Andrea Joy Campbell: “On January 26, 1915, Congress passed legislation creating a 265,726-acre Rocky Mountain National Park. In 1892, long…”

“On January 26, 1915, Congress passed legislation creating a 265,726-acre Rocky Mountain National Park. In 1892, long before the park was created, the town of grand lake established a small, less than 5-acre community cemetery that lies barely 1,000 feet inside the western edge of the park. Apparently, in the early 1950's, the National Park Service took notice of the cemetery and issued the town a formal special use permit, which has been renewed over the years. In 1991, Rocky Mountain National Part apparently informed the town of grand lake that it would issue one final 5-year special use permit. This 103-year-old cemetery has become part of the community's heritage. Grand Lake residents have very strong emotional and personal attachments to it and need to be assured of its continued use and designation as a cemetery. The current permit is due to expire in 1996. All parties have agreed that a more permanent solution was needed to meet the needs of the community and the resource preservation and protection intended by the establishment of the park.”