The Peaks in the News

Considering the spiritual importance of the San Francisco Peaks, the Hopi and Navajo will not be in favor for tainting them in any way. Thirteen tribes consider the peaks sacred and do not believe any development should have ever been made on them. The new controversy over the use of treated waste water to create snow on the mountains was seen as a possible end to the Navajo and Hopi religions because the land would be tainted. The recent decision ruled against the new expansion and wastewater to be used to make snow.

They honestly believe they won’t be able to practice their religion. The Indians worried about offending the kachinas if wastewater were to be put on the mountain. They bring precipitation, not man. One of their lawyers said it would be like “pouring dirty water on the Vatican” (Archibold). The natives gather mountain water and plants for religious practices that the new snow would poison. Herbs are gathered for healing practices, water used in sweat lodges, and a baby’s placenta is brought to the mountain to ensure a healthy life. It is also a part of the creation story for many of the surrounding tribes. They understand that the weather is erratic, which seems like a deterrent to open a ski resort in the desert in the first place. It is difficult for Indians to prove their case when they are instructed by their elders to always keep the ceremonies and rituals of their people secret. Water previously used in morgues and mortuaries could give the people ghost sickness. “It's like putting death on the mountain, which would be a form of witchcraft or black magic,” said Mr. Mapatis, the Hualapai spiritual leader (Archibold).

The Arizona Snowbowl, as the mountain resort is named, expanded in the 1980s after the Forest Service’s decision, and accommodates 30,000 to 180,000 visitors a year. However, this depends on the snowfall. In 1997, they wanted to expand much further with 66 new trails to its 32. The Forest Service says they must complete a new Environmental Impact Statement before any further expansions at their own expense, which is a major disappointment (San). The snowfall is unpredictable in the high desert that they could go out of business without artificial snow. They would only be using about one percent of the peaks. In the winter of 2001-2002, they only had enough snow to be open for four days and could only generate 1.5 percent of their budget that season, enough to pay rent. There were not enough studies done to show if skiers who purposefully or accidentally ingest the snow would be safe.

Tufflite is the mining company that sells pumice stones from 90 acres of the 320 acres allotted by the White Vulcan mining claims. The stone is used for distressing denim, creating cement blocks, horticulture, and removing dead skin. The area is completely detrimental to the plant life and topsoil in the area. Their actions were granted, but now not supported by the Forest Service as they have violated the Clean Water Act. They have illegally devastated five archeological sites and injured even more. They have also created a visible scar on the land. In 1998, they proposed expanding and turning 20 acres into private land, which only served to bring up their crimes to the entire community and the Forest Service including 1999 Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt. Tufflite had to close the mine, guarantee its restoration within five years, and relinquish their 8,000 acres. The government is dropping charges against the company, but they are basically out of business in the peaks. The Forest Service has requested to make the San Francisco Peaks a Traditional Cultural Property, which would completely exclude any mining (San). Demonstrators have taunted Babbitt with signs in the shape of underwear to symbolize lack of jeans the stones used to help create.

Since the 1960’s, the United States Forest Service has employed multiple use management for the peaks. They try to appeal to all sides and support lodging and recreation on the peaks as long as normal activities such as religious ceremonies and grazing can continue. They Navajo are allowed to graze on certain parts on the northern part of the peak, but do not usually do so. The Forest Service is dedicated to looking out for the life on the mountain. The health of the pine forest has been declining over the past 100 years. They are currently in the process of doing prescribed burns, which are mini, planned forest fires that burn off some life to restore the whole forest. This is especially helpful for pine trees, and it decreases the chance of large forest fires from sparking (San).

The Forest Service’s major concern is the plant life. In 1979, they decided to let a lodge, trails, and ski lifts be a part of the landscape, believing that it would not harm the mountain or the Native Americans. They have not let the Snowbowl expand until they complete a new Environmental Impact Statement due to strong resistance from the Native American community (San). They approved of the new expansion and creation of snow to help the economy, and assured the community that the water would only be just short of drinkable. It would not be environmentally harmful, and freshwater is far too scarce in Arizona. The Supervisor of the National Forest Nora B. Rasure, said that the resort “has and continues to provide a valuable recreational experience to many people, and that in order to continue providing that experience in today's physical and business environment, changes are needed” (Archibold).