Archaeology Southwest "Threats to NM's Petroglyphs" : With Paul Reed, & Scott Michlin

The Scott Michlin Morning Program

Thursday, October 1, 2026 - 30 minutes

Today's interview discusses the importance of protecting Petroglyph National Monument in New Mexico, which contains tens of thousands of ancient rock images and holds deep cultural significance for Indigenous communities. Archaeologist Paul Reed explains that a proposed project to document the monument as a Traditional Cultural Property was unexpectedly denied federal funding, along with roughly 140 other projects across the West.

The project would have strengthened documentation, incorporated Indigenous knowledge, and helped guide future management and protection of the site amid increasing urban development and heavy visitation. Reed also expresses concern that the sudden withdrawal of planned funding creates uncertainty and undermines trust between nonprofits, tribal partners, and the federal government.