Establishment of the Castner Range National Monument

( printed page 17999) Proclamation 10534 of March 21, 2023 Establishment of the Castner Range National Monument A Proclamation Each year, as winter gives way to spring, Mexican Gold Poppies burst into bloom, transforming the undeveloped desert plains and hills of Castner Range into a sea of vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds framed by the rugged mountains and azure blue sky. Visitors from across the Nation come to witness this natural wonder, and families from local communities gather to mark quinceañeras, weddings, and other special occasions with this colorful tableau as backdrop. Located on Fort Bliss near the heart of El Paso, Texas, Castner Range—stretching from the heights of the Franklin Mountains, eastward across canyons and arroyos, and descending to lower elevation plains of the Chihuahuan Desert—serves as a testament to the modernization of the American military and the military service members who trained there from 1926 to 1966. In addition to containing evidence of Castner Range's important historical role in our Nation's national defense, Castner Range hosts significant archeological sites documenting the history of the Tribal Nations that inhabited the area since time immemorial, rare plant and animal habitat, and unique geological features. Once it is safe for public access following remediation of military munitions and munitions constituents, Castner Range will become a natural classroom offering unique opportunities to experience, explore, and learn from nature in a unique setting that is close to a major urban center. Access to nature is particularly important for underserved communities, like those bordering Castner Range, that have historically had less access to our public lands. Castner Range will also provide opportunities for important research on archeological sites, plant and animal communities, and geological features in areas that have been inaccessible for many decades. The Department of the Army acquired Castner Ra…