The Trump administration will initiate formal Tribal consultation meetings to consider revoking a 20-year ban on oil and gas drilling on federal land surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico. President Joe Biden issued an order banning new oil and gas development within 10 miles of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.
The Bureau of Land Management made the announcement in a letter sent to Tribal leaders last week. The agency will conduct an environmental assessment of the proposal to lease federal parcels in the region, and a public comment period will follow.
The New Mexico congressional delegation swiftly condemned the action, releasing a joint statement of opposition, saying, “Chaco Canyon is one of the most important living cultural landscapes on the planet,” and, “To deface and destroy this irreplaceable and sacred landscape is not only morally wrong: It is utterly disrespectful to the Pueblos, Tribal Nations, and New Mexicans who have called for permanent protection of the Chaco landscape.”
Quick hits
Navajo Nation is divided as its leader embraces Trump and coal
As Utah’s national parks stay open, so do questions about the shutdown’s impact
New Mexico leaders condemn Trump’s move to reverse Chaco protections
Colorado public health department seeks settlement over failed uranium site cleanup
All Wyoming migration corridors overlap with proposed oil and gas leases
Donors are doing everything to keep Muir Woods National Monument open
Energy department announces $100 million to modernize declining coal plants
Inside Climate News | E&E News
Opinion: Repealing the Public Lands Rule puts Wyoming’s outdoor heritage at risk
Quote of the day
The biggest thing of all is that without proper care, we’re going to diminish forever what we’ve sought to protect.”
—Dan Wenk, former National Park Service acting director and superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, National Parks Traveler.
Picture This
It’s definitely autumn at Curt Gowdy State Park. The leaves have changed, the weather is changing too, and it’s getting less busy. That means it’s the perfect time to come out to the park! Some things to remember if you’re coming to visit:
🏕️ All of our campsites are currently first-come, first-serve. Be sure to check in at the Visitor Center!
❄️ It’s getting colder! Over the next week temperatures will start to fall into 50s during the day and 30s at night.
🚰 Water has been turned off at all of our sites! Be sure to plan accordingly.
☀️Just because it’s getting colder, doesn’t mean water and sunscreen aren’t important! Be sure to come prepared!
As always, feel free to message us with any questions, comments, or concerns!
Featured image: Source: Greg Willis via Wikimedia Commons