March 27, 2005
Associated Press
SUNDANCE, Wyo. - Gov. Dave Freudenthal questioned a proposal to add another name to Devils Tower National Monument in northeast Wyoming.
Monument Superintendent Lisa E. Eckert has proposed to designate the 1,267-foot monolith as the Bear Lodge National Historic Landmark, thus creating Devils Tower National Monument at Bear Lodge National Historic Landmark.
The idea has raised suspicions from some area residents who suspect a hidden agenda to give American Indians more control of the tower.
"I must confess a severe lack of enthusiasm," Freudenthal told Eckert during a town hall meeting in Sundance on Friday. "For the constructive ways we can spend our energy, why do you guys lead with your chin on, 'Can we have a dual identity?' "
Eckert said it is common for the National Park Service to bestow multiple designations on a single landmark or area. She said giving Devils Tower the Bear Lodge National Historic Landmark designation is a recognition that it is a sacred place of worship for many American Indians.
The designation is needed "to be more inclusive of all cultures," Eckert said.
The Bear Lodge proposal is under administrative consideration at the U.S. Department of Interior. The secretary of Interior could grant the designation without congressional approval.
Some American Indians argue that it was the white man who bestowed the "Devils" name to the tower, and that it doesn't properly represent how Indians feel about the place.
Earlier this month, U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, R-Wyo., introduced legislation to block the proposal and said she suspects it's a backdoor attempt to change the Devils Tower name.
Many folks in nearby Hulett feel the same way.
"It's Devils Tower," said Debi Plekan, who works at the Corner Market.
Jim Neiman of Neiman Enterprises in Hulett said many people in the area question the motives of the National Park Service.
"There's been a constant effort throughout the years to try to change it. Now we understand there are different processes they are going through to name it as a historical site," Neiman said. "For most of the residents here, it's been Devils Tower for more than one generation. So we clearly don't understand why you'd want to change the name."
Eckert said park administrators are also preparing to review the climbing plan at Devils Tower. It was last reviewed in 1995, drawing fierce debate over a voluntary no-climb recommendation during June when Indians practice religious ceremonies there.
"We're going to review the policy and see if it's working," Eckert said.