Chimney Rock National Monument Closer to Becoming a Reality as Tipton's Legislation Receives House Subcommittee Hearing

Press Release

Rep. Scott Tipton's (R-CO) bill (H.R. 2621) to elevate the historic and culturally significant Chimney Rock to National Monument status received a hearing in the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Forest and Public Lands today. Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO), who has introduced similar legislation in the Senate, testified at the legislative hearing, as did former Crow Canyon Archeological Center President and CEO Ricky Lightfoot. The next step for the bill will be a House Natural Resources Committee markup.

"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, however, many Coloradans may have never heard of the historic treasure right in our own backyard," Tipton told the Subcommittee. "This designation will increase attention and interest and create new tourism opportunities for the Four Corners area, potentially generating badly needed revenue and expand potential for new jobs in the Southwest Colorado region ravaged by double-digit unemployment."

"Chimney Rock has incredible historical and cultural significance. Yet the site lacks a designation equal to that stature," Bennet said in his testimony. "This legislation will provide much-needed protection, and much-deserved recognition, for the site. Passage of this bill will also provide increased tourism and economic development in southwest Colorado. Put simply, a National Monument designation is warranted for Chimney Rock and that new designation will drive economic development and job creation throughout the region."

Lightfoot explained the historical significance of Chimney Rock saying, "Chimney Rock is related to other major archaeological attractions in southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico, including Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, Aztec Ruins National Monument, and Mesa Verde National Park. These sites attract visitors from all over the nation and the world. With the added visibility that national monument status would bring, Chimney Rock would increase heritage tourism in Archuleta County and in the Four Corners region. That will translate into additional jobs in the private sector businesses in the region."

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