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Statement Regarding a Bill to Expand Arizona's Petrified Forest National Park
May 9, 2002
Washington, DC -- U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) spoke today on the Senate floor regarding a bill to serve as a placeholder for further development of an boundary expansion proposal for the Petrified Forest National Park, and made the following remarks:"Mr. President, I rise to introduce legislation to authorize expansion of the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona.
"The Petrified Forest National Park is a national treasure among the nation's parks, renowned for its large concentration of highly colored petrified wood, fossilized remains, and spectacular landscapes. However, it is much more than a colorful,. scenic vista, for the Petrified Forest has been referred to as 'one of the world's greatest storehouses of knowledge about life on earth when the Age of the Dinosaurs was just beginning.'
"For anyone whom has ever visited this Park, one is quick to recognize the wealth of scenic, scientific, and historical values of this Park. Preserved deposits of petrified wood and related fossils are among the most valuable representations of Triassic-period terrestrial ecosystems in the world. These natural formations were deposited more than 220 million years ago. Scenic vistas, designated wilderness areas, and other historically significant sites of pictographs and Native American ruins are added dimensions to the Park.
"The Petrified Forest was originally designated as a National Monument by former President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 to protect the important natural and cultural resources of the Park, and later re-designated as a National Park in 1962. While several boundary adjustments were made to the Park, a significant portion of unprotected resources remain in outlying areas adjacent to the Park.
"A proposal to expand the Park's boundaries was recommended in the Park's General Management Plan in 1992, in response to concerns about the long-term protection needs of globally significant resources and the Park's viewshed in nearby areas. For example, one of the most concentrated deposits of petrified wood is found within the Chinle encarpment, of which only thirty percent is included within the current Park boundaries.
"Increasing reports of theft and vandalism around the Park have activated the Park, local communities, and other interested entities to seek additional protections through a proposed boundary expansion. It has been estimated that visitors to the Park steal about 12 tons of petrified wood every year. Other reports of destruction to archaeological sites and gravesites have also been documented. Based on these continuing threats to resources intrinsic to the Park, the National Parks Conservation Association listed the Petrified Forest National Park on its list of Top Ten Most Endangered Parks in 2000.
"Support for this proposed boundary expansion is extraordinary, from the local community of Holbrook, scientific and research institutions, state tourism agencies, and environmental groups, such as the National Park Conservation Association (NPCA). Editorials from Arizona state newspapers also encourage a boundary expansion for the Park.
"The legislation I am introducing today is intended to serve as a placeholder bill for further development of an boundary expansion proposal. Several key issues remain that require resolution, including the exact definition of the expanded boundary acreage, and the disposition, and possible acquisition, of private, federal, and state lands within the proposed expansion area.
"It's encouraging to note that the four major landowners within the proposed boundary expansion area have expressed interest in the Park expansion. Other public landowners, primarily the state of Arizona and the Bureau of Land Management, have recognized the significance of the paleontological resources on its lands adjacent to the Park. The Arizona State Trust Land Department closed nearby state trust lands to both surface and subsurface applications. Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management has identified its land-holdings within the proposed expansion area for disposal and possible transfer to the Park.
"Other issues involving additional private landholders and state trust lands must still be resolved. In particular, the state of Arizona has specific concerns which must be addressed as the legislation moves through the process, particularly with regard to compensation to the state for any acquisitions of state trust lands by the Secretary of Interior, in keeping with the requirements of state law.
"I fully intend to address these issues in consultation with affected entities and resolve any additional questions within a reasonable time-frame. A historic opportunity exists to alleviate major threats to these nationally significant resources and preserve them for our posterity.
"Mr. President, I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure swift consideration and enactment of this proposal. Time is of the essence to ensure the long- term protection of these rare and important resources for the enjoyment and educational value for future generations."
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