My project, “Chaco versus Fracking,” seeks to bring attention to the detrimental effects of fracking by oil and gas developers on the cultural resources of Chaco Canyon and the Greater Chaco Area.
UNESCO has determined Chaco Canyon is a unique cultural phenomenon of “Outstanding Universal Value” deserving the designation, “World Heritage Site.” It is as important to world history as The Great Wall of China, Manchu Picchu and Stonehenge. Nevertheless, oil and gas development threatens the widely distributed remains of this significant cultural phenomenon
The Cultural Tradition is Threatened by Fracking
Defining Traits of the Chacoan Tradition
Located in the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico, the Chaco civilization reached its height between A. D. 850 and A.D. 1250. Exquisite masonry, architectural and engineering expertise, distinctive features such as corner windows and T-shaped doors, subterranean ceremonial kivas and plazas define the Chaco tradition.
The Link Between Past and Present
The Contemporary Pueblo People are the descendants of the Ancient Chaco People. Most importantly, this link between past and present, between outstanding archeological remains and living peoples is unique. No where else in the United States has so large an indigenous population retained its ethnic identity mostly intact for so many years.
Only Limited Protection For Chaco
A National Historical Park, Chaco Canyon is protected from encroachment. In addition, the ban on fossil fuel leasing recently launched by the United States Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, appears to have resulted in the protection of a 10 mile buffer around the park. Chaco Canyon and the buffer, however, only protect the core of a magnificent wide-spreading culture.
The Greater Chaco Area is Threatened by Fracking
More than 400 miles of ancient roads radiate out from the canyon connecting hundreds of outlying Chaco communities. Nevertheless, developers continue to extract oil and gas from beneath the surface by fracking. Fracking endangers cultural resources as well as water, health, air and climate.
For decades, The Bureau of Land Management has prioritized the pursuit of economic gain by developers over the protection of the environment. Unless development is contained, the pursuit of economic gain, may outweigh the significance of the unique Chaco phenomenon.
