**OMB Control #: (1024-xxxx)**

**Exp. Date:** **(To be Requested)**

**APPLICATION FOR INCLUSION OF A PROPERTY**

**IN THE U.S. WORLD HERITAGE TENTATIVE LIST**

**PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT STATEMENT:**

16 U.S.C. 470 a-1 authorizes collections of this information. This
information will be used to help the Assistant Secretary for Fish and
Wildlife and Parks prepare a "Tentative List" of candidate sites for
possible nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Response to this
request is voluntary. No action may be taken against you for refusing to
supply the information requested. A Federal agency may not conduct or
sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number.

**ESTIMATED BURDEN STATEMENT:**

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated
to average 64 hours per response (ranging from 40 to 120 hours,
depending on the complexity of the site), including the time for
reviewing instructions, gathering and maintaining data, and completing
and reviewing the form. Direct comments regarding this burden estimate
or any other aspect of this form to the Office of International Affairs,
National Park Service, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.

**White Sands National Monument**

### 

### Prerequisites for U.S. World Heritage Nominations

An application for a property that does not meet all of the
prerequisites A through G, or for which answers are uncertain, should
not be completed or submitted. Such a property cannot be legally
considered. If you are in doubt about the answer to all these questions
being anything other than "yes," please contact the World Heritage
Advisor at the address and phone number provided for further guidance.

**Prerequisite 1 - Legal Requirements:**

**A. National Significance:**

Has the property been formally determined to be nationally significant
for its cultural values, natural values, or both (in other words, has it
been formally designated as a National Historic Landmark, a National
Natural Landmark, or as a Federal reserve of national importance, such
as a National Park, National Monument, or National Wildlife Refuge)? If
not, are there on-going processes to achieve any of the above
designations and what is their status? *(Listing in the National
Register of Historic Places is [not]{.underline} equivalent to National
Historic Landmark status.)*

YES: \_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [White Sands is a National Monument. Herbert Hoover established
the monument in 1933 to preserve the white sands and additional features
of scenic, scientific and educational interest.]{.underline}\_

**B. Owner Concurrence:**

Are all the property owners aware of this proposal for the inclusion of
the property in the U.S. Tentative List and do all of the property
owners agree that it should be considered? If any agreement is uncertain
or tentative, or if the ownership situation is disputed, otherwise
complicated, or unclear, please explain the issues briefly.

YES: \_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [The U.S. Army has a small in holding but is excluded from the
nomination. The U.S. Army has provided a letter of
support.]{.underline}\_

**C. Willingness to Discuss Protective Measures:**

If the property is nominated to the World Heritage List, it will be
necessary for all of the property owners to work with the Department of
the Interior to document fully existing measures to protect the property
and possibly to devise such additional measures as may be necessary to
protect the property in perpetuity. Are all the property owners willing
to enter into such discussions?

YES: \_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [White Sands National Monument is the only property owner
included in this nomination.]{.underline}

**D. Scheduling:**

If you wish a property to be nominated to the World Heritage List in a
particular year during the period 2009-2019, please indicate the
reason(s) why and the earliest year in which you feel it will be
possible to meet all requirements for nomination*. (Please review this
entire **Questionnaire** before finally answering this question.)*

Preferred Year: [no
preference]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Reasons:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Prerequisite 2 - Specific Requirements for Nomination of Certain Types
of Properties:**

**E. Serial (multi-component) Properties:**

If you are proposing a nomination that includes separate components that
could be submitted separately over several years, do you believe that
the first property proposed would qualify to be placed on the World
Heritage List in its own right?

*Explanation: There will be a very limited number of sites nominated
over the next decade. Owners of similar properties likely will be
encouraged to work together to present joint proposals for serial
nominations. An example would be a proposal to nominate several
properties designed by the same architect. It is critical to note that
the first property presented in a serial nomination must qualify for
listing in its own right.*

YES: \_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [White Sands National Monument would qualify on its own. This
is not a serial property nomination.]{.underline}

**F. Serial (multi-component) Properties:**

Are you proposing this property as an extension of or a new component to
an existing World Heritage Site?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO \_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_

Name of Existing Site:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Prerequisite 3 - Other Requirements:**

**G. Support of Stakeholders**

In addition to owners, please list other stakeholders and interested
parties who support the property's proposed inclusion in the Tentative
List. Also note any known to be opposed.

