For immediate release: Thursday, August 14, 2008
CONTACTS: Eric Wortman (Rep. Salazar) - 202-420-9595
Michael Amodeo (Sen. Salazar) - 303 249-5286
***MEDIA ADVISORY***
Salazar Brothers to Join Celebration of Mesa Verde Expansion on Saturday
FOR PLANNING PURPOSES
Saturday, August 16, 2008
MESA VERDE NATIONAL PARK, CO – Congressman John Salazar and Senator Ken Salazar will be on hand Saturday morning to celebrate the 364-acre expansion of the Mesa Verde National Park. The Salazar Brothers secured expansion of the Mesa Verde National Park in the FY2008 year-end appropriations bill.
“Mesa Verde is the home to some of the world’s most remarkable archeological treasures,” Rep. Salazar said. “With this expansion, this incredible national park will be further preserved and enhanced for future generations.”
“This long-awaited expansion will go a long way in ensuring that the historical, archeological and natural value of Mesa Verde National Park is preserved for generations to come,” said Senator Salazar.
The National Park Service, a local Montezuma County family, the Conservation Fund and the Mesa Verde Foundation worked together to make the expansion possible. The property includes 324 acres owned by the Henneman family and 38 acres donated by the Mesa Verde Foundation. The addition allows for the expanded visitor services and the protection of threatened species.
On June 29, 1906, Mesa Verde National Park was established as the first national park in the United States to preserve the works of humanity.
On September 6, 1978, Mesa Verde National Park became the first World Heritage Site designated in the United States.
Mesa Verde National Park protects some of the best preserved and notable archeological sites of the ancient Puebloan culture that flourished in the southwestern United States from approximately 600-1300, including the elaborate stone villages in the sheltered alcoves of the canyon walls referred to as `cliff dwellings'.
WHAT: A celebration of the 364-acre expansion of Mesa Verde National Park
WHERE: Mesa Verde National Park, CO
WHEN: August 16, 2008 - Celebration on-site at 9 a.m., followed by tours of the new property.
WHO: U.S. Congressman John Salazar; U.S. Senator Ken Salazar; Mesa Verde Superintendent Larry Wiese; members of the Henneman family (property’s former owners); and Sydney Macy, The Conservation Fund.
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