Should We Allow Oil and Gas Drilling in Chaco Canyon or Mesa Verde?

Should We Allow Oil and Gas Drilling in Chaco Canyon or Mesa Verde?
America’s national parks are undoubtedly some of our “best ideas.” They are unique places across our country where public lands are preserved for their natural, cultural, or historic value, as well as for the unique contributions they provide to local and regional economies and our national economic strength. This is why we have set aside national parks, national seashores, national memorials, and other places managed by the National Park Service for future generations. Even though we have protected these national park units to allow them to achieve their full environmental, cultural, historical, and economic potential, threats to their preservation do arise. One of those threats today is the potential for future oil and gas development within national parks. We requested data from the National Park Service, which identified 42 park units where non-federal oil and gas drilling is or could be occurring in the future. Of these, 12 units currently have oil and gas operations within them, while 30 units may be threatened in the future with drilling.  http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/news/2012/09/12/37152/drilling-could-threaten-our-national-parks/

The Astonishing Archaeology of Chaco Canyon and Chimney Rock
Huge buildings remain silent in Chaco Canyon and Chimney Rock, left empty for nearly 1,000 years. The builders were accomplished artisans. The edifices are awe-inspiring. The inhabitants appear to have had means of communication with each other despite living some hundred miles apart. Suddenly they departed, abandoning their villages. Why did they leave? They had no written language, left no histories, except their amazing village complexes. http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20120916/XPLORE/309160025/-1/rss04?nclick_check=1

Leveraging Social Media for Historic Preservation in New Mexico
The two historic sites have been in the news during the past year. Interest runs high, and now the campaign from the TBHS membership and concerned public to preserve, restore and develop the historic Plaza Pub has a social media presence. “I was curious if Facebook had any real purpose besides finding out what a friend had for lunch,” said Powell, an associate broker with ERA Simmons. Powell explored options for social media to raise awareness and discussion about the old Plaza Building that is being handed over to TBHS by the Otero County Commissioners for a two-year fundraising effort. http://www.alamogordonews.com/alamogordo-news/ci_21530407/historic-structures-come-age-web?source=rss

Digging Arizona Exhibit Opens Sept. 27 at the ASU Museum of Anthropology
In celebration of the Arizona Statehood Centennial and the 50th anniversary of the ASU Department of Anthropology, the School of Human Evolution and Social Change examines 140 years of anthropological research in Arizona and the Southwest, an area unique in its landscape and aridity. At first, working in the territories, through statehood and into the development of our major academic institutions, anthropologists, archaeologists and ethnographers have continuously defined and refined Arizona’s rich cultural landscape. http://asuma.asu.edu/exhibits/digging-arizona

Lecture Opportunity – Vail, Arizona
On Monday, September 24, 2012 at 6:30 pm, the Vail preservation Society will host historian Demion Clinco, who will present  Highway 80: First All Weather Coast to Coast Route. Call 520-419-4428 or email vailpreservationsociety@gmail.com for more information. Need more info? email vailpreservationsociety@gmail.com or call 520-419-4428.

Tour Opportunity – Tucson
To celebrate the autumnal equinox, Tucson’s Old Pueblo Archaeology Center is offering its annual “Los Morteros and Picture Rocks Petroglyphs Fall Equinox Archaeological Sites” tour guided by archaeologist Allen Dart from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday September 22, 2012. Los Morteros is the site of an ancient village site that includes a Hohokam ballcourt and bedrock mortars. The Picture Rocks archaeological site features hundreds of ancient petroglyphs including a solstice and equinox marker, dancing human-like figures, whimsical animals, and other rock symbols made by Hohokam Indians between A.D. 650 and 1450. Fee $15 ($12 for Old Pueblo Archaeology Center and Pueblo Grande Museum Auxiliary members). Limited to 32 people. Reservations required: 520-798-1201 or info@oldpueblo.org.

Thanks to Tom Taylor for contributions to this week’s newsletter.