79R9508 MAM-F


By:  Gallego                                                    H.C.R. No. 131



HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, The year 2005 marks the 50th anniversary of the 
efforts of the community of Monahans to preserve a portion of the 
sand hills of Ward and Winkler Counties for public visitation; and
	WHEREAS, The sand hills near Monahans are a unique geological 
feature of the Texas landscape that encompass such distinctive 
attractions as the miniature Harvard Oak, stunning sand dunes, a 
historic "railroad section house," abundant wildlife, and 
significant archaeological resources; and
	WHEREAS, The impetus to preserve this area was begun in 1955 
by the Monahans Sandhills Park Association, which identified 
suitable park land, made appropriate arrangements, and persuaded 
the citizens of Ward County to underwrite the development of the 
park, including the purchase of 320 acres and the construction of a 
museum; after its official opening as a state park in 1957, 
community support of the project continued with the active 
involvement of the Friends of Monahans Sandhills State Park; and
	WHEREAS, That organization's many contributions include the 
creation of the first Lone Star Legacy park endowment fund in 1994 
and the funding of renovations to the Dunagan Visitor Center; the 
committed group of volunteers received the 1996 Outstanding Service 
Club Award from the Texas Recreation and Park Society and the 1997 
Southwest Regional Council Award as the outstanding service club in 
a five-state region; and
	WHEREAS, The Friends of Monahans Sandhills State Park has 
served as an inspiration to other state park support organizations, 
and its generous contributions, along with the invaluable support 
of the Monahans community, have benefited the residents of the Lone 
Star State for five decades; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby honor the Friends of Monahans Sandhills State Park and 
recognize the dedication of those who have tirelessly worked to 
promote and sustain this region of the state's distinctive 
landscape for the past half-century; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the Friends of Monahans Sandhills State Park as an 
expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and 
Senate.