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Washington,
DC – August 2024 / NewsmakerAlert: Friday (August 9), Secretary
of the Interior Deb Haaland affirmed the designation of Independence
Creek Preserve in west Texas as the nation’s newest National Natural
Landmark, recognizing an important piece of America’s natural heritage.
This nearly 20,000-acre Chihuahuan Desert preserve is protected and managed
by The Nature Conservancy.
“We
recognize another extraordinary American natural feature as a National
Natural Landmark. Working with private landowners is a critical part of
our conservation and preservation efforts at the Department,” said Secretary
Deb Haaland. “This designation furthers the Biden-Harris administration’s
vision for inclusive and collaborative conservation, building on our legacy
of voluntary and locally-led stewardship of our nations lands and waters.”
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“The
preservation and protection of America’s special places is most successful
when accomplished through inclusive, locally led efforts,”?said Chuck Sams,
Director of the National Park Service, which manages the national natural
and historic landmarks programs. “This newly designated landmark exemplifies
collaborative conservation while recognizing the ecological brilliance
of this desert oasis.”
With
this announcement, there are now
605 national natural landmarks designated at city, county or state
parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, nature preserves, as well as
privately-owned lands across the United States and its territories.
Spectacular
vistas of flattop mesas and dramatic canyons meet woodlands, desert scrub
and honey-colored prairie grasses within the Nature Conservancy’s preserve.
Independence Creek, for which the preserve is named, feeds into the Pecos
River. This unique environment sustains an abundant variety of plants and
animals including migratory birds and several rare and endangered species.
National
Natural Landmarks recognize and encourage the conservation of privately
owned and managed places that contain noteworthy biological and geological
resources. Sites are designated by the Secretary of the Interior for their
outstanding condition, illustrative character, rarity, diversity and value
to science and education. The National
Park Service works cooperatively with landowners, managers and partners
to promote conservation and appreciation of our nation’s natural heritage.
Media
Contact:
Interior_Press@ios.doi.gov
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