*Explanation: The purpose of the Tentative List is to propose candidate
properties that are likely to be successfully nominated during the next
decade. It is clear that a consensus among stakeholders will be helpful
in nominating a site and later in securing its proper protection. Thus,
only properties that enjoy strong, preferably unanimous, support from
stakeholders will be recommended for inclusion in the U.S. Tentative
List.*

*In addition to owners, stakeholders primarily include:*

*\--Governors, Members of Congress and State legislators who represent
the area where the property is located,*

*\--the highest local elected official, or official body, unless there
is none,*

*\--Native Americans, American Indian tribes, or other groups and
individuals who possess legally recognized claims or privileges in the
area or at the site being proposed (e.g., life tenancy or hunting and
fishing rights),*

*\--organizations established to advocate for protection and appropriate
use of the property proposed for nomination.*

*If definitive information is not available at the time you filled out
this Questionnaire, please so indicate.*

Supporters:

[Jeff]{.underline} [Bingaman,]{.underline} [United States
Senator]{.underline}

[Pete]{.underline} [Domenici,]{.underline} [United States
Senator]{.underline}

[Stevan]{.underline} [Pearce,]{.underline} [United States
Representative]{.underline}

[Gloria Vaughn, State Representative, New Mexico]{.underline}

[Otero County,]{.underline} [New Mexico]{.underline}

[Don Carroll, Mayor,]{.underline} [City of Alamogordo, New
Mexico]{.underline}

[Bill Mattiace, Mayor,]{.underline} [City of Las Cruces, New
Mexico]{.underline}

Opponents:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [Native American Tribes affiliated with the monument were
consulted and no comments were received.]{.underline}
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Information Requested about Applicant Properties**

**(The numbers of the sections and subsections below are in the same
order as and correspond to sections of the World Heritage Committee's
official [Format]{.underline} used for the nomination of World Heritage
Sites. This is to allow easy reference to and comparison of the
material.)**

**1. IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPERTY OR PROPERTIES**

**1.a. Country:**

If it is intended that the suggested nomination will include any
properties in countries other than the United States, please note the
countries here.

*Explanation: Please note that the United States can nominate only
property under U.S. jurisdiction. You are not expected to contact other
governments and owners abroad, although you may do so if you wish. Each
national government must nominate its own sites, although the United
States will consider forwarding your suggestion to another government
for that government to consider as a joint nomination with the United
States.*

Names of countries: [United States]{.underline}
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**1.b. State, Province or Region:**

In what State(s) and/or Territories is the property located? Also note
the locality and give a street address if one is available.

[Dona Ana and Otero Counties, New Mexico]{.underline}

[19955 Highway 70 West, Alamogordo, NM 88310]{.underline}\_

or

[PO Box 1086 Holloman AFB, NM 88330]{.underline}

**1.c. Names of Property:**

What is the preferred or proposed name of the property or properties
proposed for nomination? If the site has multiple names, explain why you
chose the primary choice or choices. (*The name should not exceed 200
characters, including spaces and punctuation.)*

[White Sands National
Monument]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

***Popular and Historic names***

What are any popular or historic names by which the property is also
known?

[The area may be referred to simply as White
Sands]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

***Naming of serial (multiple component) properties and transboundary
sites*.**

Try to choose brief descriptive names. In the case of serial
nominations, give an overall name to the group (e.g., *Baroque Churches
of the Philippines*). (*Give the names of the individual components in a
table that you insert under 1f.)*

Group or Transboundary Name:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

***Other names or site numbers***

*Explanation: If a site has multiple names, explain why you chose the
primary choice or choices. If the site has no common name or is known
only by a number or set of numbers, please explain.*

[The name, White Sands National Monument, is preferred to avoid
confusion with White Sands Missile Range.]{.underline}

**1.d.-e. Location, boundaries, and key features of the nominated
property**

Include with this **Application** sketch maps or other small maps,
preferably letter-size, that show:

\- the location of the property

\- the boundaries of any zones of special legal protection

\- the position of major natural features and/or individual buildings
and structures

\- any open spaces (squares, plazas) and other major spatial
relationships (the space between buildings may at times be more
important than the buildings)

Please provide here a list of the maps that you have included.

[Location within the United States of America]{.underline}

[Location of the Property in New Mexico]{.underline}

[Major Natural Features]{.underline}

**1.f. Area of nominated property (ha.)**

*Explanation: State the approximate area proposed in hectares (1
hectare=2.471 acres). Give corresponding acre equivalents in
parentheses. Insert just below this question a table for serial
nominations that shows the names and addresses of the component parts,
regions (if different for different components), and areas.*

[The monument has 58167 hectares (143,733
acres)**.**]{.underline}**\_\_\_\_**

**2. DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY**

**2.a. Description of the Property**

###### Natural property

Briefly describe the property and list its major components. A summary
in a few paragraphs or pages is all that is required.

