Trump moves to reverse Chaco protections

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Source: Greg Willis via Wikimedia Commons

The Trump administration will initiate formal Tribal consultation meetings to consider revoking a 20-year ban on oil and gas drilling on federal land surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico. President Joe Biden issued an order banning new oil and gas development within 10 miles of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.

The Bureau of Land Management made the announcement in a letter sent to Tribal leaders last week. The agency will conduct an environmental assessment of the proposal to lease federal parcels in the region, and a public comment period will follow.

The New Mexico congressional delegation swiftly condemned the action, releasing a joint statement of opposition, saying, “Chaco Canyon is one of the most important living cultural landscapes on the planet,” and, “To deface and destroy this irreplaceable and sacred landscape is not only morally wrong: It is utterly disrespectful to the Pueblos, Tribal Nations, and New Mexicans who have called for permanent protection of the Chaco landscape.”

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                            Quote of the day
                        

The biggest thing of all is that without proper care, we’re going to diminish forever what we’ve sought to protect.”

—Dan Wenk, former National Park Service acting director and superintendent of Yellowstone National Park, National Parks Traveler.

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@curtgowdystatepark

It's definitely autumn at Curt Gowdy State Park. The leaves have changed, the weather is changing too, and it's getting less busy. That means it's the perfect time to come out to the park! Some things to remember if you're coming to visit:

🏕️ All of our campsites are currently first-come, first-serve. Be sure to check in at the Visitor Center!

❄️ It's getting colder! Over the next week temperatures will start to fall into 50s during the day and 30s at night.

🚰 Water has been turned off at all of our sites! Be sure to plan accordingly.

☀️Just because it's getting colder, doesn't mean water and sunscreen aren't important! Be sure to come prepared!

As always, feel free to message us with any questions, comments, or concerns!

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