PHOTO: Heinrich Recognized As Champion For National Parks, Receives National Park Heritage Award

PHOTO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) receives the National Park Heritage Award from the National Parks Conservation Association in Washington, D.C. 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, received the National Park Heritage Award from the National Parks Conservation Association for his efforts to secure major public lands bills in the Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act, which included the largest expansion of the National Park System in nearly three decades.

"Our national parks are part of our American heritage — they provide numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation, support broader conservation of wildlife and our natural resources, and preserve our history," said. Sen. Heinrich. "I'm honored to receive this award and will continue to fight to safeguard our public lands for future generations to enjoy."

Senator Heinrich was recognized for his recent work to pass into law provisions to transition the Valles Caldera National Preserve to new management to increase public access and establish the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Los Alamos.

The National Parks Conservation Association is an independent, nonpartisan group that works to protect and enhance America's national parks.