*Explanation: This section can describe* *the property's important
physical features and scientific values, including geography, geology,
topography, habitats, species and population sizes (including an
indication of any that are threatened), and other significant ecological
features and processes.*

[The White Sands National Monument is located at the northern end of the
Chihuahuan Desert in the Tularosa Basin, west of Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand have engulfed 275 square
miles of desert and have created the world\'s largest gypsum dune field.
The brilliant white dunes are ever changing: growing, cresting, then
slumping, but always advancing. Slowly but relentlessly the sand, driven
by strong southwest winds, covers everything in its path. There are
several major geologic and biological components to the monument
including dunes, playa lakes and white animal species. The monument
preserves a major portion of this gypsum dune field, along with the
plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this constantly
changing environment.]{.underline}

[White Sands National Monument preserves a portion of the Chihuahuan
Desert, which is the most biologically diverse desert in the Western
Hemisphere and one of the most diverse arid regions in the world. The
eastern boundary is one of the oldest and richest centers of plant
evolution on the North American continent. The Chihuahuan Desert is a
focal point for cactus diversity, many cactus species can be found
nowhere else on Earth, with more than 400 species. In addition, the
region supports a great variety of bats, migratory birds and endemic
aquatic species.]{.underline}

[There are several remarkable geologic and biological components to the
monument including several types of dunes and playa lakes. Gypsum sand,
which is a rare hydrous form of calcium sulfate make up the ever
changing dunes. This environment is of interest to researchers studying
the processes of significant on-going geological processes in the
development of landforms, geomorphic and physiographic features. The
gypsum sands also serve as a unique Mars analog. The monument preserves
a portion of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem along with several unique
white animal species.]{.underline}

Which features or aspects of the property do you believe qualify it for
the World Heritage List?

[Superlative scenic beauty: the white sand dunes are the subject of
photographers' world wide, appearing in numerous books and
magazines.]{.underline}

[Unique scientific potential for ecotourism, research on hydrology,
geologic processes, the discovery of new species and as a Mars
analog]{.underline}

What are the important present or proposed uses of the property and how
do they compare with the traditional or historic uses of it (e.g., to
what extent and by what methods are natural resources being exploited)?

[The present and proposed uses are education though guided tours and
talks, public recreation including hiking, back country camping,
picnicking, birdwatching and star gazing in addition to scientific
research. These uses have a much lower impact on the resource than past
activities. Past uses have included military maneuvers, missile and
ordinance testing, mineral exploration and ranching.]{.underline}

**2.b. History and Development of the Property**

*( select the one following category that best fits the property)*

**Natural property**

What are the most significant events in history or prehistory that have
affected the property? How have humans used or affected it?

*Explanation: This discussion can include changes in the use of the
property and its natural resources for hunting, fishing or agriculture,
or changes brought about by climatic change, floods, earthquake or other
natural causes.*

[The most significant events in the history of the monument include past
geological processes, ranch and cattle grazing, and military activity
followed by the establishment of the National Monument.]{.underline}

[Past geological processes in the Tularosa Basin are the most
significant events in the monument's history. These geological
occurrences led to the formation of the gypsum dunes. The Pennsylvanian
and Permian rocks in the mountains around the monument contain large
quantities of gypsum. During the Permian, aridity increased and the seas
covering the continent shallowed or withdrew completely at times,
leading to deposition of shallow-water carbonates and gypsiferous
evaporites. By far the bulk of these evaporites are in the Yeso
Formation found in the mountains around the basin. Moreover, the gypsum
content in the Yeso thickens to the northeast, where the formation
exceeds 4200 feet in thickness. Data suggests that much of the gypsum in
the present day lake basin may have been flushed southward toward the
low point of the basin at Lake Lucero. This was due to wide exposure of
gypsum bearing rocks, the great thickness of gypsum and a broad
catchment area that for surface and subsurface runoff. Although large
amounts of gypsum may not be moving in drainages toward Lake Lucero at
the present time, large amounts would have been dissolved and flushed
into Lake Otero during Pleistocene glacial pluvials. Finally the
evaporation and disappearance of Lake Otero following the last
Pleistocene glaciation precipitated the gypsum which then became
available for dune formation.]{.underline}

