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<br />. l.~'f t?:a~ <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />A park generally consists of more than one "nationally <br />significant resource." A recently completed National Park service <br />study says that the resources within the present boundaries do <br />not contain "sufficient diversity" to qualify for redesignation <br />as a national park, and that to qualify, the lands within the <br />lower Gunnision Gorge should be included. Expanding the monument, <br />however, is unaccaptable to local communities and many groups who <br />work and play on nearby Bureau of Land Management lands. <br /> <br />That is why I propose to designate the lower gorge as a <br />National Conservation Area. This designation preserves the many <br />existing uses within the area, so important to off-road vehicle <br />enthusiasts, hunters and fishermen, and ranchers who graze cattle <br />in the area. The designation will protect, preserve and enhance <br />the area, and I believe can hold up to intense congressional <br />scrutiny by adding another "resource" for Congress to consider as <br />it determines the area's eligibility as a national park. <br /> <br />The last -- but definitely not the least -- resource that I <br />propose to recognize is the Gunnison River. The utes called the <br />Gunnison River "Tomichi," meaning the river of "high cliffs and <br />plenty water." wild and treacherous, the Gunnison River's first <br />explorer, William Torrence, used dories to negotiate its rapids, <br />but still could cover only 14 miles in three weeks. <br /> <br />with increased use must come increased protection for the <br />canyon's resources. A national park is a lot like a living museum. <br />It is designed so its character and beauty can be interpreted and <br />protected by and for all Americans and all generations. <br /> <br />The canyon by itself cannot become a park. with the <br />establishment of a new national conservation area, one of only a <br />handful of special areas run by the Bureau of Land Management, <br />and the designation of our state's second wild and Scenic River, <br />I feel that I can successfully convince my colleagues that <br />Colorado deserves another national park and is ready to accept <br />the responsibility that comes with it. <br /> <br />I am ready to push forward at the earliest opportunity to <br />resolve any remaining issues. I hope I can count on your support. <br /> <br />C~\' <br /> <br />Ben Nighth se Campbell <br />Member of Congress <br /> <br />