Chimney Rock deserves designation

Dear Editor:

Western Colorado Interpretive Association was pleased with President Obama's recent designation of Chimney Rock as a National Monument. Located in southwest Colorado, Chimney Rock National Monument, contains 47,000 acres of dramatic rock formations and the remains of an ancient settlement. The designation will permanently protect Chimney Rock while bringing attention to the area, boosting tourism and helping the local economy.

Obama's executive action comes as a bill to give the area monument status stalled in the Democrat-controlled Senate after a bill sponsored by U.S. Rep. Scott Tipton, R-Colo., passed the Republican-controlled House. We should also applaud U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., who introduced the measure in the Senate. He was pleased that the president had intervened after urging to do so.

The Chimney Rock Archaeological Area became a national monument with Obama's signature. The Antiquities Act of 1906 allows presidents to designate monuments as areas of scientific, archaeological or geological importance. Obama has set aside two areas already under the act. The other national monument was the Fort Monroe in Hampton, Va.

Chris Miller

Executive director

Western Colorado Interpretive

Association

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