ID SJM103

President Calvin Coolidge designated Craters of the Moon National Monument in 1924 with intent to eventually establish it as a national park, making Idaho the only western state without a national park.

Craters of the Moon contains the largest young basaltic lava field in the continental United States and contains the first wilderness lands managed by the National Park Service, giving it historical significance.

Redesignation as a national park would increase visitor numbers and enhance economic development in Butte County, Blaine County, and surrounding areas without changing land boundaries, funding, management, or fees.

The memorial applies only to the 54,000 acres of Craters of the Moon National Monument as it existed prior to November 9, 2000, and would not affect existing land uses such as hunting, grazing, or other multiple-use activities.

Idaho Legislature urges Congress to pass legislation redesignating Craters of the Moon National Monument as a national park and directs the Secretary of the Senate to forward this memorial to Congress and Idaho's congressional delegation.