The Obama administration announced the creation of the Chimney Rock National Monument in southwest Colorado. The ancient site was the home to the ancestors of Pueblo Indians 1000 years ago.
With the announcement, the 4726 acre site will be preserved. Approximately 200 ancient homes and ceremonial buildings are part of the area and hold historical and spiritual significance for many tribes.
The monument named by the Obama administration was passed in the House in May and was lobbied by Michael Bennet a Democrat representative for Colorado and Scott Tipton, a Republican congressman. Lawmakers saw support from local business and saw it as a way to boost tourism.
Bennet said in a statement that it"will preserve and protect the site and drive tourism, drawing more visitors to the region and the state and bringing more dollars."
Local tribes also praised the decision. Chandler Sanchez, chairman of the All Indian Pueblo Council, said in a statement to the the Durango Herald, "The story of my tribe, the Pueblo of Acoma, and our history is intimately connected to Chimney Rock. This place is still sacred to my people, and we are glad to see it will now be protected for our children and grandchildren."
Tipton added in a statement that lawmakers had done a lot of background work by contacting locals for their opinion. He said, "I'm a strong believer that this and all public lands designations be locally driven, and as such the preferred method to advance this designation would be through legislation developed with extensive community input, such as my bill."
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