[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 483 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         July 10, 2007.
Whereas Big Bend National Park is a scenic treasure of southwest Texas 
        encompassing more than 800,000 acres;
Whereas Big Bend National Park manages nearly one quarter of the approximately 
        1000 mile stretch of the Rio Grande River that also serves as the 
        boundary between the United States and Mexico;
Whereas along the boundary of the park, the flow of the Rio Grand River shifts 
        from a southeasterly direction to the northeast, forming the bend after 
        which the park is named;
Whereas Big Bend National Park is unique because it covers a variety of 
        different ecosystems ranging from the Chihuahuan Desert to the Chisos 
        Mountains;
Whereas Native people inhabited the area for thousands of years;
Whereas many people have traversed the Big Bend region in the past 150 years, 
        including Spanish explorers, Comanche Indians, Mexican settlers, and 
        American ranchers;
Whereas in 1933 the Texas Legislature, led by Everett Ewing Townsend, 
        established the Texas Canyons State Park;
Whereas later that year the park was expanded and renamed Big Bend State Park;
Whereas Townsend later became known as the Father of Big Bend National Park;
Whereas between 1934 and 1942 the Civilian Conservation Corps worked diligently 
        to make the park suitable for visitors; and
Whereas 63 years ago Big Bend National Park, ``Texas' Gift to the Nation'', was 
        officially established on June 12, 1944: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved,  That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the 63rd anniversary of the founding of Big Bend 
        National Park; and
            (2) honors the National Park Service for their service to the Big 
        Bend region and Big Bend National Park.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.