Decades of Dunes: The 2000s

Park Scientists and Park Geologist, Andrew Valdez, survey the dunes in May of 2003.

NPS Photo Archives

Milestone memories of the decade:

• 2000 - On November 22, 2000, Great Sand Dunes Monument became Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve through an Act of Congress (Public Law 106–530) cited as the ‘‘Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve Act of 2000’.
  • Oct. 5th, 2000 - Act considered and passed Senate.
  • Oct. 25, 2020 - Act considered and passed House.
• 2004 - On September 23, 2004- On Sept. 13, 2004, the Secretary of the Interior (Gale Norton) designated the existing Great Sand Dunes National Monument as the Great Sand Dunes National Park. See 69 F.R. 57355.

“Today we dedicate and proclaim a new national park, to forever preserve a landscape sculpted by wind and water, and we introduce what now becomes the largest wildlife refuge in the state of Colorado. This area is a haven for wildlife and a wonder for modern day visitors.” —Gale Norton, Secretary, US Department of the Interior.

 

Gale Norton at the 2004 dedication of Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.

NPS Archive Photo