Chimney Rock National Monument Establishment Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. TIPTON. I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I had the opportunity to be in a truly remarkable part of the United States in southwestern Colorado, an area called Chimney Rock, which is an area renowned for its cultural heritage and its important archeological traits.

Chimney Rock is considered by the historic preservation community and the archeological community to be one of the most significant archeological sites in the western United States. Centuries ago, hundreds of early Native Americans called the area home. Archeologists have uncovered ancient farming areas, homes, and other structures, indicating that this was a major cultural center for these early Americans. The ancestors of modern Pueblo Indians made a journey to this northernmost outpost of the Chacoan civilization to witness a rare lunar occurrence that they held to be sacred. Chimney Rock is only one of three sites like this in the entire world.

Despite the scarcity of this gem, the Chimney Rock site of the San Juan National Forest has yet to receive a designation worthy of its historical and cultural significance. The area is currently under the management of the U.S. Forest Service and is covered under the USFS Organic Act, which has no provision to be able to address preservation and the management of such a historic and culturally significant area as Chimney Rock.

H.R. 2621, the Chimney Rock National Monument Establishment Act, requires no additional Federal funds, and therefore no increase in spending. It ensures continued access to the area so that local ranchers will be able to utilize the lands that they depend on for grazing, for outdoorsmen to be able to continue to take advantage of the game opportunities in the area, and for members of the Indian tribes to be able to continue the use of Chimney Rock for traditional ceremonies. The bill also allows for continued archeological research and exploration in the area.

In addition to preserving and protecting the site's historical and cultural treasures, the national monument designation will give Chimney Rock the prestige and protection it deserves and elevate it to a status that will increase its exposure to the region and enable it to generate tourism, creating a potential economic boost for the surrounding communities and generating jobs. Without any new spending, making Chimney Rock a national monument will create a win-win situation for this remarkable place, for the local communities, the State of Colorado, Native Indian tribes, and future generations of American.

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