H.R. No. 993
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, On March 21, 2023, President Joseph R. Biden Jr.
  signed a proclamation establishing the Castner Range National
  Monument near El Paso; and
         WHEREAS, Encompassing nearly 6,700 acres in the high desert
  of far West Texas, Castner Range makes up the southern portion of
  the Franklin Mountains; the creation of the national monument puts
  into place a wide range of protections for wildlife, ecosystems,
  culturally significant sites, unique geological features, and
  archeological, paleontological, biological, and ecological
  resources; and
         WHEREAS, Located on the Fort Bliss military base near the
  heart of El Paso, Castner Range served as the training and testing
  site for the U.S. Army from 1926 through 1966; the area was once
  home to the Comanche Nation and the Apache, Pueblo, Hopi, and Kiowa
  Tribes, among other indigenous peoples; within Castner Range,
  scientists have identified 41 archeological sites that include
  living structures, hearths, remnants of pottery and tools, and
  petroglyphs and images; and
         WHEREAS, An area of rich biodiversity for desert species,
  Castner Range features a high concentration of natural springs and
  crucial habitat for such wildlife as American peregrine falcons,
  golden eagles, Texas horned lizards, black-tailed prairie dogs, and
  Western burrowing owls; rare and endemic plants are also found
  throughout the range, and its protection will play a vital role in
  setting up migratory corridors that allow for safe wildlife travel;
  moreover, the declaration of the land as a monument will expand
  access to outdoor recreation on public land while providing
  research and educational opportunities for people of all ages in a
  natural classroom setting; and
         WHEREAS, The preservation and protection of Castner Range
  honors the history of the Native Americans and the military
  veterans who once lived and worked there, and the new national
  monument stands as a beautiful and majestic landmark that
  El Pasoans and all visitors will enjoy for years to come; now,
  therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby commemorate the establishment of the Castner
  Range National Monument and extend sincere appreciation to the
  environmental leaders and advocates who helped bring about this
  historic designation.
 
  Moody
 
  ______________________________
  Speaker of the House     
 
         I certify that H.R. No. 993 was adopted by the House on April
  20, 2023, by a non-record vote.
 
  ______________________________
  Chief Clerk of the House