Is the West Losing Its Wild? : Condé Nast Traveler on Concierge.com
by Jim Robbins
Published December 2007

* Is the West Losing Its Wild? Is the West Losing Its Wild?

* Federal Agencies Federal Agencies

* Rising Park Fees Rising Park Fees

* 10 Parks in Danger 10 Parks in Danger

The search for fossil fuels across the American west is turning some of the nation’s last open spaces into industrial zones and putting protected areas and wildlife risk. Jim Robbins reports on how the U.S. government is allowing energy companies to carve up treasured landscapes—one well at a time

http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/detail?articleId=11646&print=true

Too Close For Comfort : Condé Nast Traveler on Concierge.com

Aztec Ruins National Monument, New Mexico
This walled village on the banks of the Animas River was built by the Anasazi six to nine centuries ago. Threat: A coal bed methane well stands at the entrance to the park. Nearby land has been leased for future development.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park, New Mexico
A major trade and ceremonial center between a.d. 850 and 1250, this sprawling complex of Anasazi ruins is one of the country’s premier archaeological sites. Threat: Smog from power plants pollutes the air. Recently proposed natural gas pads would mar the views from the visitors center.

http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/detail?articleId=11649