Bennet reintroduces Chimney Rock bill

Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet Tuesday reintroduced a bill that would establish Chimney Rock Archeological area in southwest Colorado as a National Monument. A version of the bill Bennet introduced last year was approved by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee with bipartisan support.

“Chimney Rock lacks a designation equal to its historically and culturally significant stature,” said Bennet. “Local leaders, economic development officials and environmental advocates all agree: It’s time to give Chimney Rock the designation it deserves. Working together, we will move this bill forward, providing much-needed protection – and much-deserved recognition – for Chimney Rock that will preserve this archaeological treasure for the enjoyment of generations to come.”

Chimney Rock is located West of Pagosa Springs in Colorado’s Archuleta County. The bill would designate 4,726 acres surrounding Chimney Rock Archeological Area as a National Monument to preserve, protect, and restore the nationally significant archeological, cultural, scientific, watershed and scenic resources. Chimney Rock will remain a unit of the San Juan National Forest, and Native American tribes will retain access to the sites for traditional and cultural uses.

The bill is endorsed by: The Pagosa Spring Chamber of Commerce, Archuleta County Commissioners, The Colorado Historical Society, Colorado Preservation Inc. and The National Trust for Historic Preservation among many others.