National Historic Landmarks and National Natural Landmarks Photo Contest Launched

Date: April 26, 2007
Contact: Mary G. Martin, [phone], ext. 5101

National Historic Landmarks and National Natural Landmarks Photo Contest Launched

Superintendent Mary G. Martin of Lassen Volcanic National Park is pleased to announce the eighth annual National Historic Landmarks (NHL) Photo Contest and the fourth annual National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Photo Contest are now underway. In previous contests many wonderful photographic images have been received that highlight our nation’s landmarks from across the country. The public is encouraged to submit to either one or both of the contests. Past winning photos for NHLs can be viewed at
https://www.nps.gov/nero/nhlphoto/PastWinners2007.htm 

and photos for NNLs can be viewed at https://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/photocontest/winners2006.cfm

The National Historic Landmark designation is the highest recognition awarded by our nation to historic properties. They are places where significant historical events occurred, or where prominent Americans worked or lived, that represent ideas that shaped the nation and that provide important information about our past.

The National Natural Landmark designation recognizes and encourages the conservation of outstanding examples of our country’s natural history. It is the only natural areas program of national scope that identifies and recognizes the best examples of biological and geological features in both public and private ownership. The 581 NNLs nationwide possess scientific significance, educational value and exceptional scenic beauty.

National Historic Landmarks in northern California include places like Alcatraz Island near San Francisco and the Pony Express Terminal in Sacramento. Alcatraz Island was designated a NHL in 1986. Alcatraz was the first official Army prison in the nation. Alcatraz was closed in 1963 and ten years later the island was opened to the public as the first unit of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Pony Express Terminal, designated in 1961, housed the western terminal of the Pony Express from 1860 – 1861. Other tenants have included the State Supreme Court and Wells, Fargo, and Company.

National Natural Landmarks in northern California include Burney Falls and Mt. Shasta. Burney Falls, designated in 1984 and located 80 miles northeast of Redding within the McArthur-Burney Falls State Park, is one of the best examples in the western United States of river drainage regulated by stratigraphically-controlled springs. Mt. Shasta, designated in 1976, is one of the world’s largest and most impressive stratovolcanoes. Mt. Shasta is the second highest of 15 main volcanoes in the Cascade Range.

Both the National Historic Landmarks and the National Natural Landmarks programs are administered by the National Park Service and work to identify and recognize nationally significant places that illustrate and interpret the heritage of the United States. Site designations are awarded by the Secretary of the Interior following an evaluation process.

Prizes for the top National Historic Landmark photos will receive nominal non-cash awards to be determined at a later date. The top 13 winning photos for the National Natural Landmark will be compiled into a calendar and made available to the public.

Rules and entry form for the NHL photo contest are available at https://www.nps.gov/nero/nhlphoto. Rules and entry form for the NNL photo contest are available at https://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/photocontest

For information about the park, please call [phone], Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo.