Proposed Removal of Protections for Greater Chaco Canyon Region Demonstrates Continued Attacks on Sacred Indigenous Landscapes

SANTA FE, N.M. - Removing protections for the Greater Chaco Canyon Region is an intentional disregard for the profound spiritual, cultural, and archaeological significance of the land. The proposal would reopen more than 330,000 acres of public lands included in the 10-mile buffer zone around the park, consign irreplaceable landscapes to oil and gas development, and disproportionately harm Indigenous Peoples.

"This underhanded attempt at selling off public lands and its seven-day comment period over major religious holidays cannot be dismissed as a simple, economic transaction," said the Rev. Andrew Black, director of lands and waters for the National Wildlife Federation. "The current 10-mile buffer contains thousands of Indigenous artifacts and sacred sites that could be destroyed if the Greater Chaco Canyon Region is opened to development, including water pollution that harms the ecological integrity of the landscape."