The threat to Mt. Taylor

Mount Taylor named one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic PlacesMuch of the area is governed by the 1872 Mining Law, which permits mining regardless of its impact on cultural or natural resources, meaning that the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies lack the authority to deny mining applications, even if the application would adversely affect those resources. In addition to threats posed to the mountain itself, uranium mining may contaminate or impair Acoma’s primary water source, the Rio San Jose. The Acoma people view the Rio San Jose as both the key to their physical survival and the cultural lifeblood of their community.

“Mount Taylor is a significant part of the cultural history of the Acoma people and many other Native American tribes,” said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “We can’t allow an antiquated mining law--one that has no merit today--to forever scar a place that has tremendous historical and cultural significance to thousands of Americans.”

The potential destruction of Mount Taylor is not limited to mining. If permits are approved, new roads will be constructed, creating congestion on the mountain. The visual and auditory impact will be significant--the sights and sounds of mining on Mount Taylor would forever disturb both the tranquility of the setting and the traditional cultural practices that have taken place there for more than a millennium.Comment:  For more on the subject, see Mt. Taylor Among Endangered Places.