One of the world’s largest collections of prehistoric rock art threatened! (oil and gas development)

[Omaha Steve]

To view this in your browser: http://member.nationaltrust.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=19583.0&dlv_id=8461



A massive proposed oil and gas development project would cause irreparable damage to Nine Mile Canyon in Utah, home to one of the most important and extensive collections of prehistoric rock art panels in the world.

Nicknamed the “world’s longest art gallery” because of its more than 10,000 individual petroglyphs and pictographs made primarily by the Fremont and Ute Indian cultures, the Canyon was included on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s list of America’s Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places in 2004.

The National Trust is urging citizens around the world to speak out about the harm that will result from this new development proposal if it is allowed to move forward as planned. The project would increase truck traffic inside the Canyon by 416% causing enormous amounts of dust, chemical dust suppressants and vehicle exhaust to accumulate on and irreparably harm this international treasure.


Rock art in "the world's largest art gallery". Photo credit: Mountains/Plains Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

A recently released study shows a direct link between truck traffic in the Canyon and the deterioration of the rock art panels, due to a build up of dust and harmful chemicals used to control dust on the road. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which manages much of the land in and around Nine Mile Canyon, needs to recognize the findings of this study and present plans for a new access road to the exploration site, rather than continuing to rely on the narrow dirt roads that run through Nine Mile Canyon.

What You Can Do:

We urge you to send an email to the Bureau of Land Management today at [e-mail] and copy the National Trust at [e-mail]. The comment deadline connected with the project is May 1, 2008 and these comments will be shared with the public.

Let BLM know that it is imperative for them to protect the thousands of prehistoric petroglyphs and pictographs in Nine Mile Canyon. Tell BLM that it is unacceptable to allow these international treasures to be damaged by the dust and chemicals and exhaust generated by current and proposed truck traffic in Nine Mile Canyon. Ask BLM to perform a detailed evaluation of alternative routes that trucks could use to access the project area instead of the existing dirt roads in Nine Mile Canyon and its narrow side canyons. Encourage BLM to fulfill its role as the steward of the world’s longest art gallery and save our shared heritage for future generations.

Please visit our website for more information, or get information from the BLM and the Draft Environmental Impact Study here: http://www.blm.gov/ut/st/en/fo/price/energy/Oil_Gas.html


Truck roaring through the Nine Mile Canyon on existing dirt roads. Photo credit: Mountains Plains Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Forward this message: http://member.nationaltrust.org/site/TellAFriend?msgId=19583.0&devId=8461


Prehistoric rock art of a buffalo in Nine Mile Canyon, Utah. Photo credit: Mountains Plains Office of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

[ColbertWatcher]

1. The people of Utah should be ashamed they chose party first. n/t

[madokie]

2. That sucks

[Mugweed]

3. Do they not know about the soy-oil particulate control?

For years I pushed industries with unpaved lots to use the soy-based dust control products. They work great and are cheaper than the chemicals. I've seen the difference. I used to be a regulatory agent and came across dust problems many, many times.

http://www.soysolv.com/soykill/

just one of the many products out there.