In honor of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 29, 2007, the $5 per person entrance fee will not be charged at Chiricahua National Monument. The camping fees of $12 per night still apply.

National Public Lands Day keeps the promise of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the "tree army" that worked from 1933-42 to preserve and protect America's natural heritage.

This event began in 1994 with three federal agencies and 700 volunteers.

Now, nine federal agencies and many state and local lands participate in this annual day of caring for shared lands.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist on work projects at Chiricahua National Monument.

Please call 520-824-3560 ext. 301 to register.

National public lands day volunteers at any federal land agency site will receive a coupon good for a "fee-free" day at that or any other site run by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the next year.

Last year nearly 100,000 volunteers worked in 1,100 locations and in every state.

For more information on volunteer opportunities throughout the country, visit the National Public Lands Day website, www.publiclandsday.org. "This is a great time of year to enjoy the scenic drive and views from Massai Point," stated Superintendent Brian Carey. "Bring a picnic lunch and explore any of the 18 miles of day-use hiking trails."

The Visitor Center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Special features include exhibits about the park resources, an 8-minute video narrated by Rex Allen, and the Western National Parks Association bookstore.

This annual event:

€ Educates Americans about critical environmental and natural resources issues and the need for shared stewardship of these valued, irreplaceable lands;

€ Builds partnerships between the public sector and the local community based upon mutual interests in the enhancement and restoration of America's public lands;

€ Improves public lands for outdoor recreation, with volunteers assisting land managers in hands-on work.

Nicknamed the "Wonderland of Rocks," Chiricahua National Monument was established in 1924 to protect the fantastic rhyolitic rock formations known as "The Pinnacles."

The park also features the Faraway Ranch Historic District, eighteen miles of hiking trails, and a campground. An entrance fee is charged.

For more information, contact the park at (520) 824-3560 ext. 302 or visit www.nps.gov/chir.