Trump Admin Reversing Chaco Canyon Protections
Key Questions
What recent change has the BLM made regarding Chaco Canyon protections?
The BLM has ended a 336,000-acre buffer zone around Chaco Canyon, an Ancestral Puebloan hub. This reversal threatens approximately 12,000 unsurveyed archaeological sites, with 90% of the land already leased.
How does grazing in Canyons of the Ancients endanger specific sites?
Grazing activities in Canyons of the Ancients are endangering sites like Jackson’s Castle and a solar shrine similar to Creekside. These pressures on public lands heighten risks amid broader development.
What is the current status of the Chaco Canyon protection issue?
The public comment deadline passed on April 7, and the situation is at a peak crisis, described as climaxing. Ongoing threats persist from leasing and land use pressures.
BLM ends 336k-acre buffer around Ancestral Puebloan hub, threatening 12k unsurveyed sites on 90% leased land; Canyons of the Ancients grazing endangers Jackson’s Castle, solar shrine akin Creekside amid public land pressures. Public comment deadline Apr 7 passed, peak crisis ongoing.