[Source: Associated Press] -- The road to Chaco Culture National Historic Park in northwest New Mexico can be a bumpy ride, but workers at the park say that's not necessarily a bad thing. San Juan County would like to see the 16-mile dirt road that leads about 60,000 annual visitors to the park paved. Keith Johns, the county's chief executive officer, says the road is rough, dangerous and prime for accidents. Park workers are concerned that improving the road would increase traffic and note the number of visitors is already near capacity. They and others also say paving the road would detract from the overall experience of getting to one of the state's most important historical sites."At this point, the park is visited by people who know its significance and who are coming there to seriously experience a very unique archaeological site and a sacred site, as well," said Anson Wright, coordinator of the Chaco Alliance. The group is dedicated to protecting the sites. Wright said paving the road will bring in more recreational vehicle traffic. He said it would also increase the chances of vandalism within the ruins, and increased traffic would create the need for more park rangers. Johns disagrees. The only thing (paving) takes away is a dangerous trip, and I think it's a good thing," said Johns, who noted he had witnessed an accident while driving on the road.
Anyone who values Chaco Canyon and all it contains can support the effort to stop paving the road into the canyon. Information about this and the names and addresses to write to are at http://www.dont-pave-chaco.com/. [Note: To read the full article, click here.]
