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U01217 Location WCATION Rocky Mountain National Park, is in the state of Colorado, within Larimer, Grand and Boulder counties, and is within the Second, Third and Fourth Congressional Districts. The Vicinity map depicts the park's location and configuration. PRIMARY MANAGEMENT STATEMENT The law that established Rocky Mountain National Park on January 26, 1915 (38 Stat. 798), best describes the park's primary mission. II says that certain lands are ". . . hereby reserved and withdrawn from settlement, occupancy, or disposal under the laws of the United States, and said area is dedicated and set apart as a public park for the benefit and enjoyment of the people of the United States. . . with regulations being primarily aimed at the freest use of the said park for recreational purposes by the public and for the preservation of the natural conditions and scenic beauties thereof (emphasis added)." Rocky Mountain National Park showcases the best in planning, design, operation, and service. Many Americans consider Rocky Mountain National Park to be one of the nation's "crown jewels." The park attracts nearly three million visilors each year, and receives both national and international attention from professional land managers and Ihe press. The influence of the park extends far beyond northern Colorado. Excellence at Rocky Mountain Nalional Park promotes excellence at parks across the nation and world. A commitment to excellence by every employee is crucial to achieve this collective result. PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE In 1909, Enos Mills, who led the campaign for a national park in the Estes Park area, described the resources that prompted the establishmenl of Rocky Mountain National Park: Around Estes Park, Colorado, are mountain scenes of exceptional beauty and grandeur. In this, territory is Longs Peak and one of the most rugged sections of the Continental Divide of the Rockies. The region is almost entirely above the altitude of 7,500 feet and in it are forests, streams, waterfalls, snowy peaks, great canyons, glaciers, scores of species of wild birds, and more than a thousand varieties of wildflowers. In many respects, this section is losing its wild charms. Extensive areas of primeval forest have been misused and ruined; sawmills are humming, and cattle are in the wild gardens! The once numerous big game has been hunted out of existence, and the picturesque beaver are almost gone. 5