IV 111th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 695 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 29, 2009 Mr. Rodriguez submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs RESOLUTION Supporting an international park between Big Bend National Park in the United States and the protected areas of the Coahuila and Chihuahua States across the border in Mexico.

Whereas the United States and Mexico share a common border, natural and cultural resources, and histories; Whereas the Chihuahuan Desert region provides an opportunity for the two nations to share research and experience in managing a protected area in this unique ecosystem; Whereas there is a desire to conserve and educate others about the significant natural and cultural resources that span the border of the United States and Mexico; Whereas the concept is based on the existing international park at Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park between the United States and Canada; Whereas beginning in 1935 with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, meetings and discussions have been held to explore an international park in the Big Bend National Park of Texas and the Coahuila and Chihuahua States of Mexico; Whereas, on August 14, 1983, an agreement between the United Mexican States and the United States of America on Cooperation for the Protection and Improvement of the Environment in the Border Area was signed; Whereas in October of 1988, an agreement of understanding between the National Park Service and the State of Coahuila was signed by Coahuila Governor Eliseo Mendoza Beurrueto, National Park Service Regional Director John Cook, and Big Bend National Park Superintendent Jim Carrico for cooperation between the two countries in research and preservation of the shared environment along the border; Whereas a similar agreement of understanding was later signed with the State of Chihuahua; and Whereas, on March 27, 2006, the United States and Mexico sign non-binding Joint Declaration of Sister Park Partnerships between Big Bend National Park in Texas, Maderas del Carmen (Coahuila), and Canon de Santa Elena (Chihuahua) Flora and Fauna Protected Areas: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)supports an international park between Big Bend National Park in the United States and the protected areas of the Coahuila and Chihuahua States across the border in Mexico; and (2)requests that the President, in conjunction with Secretaries of Homeland Security, Interior, and State, discuss with Mexico and study the probability of designating an international park.