[Ranching in the 1880s, changed the vegetation in the basin. Overgrazing
enabled the spread of shrubs and mesquite which led to soil erosion in
some areas. Mesquite grows naturally in North America in the arid and
semiarid lands of the Southwest, where it inhabits more than 82 million
acres. Records of the earliest travelers and settlers suggest that
mesquite has not substantially increased its geographical range in the
southwestern United States, but it has greatly increased its density
within that range. In the early 1800s miles of grasslands existed in the
Southwest, characterized by extensive grassy plains, moderate
grass-mesquite savannas, and dense mesquite mottes (clumps of isolated
trees) in and around creeks and small bodies of water. Many of those
same rangeland sites are now totally inhabited by mesquite. The rapid
invasion of mesquite is attributed primarily]{.underline} [to three
causes: the overgrazing of grasslands by domestic cattle, the
elimination of wildfires and several recorded droughts during the early
1900s. The grasslands in the Tularosa Basin were able to support large
herds of cattle in the wet years of the 1880s. When the ranchers first
started running cattle; in some places the grass grew as high as a
horse's shoulder. In 1889, it is estimated that 85,000 head were
mustered in the basin. The following years were ones of severe drought
and the pastures never recovered from the consequent over-grazing and
erosion which continued in many instances for 75 years or more. In the
late 1800s, ranches and homesteads were established by families around
the white sand dunes, these include properties owned by the Lucero,
Garton, Pelman, Walter, McNew and Baird. The remains of these properties
include house foundations, corrals, troughs, tanks, wells and windmills.
The last occupied ranch within the monument was vacated in the 1950s.
Many areas in the Tularosa Basin that were known historically to be rich
grasslands are now characterized as desert scrub lands where creosote
bush and mesquite trees predominate. The western portion of the monument
above the lake shore is occupied by mesquite and creosote bush. This
area does have considerable sheet wash erosion and the sediments are
deposited in Lake Lucero. This does not directly threaten the dunes
since the source of the gypsum is the shore line of Lake Otero. However,
it may affect animal species that would otherwise inhabit a grassland
environment.]{.underline}

[The U.S. military began acquiring land in the basin as early as 1911,
but most of the basin did not become military land until World War II.
The establishment of White Sands National Monument in 1933 provided
protection for the white gypsum sand dunes and the plants and animals
that live there. Grazing and mineral exploration ceased. Eventually
military operations were also halted. Initially military dirt roads
crossed the western portion of the park, debris and craters littered the
landscape. In 1972, White Sands Missile Range removed 30,000 acres
around Lake Lucero from targeting by intentional impacts. Today the
surrounding military lands protect the monument from trespass and
encroachment. The dirt roads have revegetated and White Sands Missile
Range has worked diligently with the monument to fill old craters and
clean up debris. Without the recognition of the dune's significance by
the National Park Service the area would exist solely as a military test
site, mineral commodity or a playground. Through the National Park
Service, the potential for educating the public on the monument's
natural resources is significant. Education and interpretation is a
communication process that forges emotional and intellectual connections
between the interests of the audience and the inherent meanings in the
resource. The natural splendor of the dunes affords rich educational
experiences for millions of visitors.]{.underline}

[In summary, past geological processes created the vast gypsum deposits
which are the source of the gypsum dunes. Ranching and cattle grazing
changed the vegetation in the Tularosa Basin leading to erosion in
places. The establishment of the National Monument then protected the
area and preserved the dunes for future generations.]{.underline}

**2.c. Boundary Selection**

Propose a boundary for the property and explain why you chose it. Is the
boundary reasonable on logical grounds, such as if it conforms to
topography or landforms or (for natural areas) to the range of wildlife
or (for cultural properties) to any historical boundary or defining
structures (such as walls)?

[The legal boundary of White Sands National Monument was selected as the
boundary for the World Heritage Site nomination for management purposes.
The white sand dunes extend on to Department of Defense lands, but their
mission and land management practices are significantly different than
the National Park Service.]{.underline}

Are all the elements and features that are related to the site's
significance included inside the proposed boundaries?

*Explanation: Careful analysis should be undertaken to insure that the
proposal embraces the internationally significant resources and excludes
most, if not all, unrelated buildings, structures and features.*

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_

If no, please explain: [a portion of the white sand dune field is on
White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base. White Sands
National Monument contains a significant portion of the dune field and
the shore line of Lake Otero which is the source of the white
sand.]{.underline}

Are there any enclaves or in holdings within the property and, if so, do
they contain uses or potential uses contrary to the conservation or
preservation of the site as a whole?

