Murkowski Commemorates Centennial of Denali National Park
Senate-Passed Resolution Touts History of Area, Park as Crown Jewel of Nation
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today issued the following statement to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the creation of Denali National Park and Preserve. Celebrations will take place at Denali on Sunday, Feb. 26, the day that marks the official centennial of the park’s creation in 1917.
“One hundred years ago, President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill establishing what was then known as Mount McKinley National Park, and today we proudly call it Denali National Park and Preserve,” Murkowski said. “As we reach this anniversary, we recognize that Alaska’s first people have lived off this land for thousands of years, relying on its bountiful resources for food, shelter, and clothing. And we celebrate the fact that this park protects North America’s tallest mountain, Denali, and continues to inspire Alaskans and visitors from all around the world.”
Murkowski, along with Sen. Dan Sullivan and Rep. Don Young, both R-Alaska, introduced a resolution to honor the park by designating Feb. 26, 2017, the park’s 100th anniversary, as “Denali National Park and Preserve Day.” The resolution reflects on the cultural history of the area, including traditional and Alaska Native uses before Denali was designated as a park, and traces many of the most notable developments over the past century.
The Senate passed the delegation’s Denali resolution by unanimous consent on Feb. 17, 2017. A copy can be found here.
Murkowski is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
