Devils Tower to keep name
Associated Press
HULETT, Wyo. - Devils Tower National Monument will remain just that,
with no additional moniker to recognize American Indians' long
association with the monolith.
Superintendent Lisa Eckert said she dropped the idea of changing the
name to "Devils Tower National Monument at Bear Lodge Historic
Landmark" after Wyoming's congressional delegation expressed
opposition. It was just an idea, Eckert said at a meeting Saturday, and
the National Park Service will not seek the designation.
At least six tribes have historical and geographical ties to the
1,267-foot stump-like geological formation, which is the hardened core
of a long-extinct volcano. Many American Indians perform religious
ceremonies in the area, according to the Park Service.
Arapaho called the tower "Bear's Tipi." The Cheyenne called it "Bear's
Lodge" and "Bear's House."
Although the idea for the additional name has been dropped, Eckert and
other park employees said they do want to see fewer climbers in June
when there is a voluntary no-climbing policy in recognition of Indian
religious ceremonies.
To do that, Park Service officials have already implemented some
changes, such as a new registration requirement for climbers in June.
"The goal of personal registration is to have personal contact with the
people ... so we can make sure they're making the right decision of
whether to climb or not," said Scott Brown, chief ranger at Devils
Tower.
Eckert addressed questions about the designation idea and a pending
review of the climbing management plan during a meeting in Hulett
sponsored by the Bear Lodge Multiple Use Association. She said the June
voluntary no-climbing "compliance" rate has dropped from about 86
percent in 1995 to 69 percent in 2004.
"What we are trying to do is increase education because I think a lot
of people don't know about it," she said.
Brown said it's not clear yet whether the climbing management plan will
be completely rewritten or if the review would be limited to
modifications. Others at the meeting asserted that the policy isn't
subject to reconsideration, based on court decisions.
Many climbers disagreed and expressed wariness about the purpose of the
new requirement to meet face-to-face with a ranger before each climb in
June.
Others suggested that both the historic landmark idea and a renewed
interest in the voluntary no-climbing policy make them uncomfortable
about what the underlying intent of the Park Service is at Devils Tower.
"I have a hard time believing anything you tell us," local resident
Jerry Knapp told Eckert.
Knapp and others also questioned the validity of the Park Service's
claim that American Indians ever performed religious ceremonies at the
tower.
"My family has been here for over 100 years, and it wasn't until 1985
that this started," said Roy Bush. "I'm not prejudiced against Native
American Indians. Far from it."
Brown said the Devils Tower administration visits regularly with Indian
tribes, and officials do rely on the oral histories given them.
Eckert also reassured people that as part of the Devils Tower
centennial celebration in 2006, a book will be published based on the
oral histories of white settlers of the area.
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Last updated on April 22, 2005