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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, On March 21, 2023, President Joseph R. Biden Jr. |
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signed a proclamation establishing the Castner Range National |
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Monument near El Paso; and |
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WHEREAS, Encompassing nearly 6,700 acres in the high desert |
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of far West Texas, Castner Range makes up the southern portion of |
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the Franklin Mountains; the creation of the national monument puts |
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into place a wide range of protections for wildlife, ecosystems, |
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culturally significant sites, unique geological features, and |
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archeological, paleontological, biological, and ecological |
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resources; and |
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WHEREAS, Located on the Fort Bliss military base near the |
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heart of El Paso, Castner Range served as the training and testing |
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site for the U.S. Army from 1926 through 1966; the area was once |
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home to the Comanche Nation and the Apache, Pueblo, Hopi, and Kiowa |
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Tribes, among other indigenous peoples; within Castner Range, |
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scientists have identified 41 archeological sites that include |
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living structures, hearths, remnants of pottery and tools, and |
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petroglyphs and images; and |
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WHEREAS, An area of rich biodiversity for desert species, |
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Castner Range features a high concentration of natural springs and |
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crucial habitat for such wildlife as American peregrine falcons, |
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golden eagles, Texas horned lizards, black-tailed prairie dogs, and |
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Western burrowing owls; rare and endemic plants are also found |
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throughout the range, and its protection will play a vital role in |
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setting up migratory corridors that allow for safe wildlife travel; |
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moreover, the declaration of the land as a monument will expand |
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access to outdoor recreation on public land while providing |
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research and educational opportunities for people of all ages in a |
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natural classroom setting; and |
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WHEREAS, The preservation and protection of Castner Range |
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honors the history of the Native Americans and the military |
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veterans who once lived and worked there, and the new national |
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monument stands as a beautiful and majestic landmark that |
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El Pasoans and all visitors will enjoy for years to come; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas |
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Legislature hereby commemorate the establishment of the Castner |
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Range National Monument and extend sincere appreciation to the |
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environmental leaders and advocates who helped bring about this |
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historic designation. |