(June 11, 2025)—Interior Secretary Burgum is considering reduction options for the 10-mile protection zone around Chaco Culture National Historical Park—either revocation of the entire withdrawal or reduction in size or types of minerals ordered withdrawn, with an exemption for oil and gas.
Any reduction or alteration to the withdrawal would be catastrophic for the protection of the Park and the resources that lie within the 10-mile zone. In 2020, Archaeology Southwest completed a reconnaissance project of the 10-mile zone, identifying roughly 4,200 known archaeological, cultural, and historic sites in the 700,000-acre area encompassed by the zone.
I summarized the cultural resources in the 5–10-mile zone in a short report. More than 2,000 cultural sites and TCPs are at risk if the zone is reduced to 5 miles. If it is revoked completely, more than 4,200 cultural resources are threatened.
In a recent “My View” in the Santa Fe New Mexican, Pueblo of Acoma Governor Charles Riley wrote about this situation:
“To now consider reversing this progress without transparency, without tribal consent, without even a public process, would betray both the law and the public trust. Chaco Canyon is not just a National Historical Park. It is not just a UNESCO site. It is the beating heart of our origin story. It is a place where our ancestors studied the skies, aligned the stones, built vast structures and roads to carry prayer and purpose across the land.”
With very short notice, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced a May 27 Tribal meeting to discuss the 10-mile zone. Governor Riley emphasized the inadequate notice and called for meaningful Tribal consultation. The All Pueblo Council of Governors passed a resolution reaffirming their opposition to any weakening of Chaco protections.
On June 9, the New Mexico Congressional delegation—Senators Heinrich and Lujan and Representatives Leger Fernandez, Stansbury, and Vasquez—urged Secretary Burgum to leave Chaco protected:
“Pursuing increased development on BLM lands within the ten-mile area that surrounds Chaco Canyon—so rich in cultural, spiritual, and historical significance—is misguided and risks permanent damage to one of the most sacred landscapes in North America. Additionally, it is unacceptable to push forward without full and robust Tribal consultation.”
I recently discussed the 10-mile zone and its importance on Scott Michlin’s Morning Show on KSJE, San Juan College. You can watch that discussion here.