Thank you for your generosity and all that you have done to support New Mexico’s wilderness. I want to remind you that we have a very generous matching contribution of $15,000 for our spring fundraiser-that means each dollar you give will be matched for a limited time, and that also means your impact on New Mexico’s wildest lands will be doubled! Yesterday, we made great strides toward our goal, but we know that we can do even better! Please give now to protect our state’s wildest public lands and be part of New Mexico’s wilderness legacy.

If you have ever traveled to Chaco Canyon and gazed upon the beauty of Fajada Butte—looked out across the San Juan Basin from Pueblo Bonito to see Hosta Butte—you have experienced the natural and cultural power that has been Chaco through the ages. This “viewshed” from Chaco to the Chuska Mountains, Mt. Taylor and other significant sacred and geological sites is one of the many reasons Chaco is so special. This magnificent view is possible because of the area’s excellent air quality.  But oil and gas drilling on state lands within view of the park’s visitor center continues to be a looming threat. Oil field dust, air pollutants and noise will reduce visibility while also threatening the health of people living downwind from the development, including those on adjacent Navajo lands.

We are on the ground working to ensure the land surrounding the Chaco viewshed is protected from oil and gas development. Please help us protect Chaco Canyon from this threat by giving now.

Chaco Canyon, once the cultural hub of the entire Four Corners Region, is a World Heritage site—one of only eight cultural sites with this designation in the United States. It is still considered sacred by virtually all of the Pueblos as well as the Navajo. It is a cultural jewel of New Mexico with a unique landscape that is unparalleled in the world. It is a place of crystal blue sky and phenomenal views. It holds some of the cleanest air in our country. These are some of the things you will find in Chaco and the reason that we are working to ensure it is preserved for future generations. It’s just that special.

Will you help us further our work to expand the park boundaries and secure Wilderness designation for the unique and powerful landscape that is Chaco? 

Please join us in protecting Chaco for future generations. Thank you for your support.

Demis Foster

Santa Fe Director