The New Mexico Cultural Properties Review Committee voted 4-2 on Saturday to place the sacred Mount Taylor on the state's Register of Cultural Properties.

The designation is temporary. It protects the site from development for one year while the state considers a permanent listing.

Acoma Pueblo, Laguna Pueblo, Zuni Pueblo, the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe sought protection for the site. They are worried about uranium mining.

The listing was very controversial in western New Mexico. More than 700 people showed up for the committee's public hearing on the issue.

Get the Story:
Mount Taylor Designated As Cultural Property (KOAT 6/14)

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