Feds' 'listening session' focuses on Chimney Rock
If there's something you'd like to know about Chimney Rock, email Out There reporter Scott Rappold at scott@outtherecolorado.com. He's visiting the area next week for a story, and will try to find an answer to your question.
PAGOSA SPRINGS — The federal government is holding a listening session Friday on a proposal to designate the Chimney Rock archaeological area in southwest Colorado as a national monument.
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Scott Tipton, both of Colorado, are among those joining U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Harris Sherman for the listening session in Pagosa Springs. Tipton introduced a House bill to make Chimney Rock a national monument, and Bennet and Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado sponsored the proposal in the Senate.
Chimney Rock lies on 4,100 acres of the San Juan National Forest and is surrounded by the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. Ancestors of modern Pueblo Indians lived there 1,000 years ago.
The large stone tower is located about 20 miles west of Pagosa Springs.
"A national monument designation would increase awareness and interest in Chimney Rock, and create new tourism opportunities for the Four Corners area, potentially generating badly needed revenue and new jobs in a southwest Colorado region ravaged by double-digit unemployment," Tipton said in a statement.
Tipton says the proposal would still allow the site to be used for grazing and hunting as well as tribal ceremonies.
Archaeological research would also still continue.
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