U.S. Representative Bill Flores (R-Texas) released the following statement regarding the designation of the Waco Mammoth Site as a national monument under the Antiquities Act of 1906:
“The Waco Mammoth Site is a unique scientific discovery of national significance, and it is wholly deserving of inclusion in the National Park Service (NPS). Even though this important site was included in the NPS through the use of the controversial Antiquities Act, I am pleased that it will become a national monument.
“I am proud that our local community has raised and invested millions of dollars to preserve, protect and promote the historic Mammoth Site. I am also pleased that the Department of Interior and our local stakeholders are implementing this site into the NPS through the use of an innovative public-private partnership structure. This structure is similar to what we envisioned when we introduced legislation in 2011 to have the Mammoth Site recognized as a national monument.
“I will continue to work with the City of Waco, Baylor University, McLennan County and other local community partners to provide thorough Congressional oversight for the Mammoth Site as NPS develops a management plan for this treasure. I will also work alongside our local stakeholders to remain engaged in protecting this important historical and scientific discovery for current and future generations.”
BACKGROUND
The Waco Mammoth Site has been analyzed and studied by Baylor University and the City of Waco since being unearthed in 1978. Near the confluence of the Brazos and Bosque Rivers, on 100-plus acres of wooded park land, lie the remains of more than two dozen Columbian Mammoths ranging in age from 3 to 55 years old. It is believed that approximately 68,000 years ago, rapidly rising waters from the Bosque River flooded the area and drowned the animals. The Waco site is believed to be the world’s largest concentration of Columbian Mammoths to die in a single event. In 2006, the Waco Mammoth Foundation, a non-profit organization of local citizens, helped to make the site a public park. The Waco Mammoth Site museum and archaeological attraction, which officially opened to the public at the end of 2009, attracts visitors from all over the world.
Congressman Bill Flores represents the 17th District of Texas and is an entrepreneur, former energy executive, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
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