support at a congressional hearing Thursday.
The Chimney Rock National Monument Establishment Act is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Manassa, whose district the area falls in. It is not the first time that this kind of legislation has been introduced to Congress.
Last year, the Chimney Rock National Monument Act of 2010 passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with the backing of Colorado’s U.S. Sens. Michael Bennet and Mark Udall, both Democrats.
The ultimate goal of the bill is to preserve, protect and restore the cultural, historic, natural, educational and scenic resources of Chimney Rock and its adjacent land. It would allow for continued archaeological research and exploration of the area.
During his statement, Tipton underscored the need for jobs in the Four Corners and said this bipartisan bill could provide relief.
“Passage of this bill will also provide increased tourism and economic development in Southwest Colorado,” he said. “Put simply, a national monument designation is warranted for Chimney Rock, and that new designation will drive economic development and job creation throughout the region.”
The hearing was held in the House of Representatives’ Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest and Public Lands – of which Tipton is a member. Bennet attended the hearing to testify in favor of the bill, saying that it’s time for Chimney Rock to receive a designation that is equal to its importance. He called it “the most significant historical site managed by the entire Forest Service.”
One of the witnesses, archaeologist Ricky Lightfoot, said Chimney Rock is a “hidden jewel,” and he highlighted its cultural significance.
“Monument designation would give Chimney Rock the recognition it clearly deserves and ensure its protection in perpetuity,” he said, adding that the surrounding area would benefit economically, as well. Lightfoot is a trustee and the former president of the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center in Cortez.
In his testimony, Bennet said there is broad support for the bill, and Colorado groups have been asking him to support the effort to make Chimney Rock a monument since 2009. The senator introduced legislation similar to Tipton’s in the Senate earlier this year. Udall is a co-sponsor.
Mary Wagner, associate chief of the U.S. Forest Service, testified that the Department of Agriculture supports the bill but is suggesting a few changes to the text of the bill. She said these changes would address some technical concerns and would ultimately improve the department’s ability to manage resources in the area.
The proposed changes include addressing hunting in the area and other concerns regarding funding, given that the bill stipulates that these can be paid for only with nonfederal funds.
“While we appreciate the concern with limiting the costs associated with designation of the monument, this provision may undercut the ability of the Forest Service to meet the objectives of the bill,” Wagner said.
This bill has received support from the Board of Archuleta County Commissioners and the Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce, among others.
Rocío González is an intern with The Durango Herald and a graduate of the American University in Washington, D.C.
