Dear park advocate,

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is playing a dangerous game. In the middle of one of the worst global health crises in recent history, the bureau is plowing ahead with its plans to solicit comments on development in the Greater Chaco Region.

There's only one problem: the communities most impacted by this development can't participate in this process. 

The detrimental impact this health crisis is having on Indian Pueblos, the Navajo Nation, and other tribal communities is limiting their ability to meaningfully engage in the public comment period regarding the future of the Greater Chaco Region, yet the Department of Interior has so far ignored all requests for an pause in the process so these critical communities can fully participate.   

park advocate, no one should have to choose between the health of their community and the health of their land. BLM must take decisive action. Urge them to pause all open comment periods -- especially on the proposed development in the Greater Chaco Region now.  

Why is this so important? The growing COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced the ability of the All Pueblo Council of Governors, its member pueblos, the Navajo Nation, and other stakeholders to fully engage in the planning process and ensure protection for the cultural and environmental resources across Greater Chaco. Simply put, the tribes directly impacted by the outcome of this decision don’t have people power or the resources to dedicate to the process. 

BLM has conducted one virtual public session, that did not even allow the opportunity for public comment, but with internet access limited on many parts of the Navajo Nation and throughout many rural stakeholder communities, this is not a viable option. 

The Greater Chaco Region is sacred land to multiple tribal communities, and it’s a national treasure for us all. BLM just can’t plow full steam ahead and leave critical voices in conversation behind. Continuing this process without the ability for the public to weigh in is just not right. 

We need an extension to this process and we need it now. Tell BLM to pause the comment period on Chaco Canyon -- and everywhere -- right now. 

Thanks for all you do,

Ernie Atencio, 
Regional Director, Southwest Region