110 HRES 483 EH: Recognizing the 63rd Anniversary of Big Bend U.S. House of Representatives 2007-07-10 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 110th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 483 In the House of Representatives, U. S., July 10, 2007 RESOLUTION Recognizing the 63rd Anniversary of Big Bend National Park, established on June 12, 1944.

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

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.

Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk.