Navajo Canyon development would cover 50,000 acres

A giant land development proposal in the Navajo Nation by Texas billionaire Red McCombs and his partner has run into opposition from three of the Tribes chapters. The developers "proposed three hotels, multiple golf courses, three casinos, thousands of residential units and an airport with berths for private jets" in the Navajo Canyon area, adjacent to Antelope Canyon, according to a story in the Durango Telegraph. Antelope Canyon is one of the most scenic spots on the reservation [right,
Tse' bighanilini at upper Antelope Canyon. Credit, Navajo Parks & Recreation Dept.]

The newspaper indicated the opposition fears there is more to the plan than has been stated so far: "There has also been speculation that McCombs and Honts were planning for more than tee boxes, slot machines and trophy homes in Navajo Canyon. The land in question is rich with oil, gas and uranium deposits, and Gamble argued that the Navajo government and the developers were discussing vague terms for the 50,000 acres."