[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 106 (Thursday, July 9, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4962-S4963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 221--RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ROCKY 
                         MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

  Mr. GARDNER (for himself, Mr. Bennet, and Ms. Cantwell) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 221

       Whereas in 1909, reflecting on the beauty of what would 
     become Rocky Mountain National Park, park promoter, Enos 
     Mills wrote, ``In years to come when I am asleep

[[Page S4963]]

     beneath the pines, thousands of families will find rest and 
     hope in this park'';
       Whereas on January 26, 1915, President Woodrow Wilson 
     signed into law the Act commonly known as the ``Rocky 
     Mountain National Park Act'' (38 Stat. 798, chapter 19), 
     which gave that land the special designation of a national 
     park and preserved the land for the enjoyment of all people 
     of the United States;
       Whereas 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the 
     establishment of Rocky Mountain National Park;
       Whereas Rocky Mountain National Park is not only a State 
     treasure, but a national treasure that attracts more than 
     3,000,000 visitors each year, and benefits national, State, 
     and local economies by generating millions of dollars in 
     revenue;
       Whereas Rocky Mountain National Park provides visitors with 
     unparalleled opportunities to experience hundreds of miles of 
     hiking trails, nearly 150 lakes, and scenic vistas including 
     tundra and montane ecosystems;
       Whereas on March 30, 2009, 95 percent of Rocky Mountain 
     National Park was designated as wilderness and the park 
     showcases the diverse natural beauty of these rugged 
     mountains;
       Whereas Rocky Mountain National Park has an average 
     altitude higher than any other national park in the United 
     States, with dozens of mountains higher than 12,000 feet in 
     elevation, including Longs Peak, which stands at a massive 
     14,259 feet;
       Whereas Rocky Mountain National Park remains an iconic 
     Colorado landscape with significant cultural connections to 
     Native Americans;
       Whereas Rocky Mountain National Park protects 415 square 
     miles of diverse ecosystems and is home to a wide array of 
     wildlife, including bighorn sheep, bears, beavers, marmots, 
     moose, mountain lions, and elk;
       Whereas the National Park Service will continue the long 
     tradition of preserving and protecting Rocky Mountain 
     National Park for years to come, providing access to the 
     wilderness and wildlife within Rocky Mountain National Park 
     for generations of Americans; and
       Whereas on September 4, 2015, the National Park Service 
     intends to re-dedicate Rocky Mountain National Park for the 
     next 100 years;
       Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate-
       (1) congratulates and celebrates Rocky Mountain National 
     Park on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the 
     park;
       (2) encourages all people of Colorado and of the United 
     States to visit that unique national treasure; and
       (3) declares September 4, 2015, as Rocky Mountain National 
     Park Day.

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