News Release

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park celebrates 25 years

Date: October 4, 2024

Montrose, Colo. – Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park celebrates 25 years as a national park this year. While first proclaimed as a national monument on March 2, 1933, by President Herbert Hoover, it was redesignated as a national park on October 21, 1999, by Congress and signed into law by President William Clinton. The anniversary marks 25 years dedicated to the preservation of the steep, deep, narrow canyon, its wilderness landscape, and the educational and recreational opportunities it provides the American people and global citizens. Several events are occurring to celebrate the park’s anniversary.

Naturalization Ceremony: October 15, 2024, at 5:00 pm at the South Rim Visitor Center. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will present 15 new candidates to be sworn in by the Honorable Richard T. Gurley to become new citizens. The public is welcome to be witness to this special event. Learn more about USCIS at https://www.uscis.gov.

Friends of Black Canyon and Curecanti Events: 
September 20 to October 14 - online photo contest.
October 12, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm - Birthday Kickoff at Pomona Brewing Co. in Montrose, CO.
October 18, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm - Birthday Fundraiser at Bluecorn Café in Montrose involving music by The Black Canyon Boys, appetizers, a live auction, and a cash bar.
The newly re-booted nonprofit organization Friends of Black Canyon have prepared birthday celebrations for the public to enjoy. Learn more at https://www.friendsoftheblackcanyon.org/happybirthday.

Happy Birthday on October 21! From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at the South Rim Visitor Center there will be informational displays on the anniversary and birthday cupcakes for the public available starting at 10:00 am. Cupcakes are limited. Come learn about the park and celebrate with a sweet treat.
10:00 am to 1:00 pm – Solar telescope gazing with a park ranger at the visitor center.
11:00 am to 11:30 am – Human History Talk with a park ranger at Pulpit Rock.
2:00 pm to 2:30 pm – Geology Talk with a park ranger at Pulpit Rock.

More information about Black Canyon is available online at www.nps.gov/blca and co-managed park unit Curecanti at www.nps.gov/cure.

Public Law 106-75 signed October 21, 1999, created both Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and neighboring Gunnison Gorge National Conservation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Both places protect significant natural resources including dark skies, riparian zones, and native wildlife. Read the legislation in the Black Canyon Foundation Document at https://www.npshistory.com/publications/foundation-documents/blca-fd-2013.pdf.

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