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Judi Lynn

(160,211 posts)
Fri Mar 2, 2018, 07:21 PM Mar 2018

Zinke abruptly postpones lease sale near New Mexicos Chaco Canyon

Source: Washington Post


By Juliet Eilperin March 2 at 4:19 PM



Chaco Canyon was the heart of a system of more than 150 great houses throughout the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico more than 800 years ago. It is now part of the Chaco Culture National Historic Park. (Philip Greenspun/AP)


Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke on Friday abruptly postponed an oil and gas lease sale for parcels near Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a sacred tribal site in northwestern New Mexico, saying a detailed analysis of more than 5,000 cultural sites will be done before lots are designated for auction.

The proposed lease sale, which includes 25 parcels covering 4,434 acres within New Mexico’s Rio Arriba, Sandoval and San Juan counties, has sparked an outcry from tribal officials and conservationists. They argue that drilling near a UNESCO World Heritage Site could damage prized cultural artifacts.

The department’s plan is part of a broader push to auction off a slew of leases near protected areas in the West, with auctions scheduled this month in Montana and Utah, and it remains unclear whether those events will be postponed, as well.

“After hearing from tribes, Senators Udall and Heinrich, historic preservation experts and other stakeholders, I’ve decided to defer the sale that was scheduled for later this month,” Zinke said, referring to the state’s Democratic senators, Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich. “I’ve always said there are places where it is appropriate to develop and where it’s not. This area certainly deserves more study.”

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2018/03/02/zinke-abruptly-postpones-lease-sale-near-new-mexicos-chaco-canyon/?utm_term=.c4be3c16785b

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Zinke abruptly postpones lease sale near New Mexicos Chaco Canyon (Original Post) Judi Lynn Mar 2018 OP
Been there several times. It is an awesome glimpse into our historical and ancient past notdarkyet Mar 2018 #1
OMG. Chaco Canyon is amazing. mainer Mar 2018 #2
This message was self-deleted by its author diva77 Mar 2018 #3
He should just take Chaco off the table burrowowl Mar 2018 #4
Yes, damn them all. mountain grammy Mar 2018 #9
Translation: Mr.Bill Mar 2018 #5
Yes, I think your version is more likely RandomAccess Mar 2018 #11
Zinke, the High Plains Grifter... Hassler Mar 2018 #6
I visited Chaco last year - it's awe inspiring. klook Mar 2018 #7
They want to drill holes in the ground in Chaco Canyon !!!!!!!!!!!!!! pangaia Mar 2018 #8
If there were oil under manhattan, Volaris Mar 2018 #10
He's distracting us with this in his right hand, House of Roberts Mar 2018 #12
He'd better! SergeStorms Mar 2018 #13
How do we stop these monsters before its too late? Bayard Mar 2018 #14

notdarkyet

(2,226 posts)
1. Been there several times. It is an awesome glimpse into our historical and ancient past
Fri Mar 2, 2018, 07:33 PM
Mar 2018

That is unlike any other ruins in America. Not recognizing its significance is a travesty. The complex is huge and covers miles, many sites inaccessible to visitors. To develop in close proximity is a desecration and a sacrilege. There is other value in the land besides oil. How do we get rid of these people?

mainer

(12,013 posts)
2. OMG. Chaco Canyon is amazing.
Fri Mar 2, 2018, 07:35 PM
Mar 2018

I was in awe when I visited it. I can't believe they even entertained selling off parcels.

Response to Judi Lynn (Original post)

 

RandomAccess

(5,210 posts)
11. Yes, I think your version is more likely
Fri Mar 2, 2018, 10:08 PM
Mar 2018

Zinke doesn't give a damn about anything regarding Native American heritage or anything else.

Hassler

(3,321 posts)
6. Zinke, the High Plains Grifter...
Fri Mar 2, 2018, 08:18 PM
Mar 2018

Is at the playing reasonable phase. He'll be back to selling public lands after another helicopter trip on the public dime.

klook

(12,134 posts)
7. I visited Chaco last year - it's awe inspiring.
Fri Mar 2, 2018, 08:30 PM
Mar 2018

The remnants of structures that were built 1,300 years ago would surely crumble if this travesty were to go forward.

I doubt seriously that Zinke and the goons who want to trash the area for financial gain are giving up permanently. We'll have to renew this fight, but for now this comes as welcome news.

https://www.nps.gov/chcu/index.htm

pangaia

(24,324 posts)
8. They want to drill holes in the ground in Chaco Canyon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fri Mar 2, 2018, 09:42 PM
Mar 2018

Just drill holes right through Pueblo Bonito.

Oh, of course.. why not... It's just sand and rocks.

Why not Canyon de Chelly, Second Mesa and Mesa Verde while they're at it.

Volaris

(10,260 posts)
10. If there were oil under manhattan,
Fri Mar 2, 2018, 10:01 PM
Mar 2018

You bet your ass that wall streets bankers would file a petition to keep it from happening...America's Economic Heritage...
Bet your ass.

SergeStorms

(18,880 posts)
13. He'd better!
Fri Mar 2, 2018, 10:46 PM
Mar 2018

Or he's going to have the entire spirit-world of the Anasazi climbing all over his ass!

Chaco Canyon is amazing. It's a very beautiful and spiritual place.

Bayard

(21,801 posts)
14. How do we stop these monsters before its too late?
Sat Mar 3, 2018, 02:06 AM
Mar 2018

Chaco and Bears Ears. The disrespect and callousness just keeps rolling in. I'm afraid we won't be able to get rid of them before its all destroyed.

How much oil is around Mar a logo?

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