Wayne Allard: “I rise today on the 100th anniversary of Mesa Verde National Park to offer legislation that would expand the boundary of…”

“I rise today on the 100th anniversary of Mesa Verde National Park to offer legislation that would expand the boundary of this national treasure. Mesa Verde is one of our Nation's most impressive national parks. In addition to its role preserving the home of some of our Nation's earliest inhabitants, it also serves as an impressive educational resource. The park also acts as the preeminent example of heritage tourism in the Nation. Allowing visitors to actively experience the rich historical and cultural history our Nation has to offer. The park is able to draw people with over 4,400 recorded archeological sites, including the impressive cliff dwellings which number more than 600. People travel from all around the world to see what we in Colorado are fortunate to have at our fingertips: one of the most well preserved and exhibited active archeological sites in the world. Mesa Verde also represents an impressive example of collaboration; they work with everyone from local elementary school students to international scholars. Mesa Verde, like its former inhabitants who flourished here for more than 700 years, has displayed an impressive resiliency and mystique over the years. The fire the park experienced a few years ago even revealed to us more of the area's secrets with newly discovered archeological sites. I am pleased to be able to introduce this legislation today, because this legislation shows how the Government should preserve public lands.…”