What does a national monument do for a community?
Like most of us in the Southwest, I care deeply about the economic success of our region. But nationally, questions have begun to arise regarding the value of federal lands. Chimney Rock Interpretive Association wants to make sure both the public and our elected officials understand the local economic gains generated by special designations such as Chimney Rock National Monument in southwest Colorado.
Chimney Rock was a sacred place, an observatory and a calendar for ancestral Puebloans more than 1,000 years ago. The monument encompasses 4,726 acres, preserving hundreds of prehistoric sites that dot the landscape around twin spires. It is the most isolated and remote community connected to the Chaco culture and the highest in elevation.
The national monument was designated by President Barack Obama in 2012, under the Antiquities Act, with bipartisan support from elected officials, Native Americans, local businesses and other stakeholders. No state or federal funding came with the designation, but more people spending more money in our communities did.
Recently, researchers studied its local impact, asking if national monument status increases tourism and creates economic gains. What we found is exciting and telling. Since 2012 Chimney Rock has seen a 43 percent increase in visitors. As a small monument with limited parking and infrastructure, this is a big deal. More tourists create a corresponding boost to the area’s economy; since 2015, the monument has brought $1.5 million in additional funds to the surrounding communities. Again, a big deal.
Seventy-five percent of visitors are coming from states other than Colorado. This small but culturally significant area is being appreciated by more people; our area is becoming a stop on the tourist map where people spend money — and create jobs.
One respondent was randomly selected and contacted by Information Services Inc. of Durango. Survey respondent Marika and her husband are ranchers in Wyoming. Last summer they visited family in southern Colorado, exploring archaeological sites — a favorite activity. They’d seen Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon but not Chimney Rock. After 13 years of visits to the area, they did. They also enjoyed the Creede Repertory Theater, Pagosa Hot Springs and Durango, spreading their spending widely. They’ll return to explore more cultural sites and have more adventures.
Visitors to the monument spend about $145 a day and most stay at least one night in the area. There are tremendous economic benefits of monument designation.
We are proud of the monument and all it offers; we are also grateful for the designation. As President Obama stated, “Our national parks should reflect the full story of our country.” The cultural heritage and significance of Chimney Rock are crucially important to the American story. As more people experience this area, they will promote and protect it for future generations.
Despite all this, some in Congress are starting to beat an anti-Antiquities Act drum. We hope that the likely incoming secretary of agriculture, Sonny Perdue, and secretary of interior, Ryan Zinke, will commit to protecting monuments and their designation through the Antiquities Act.
To those who would discount the benefits of national monuments or try to overturn designations, we hope they will listen to this story of economic good news from our corner of the world. Even better, we hope they — and you — will come and visit. Chimney Rock Interpretive Association would like to thank the members of Congress who support Chimney Rock National Monument and the monument designation. I urge them to continue to support improvements to the monument infrastructure, public lands and the Antiquities Act.