Protecting Sensitive Resources near Mesa Verde National Park

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Protecting Sensitive Resources near Mesa Verde National Park

NPCA and our partners at FracTracker invite you to explore this interactive map documenting some of the wildlife habitat, scenic views, recreational opportunities, and cultural sites that deserve protection under…

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Today, many of these structures and artifacts are preserved within the boundaries of Mesa Verde National Park – designated a UNESCO World Heritage site – as well as several national monuments visible from the park, including Yucca House and Canyons of the Ancients.

Because of its rural location and arid conditions, this area has not seen extensive industrial development or population growth. As a result, Mesa Verde’s 500,000-plus annual visitors and locals alike are able to experience many of the qualities that Ancestral Puebloan people did – starry night skies, a diverse array of plant and animal species, sweeping vistas and natural quiet. However, emerging technologies have increased the prevalence of oil and gas exploration and drilling in recent years, putting the defining natural and cultural features of this part of the world at significant risk.

The Bureau of Land Management is considering applying an innovative planning tool on the lands surrounding Mesa Verde National Park. This approach, called a Master Leasing Plan, would have the dual benefits of protecting sensitive natural and cultural resources, while allowing for oil and gas development, where appropriate.

NPCA and our partners at FracTracker invite you to explore the resulting interactive map documenting some of the wildlife habitat, scenic views, recreational opportunities and cultural sites that deserve protection under the Master Leasing Plan. The images reflected here were captured in May 2016 by dozens of volunteers who care about preserving the qualities that make southwestern Colorado unique.