Parks Group Applauds Expansion Proposal

Washington, D.C. - The House of Representatives subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands meets today to hear testimony concerning Tumacácori National Historical Park expansion.

“Tragically, every day, prehistoric and historic sites in the United States are lost forever—along with the precious information they contain," said Dave Simon, Southwest Regional Director of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). "Modern-day looters use backhoes and bulldozers to recover artifacts for the international market. Urban development and some agricultural methods, such as land leveling and topsoil mining, destroy sites."

Although Tumacácori National Historical Park is only 46 acres, it is one of the true gems of the National Park System. Located in the Santa Cruz Valley of southern Arizona, the park is precious—a well-preserved resource with great historic integrity, a beautiful and tranquil site that is inspiring to visitors. It preserves the sites of three Spanish colonial missions. Two of these were established in 1691 and are the two oldest Spanish colonial missions in Arizona.

House Resolution 2234 would add approximately 310 acres to the park’s main unit at San José de Tumacácori Mission. These lands contain portions of the original mission, including historic fields, orchards and acequia systems.

"Congress has the ability, the opportunity, and the responsibility to prevent this loss of our heritage, which impoverishes both present and future generations," said Simon. "Promptly enacting House Resolution 2234 into law will be a marvelous and tangible step forward to meet these duties. Future generations will thank you for your wisdom to act now."