New designation would protect an ancient site

Every 18.6 years, the moon rises between ancient twin pinnacles in an event known as the Northern Lunar Standstill, inspiring awe among those who witness it in southwestern Colorado’s San Juan National Forest near the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. During the lunar event, at high latitudes the moon appears to move in a short time period from high in the sky to low on the horizon, marking a time significant to Bronze Age cultures in Europe and probably to other ancient cultures, including those represented at Chimney Rock. Although the Colorado landmark was earlier designated a federal Archaeological Area and National Historic Site, it would be further protected as a National Monument under legislation introduced May 3 by U.S. Rep. John Salazar and U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, both Democratic legislators from Colorado...more