The National Park Service is preparing for restoration of the Kelso Depot. The Kelso Depot was constructed in 1924 and was a support facility for the Union Pacific Railroad until closure in 1985. The Kelso Depot is a significant cultural resource within the Mojave National Preserve and an element in the history of railroad development in the western United States. The restoration project will ensure protection of the Kelso Depot from fire, vandalism and earthquakes. Once restored, the Kelso Depot facility will include a visitor center, office space for Preserve support operations, an interpretation center, and research space. Because of the existing land status Mr. Packard's and Mr. and Ms. Leisure's parcels were critical to the restoration of the Kelso Depot. Superintendent Martin stated that, "Mr. Packard's and Mr. and Ms. Leisure's generous land donation is greatly appreciated and provides for natural resource protection that will truly benefit the American people and future generations."

In total, 0.93 acres north and south of the Kelso Depot was donated to the National Park Service. In addition to being critical to the restoration of the Kelso Depot, the parcels are situated in critical desert tortoise habitat.

Mojave National Preserve, the third largest National Park System unit in the Lower 48, is one of 385 NPS units. The NPS protects and preserves places of significant scenic, cultural and historic value in the United States and its territories so all may experience the country's rich heritage now and for generations to come.