A Call to Hold USDA Accountable by Ensuring Scientific Oversight of Snowbowl Operations.
Flagstaff, Arizona – Environmental and cultural advocates are expressing outrage following the approval and signing of the Snowbowl Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) by the Arizona State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), the Advisory Council for Historic Preservation (ACHP), and the United States Forest Service (USFS). This agreement has been established without the incorporation of critical scientific monitoring provisions on the San Francisco Peaks Traditional Cultural Property (TCP), disregarding the recommendations of indigenous Tribes, involved scientist, and respected elders.
The MOA notably adopts a “no data, no problem” approach, which highlights a troubling dismissal of the urgent need for scientifically supported environmental oversight. Recent scientific research has revealed concerning levels of nitrogen and phosphorus emanating from Snowbowl operations, posing a significant risk to the TCP, Hart Prairie ecosystem and the surrounding areas.
“We are the first peoples of this land and we have never been listened to by the government,” stated Bucky Preston, Hopi, “There was already a big fire on the mountain, this fire was a warning, it’s going to get worse because of the pollution in the wastewater that’s used for snowmaking.”
The ski area and surrounding downslope regions, including Hart Prairie, are clearly within the scope of the MOA. The failure to address environmental impacts through scientific monitoring directly contravenes the responsibilities of the signatory agencies to preserve this Traditional Cultural Property, which holds immense spiritual significance to local indigenous peoples and nations.
Concerned citizens and organizations urge state and federal agency signatories to reconsider this agreement and retract their approval until comprehensive monitoring provisions are established and enacted. Protecting our nation’s forests and respecting the rights of Indigenous communities must be prioritized.
Furthermore, they are advocating for Congressional hearings to be conducted, as they believe that a thorough investigation is crucial to understand why the US Forest Service did not in good faith secure any signatures from the participating Tribes and indigenous medicine people. Such an inquiry will offer Congress valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing policies and inform future legislative proposals aimed at better protecting Indigenous rights and sacred lands.
For further information and to join our cause, please visit www.HealThePeaks.com and sign our petition. Contact Shawn Mulford at (520) 488-6610 or email: HealThePeaks@gmail.com