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Hopi Seek Protection of Rock Carvings

By the Associated Press

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A federal historic preservation agency called in by the Hopi Nation said it wants a closer look at the potential effects of more natural gas operations near Nine Mile Canyon.

The canyon — sometimes called the world's longest art gallery — contains thousands of prehistoric rock paintings and carvings.

The Bureau of Land Management is considering a proposal to allow more than 800 new wells near the canyon. Some worry more truck traffic in the area would kick up dust and jeopardize the rock art.

The federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation sent a letter to the BLM on Monday that said the project could have "substantial impacts" in the area. The council said it plans to play a larger role in influencing the BLM's final proposal.

Agency action could help protect Utah rock art

The agency's involvement could slow approval of the project and add weight to concerns from tribal and environmental groups about the dangers posed to the rock art in central Utah.

"This is welcome news," said Jerry Spangler, of the Colorado Plateau Archaeological Alliance. "It's pretty tough to ignore the advisory council when they get involved."

Denver-based Bill Barrett Corp. already has about 100 wells on the plateau above the canyon. The company wants to expand development along the West Tavaputs Plateau to tap an estimated 1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The BLM released a draft proposal for the project earlier this year.

"That's OK," said Megan Crandall, a BLM spokeswoman. "We'll adjust. The important part is we're working together. ... Our goal is to preserve that rock art. Our goal is to take care of those cultural resources."

BLM denied request to consult with Hopi Nation

The Hopi Nation requested the advisory council's help after the BLM denied requests from the tribe and conservation groups to be consulted as the project is developed. That would have given the groups more influence in the environmental study.

"When a tribe specifically requests the council be involved, it ups the ante," said Ti Hayes, public lands attorney for the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Here is the trust's video in opposition to the increased drilling:

Reid Nelson, the council's assistant director, said the council's involvement means negotiations will begin to resolve concerns about potential effects on the rock art.

The review likely won't take long and will be fairly simple, said Duane Zavadil, vice president of government and regulatory affairs for Bill Barrett.