The Department of Interior began circulating invitations Monday for a ceremony to redesignate Pinnacles National Monument as a National Park on Feb. 11 at the Pinnacles National Park Visitors Center on the east side of the park.
Members of the public are invited to attend for an afternoon of activities that will kick off at 1:30 p.m., though RSVPs are requested. The park staff applied for and received permission to make it a fee-free day for the dedication ceremony.
The afternoon will start with a walking tour led by National Park Service Historian Timothy Babalis who will take visitors around the Ben Bacon Ranch Historic District, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
From 2 to 3:30 p.m., guests will have a chance to look at wildlife through spotting scopes with wildlife biologists. They may be able to catch a glimpse of condors, the endangered species that is making a comeback in the condor recovery project at Pinnacles, along with other wildlife.
An open reception with light refreshments will be held from 2:45 to 3:45 p.m., with informational tents set up to highlight the significance of the new national park as it is described in the new legislation.
“One of the highlights will be the unveiling of the first Pinnacles National Park sign,” said Nichole Andler, a park employee. “It is already official – that feels good. But it is exciting to do this with the secretary of interior, Congressman Sam Farr and the community because this is their newest national park.”
The invitation, shared by Pinnacles National Park’s Denise Louie, reads:
“Please join Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, Representative Sam Farr, National Park Service Pacific West Regional Director Christine Lehnertz and Pinnacles National Park Superintendent Karen Beppler-Dorn for a celebration of our nation’s 59th National Park – Pinnacles National Park.”
RSVPs are requested by Feb. 7 at 5 p.m. to Da******@np*.gov