YES: \_\_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

If yes, please explain: \_ [White Sands Missile Range has 8000 acres
within the park's wildlife exclosure fence, these are excluded from the
nomination. Legislation STAT. 2803, SEC. 2854, 16 USC 431 gives White
Sands National Monument jurisdiction to manage those lands as National
Park Service property. The land is in the process of being transferred
to the National Park Service.]{.underline}

[White Sands National Monument and White Sands Missile Range renewed an
Interagency Agreement in 2006. "There is a mutual recognition of the
respective missions of both agencies, and a mutual desire to continue
the cooperative environment which has existed for nearly fifty
years".]{.underline}

**3. JUSTIFICATION FOR INSCRIPTION IN THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST**

**3.a. Criteria under which inscription is proposed**

From the World Heritage criteria listed below, identify each criterion
that you believe applies to your property and briefly state why you
believe each criterion you have selected is applicable.

*Explanation: You may find the discussion under this heading in
"Appendix A" to the **Guide to the U.S. World Heritage Program** to be
helpful in completing this section. Please refer to a paper copy or
follow the hyperlink.*

*To be included on the World Heritage List, a site must be of
outstanding universal value and meet at least one of these ten selection
criteria in a global context:*

i.  *represent a masterpiece of human creative genius;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

ii. *exhibit an important interchange of human values, over a span of
    time or within a cultural area of the world, on developments in
    architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or
    landscape design;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

iii. *bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural
     tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has
     disappeared;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

iv. *be an outstanding example of a type of building, architectural or
    technological ensemble or landscape which illustrates (a)
    significant stage(s) in human history;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

v.  *be an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement,
    land-use, or sea-use which is representative of a culture (or
    cultures), or human interaction with the environment especially when
    it has become vulnerable under the impact of irreversible change;*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

vi. *be directly or tangibly associated with events or living
    traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary
    works of outstanding universal significance. (The Committee
    considers that this criterion should preferably be used in
    conjunction with other criteria);*

> \_\_\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

vii. *contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional
     natural beauty and aesthetic importance;*

> \_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am
> proposing
>
> Reason: [At the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert lies a mountain
> ringed valley called the Tularosa Basin. Rising from the heart of this
> basin is one of the world\'s greatest natural wonders, the glistening
> white sand of New Mexico. Here, great wave-like dunes of gypsum sand
> have engulfed 275 square miles of desert and have created the world\'s
> largest gypsum dune field. The quite solitude, vast landscape and
> changing light inspire personal reflection. Visitors from around the
> world seek out the beauty of the sands, many of them returning again
> and again. The popularity of the dunes is evident in the number of
> images in books, magazines and on the World Wide Web. The white sand
> dunes are an area of unique geology and remarkable natural beauty. The
> monument preserves a major portion of this gypsum dune field, along
> with the plants and animals that have successfully adapted to this
> constantly changing environment.]{.underline}

viii. *be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth\'s
      history, including the record of life, significant on-going
      geological processes in the development of landforms, or
      significant geomorphic or physiographic features;*

> \_\_X\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason: [Unique, ongoing geological processes of geomorphic changes
> and development can be seen at White Sands. The geologic history of
> White Sands began around 250 million years ago. The formation and
> development of the dunes is still dynamic today.]{.underline}
>
> [The gypsum that forms the white sand dunes was deposited at the
> bottom of a shallow sea that covered this area 250 million years ago.
> Eventually turned into stone, these gypsum bearing marine deposits
> were uplifted into a giant dome 70 million years ago when the Rocky
> Mountains were formed. Beginning 10 million years ago, the center of
> this dome began to collapse and create the Tularosa Basin. The
> remaining sides of the original dome formation now form the San Andres
> and Sacramento mountain ranges that ring the basin.]{.underline}
>
> [The Quaternary stratigraphy of the area is basically a record of the
> pluvial effects of the glacial periods, with the latest Pleistocene
> (Wisconsin) placation and de-placation being the most important in
> terms of surface geology. During glacial periods, weather in the
> Tularosa basin was cooler and wetter that today, with lower
> evapotranspiration. Lake Otero formed and water levels were maintained
> both by greater groundwater infiltration and greater fluvial runoff
> into the Tularosa Basin. Interglacial periods, especially the most
> recent have been drier. The dunes at White Sands National Monument
> probably resulted from the effects of the drying and warming which has
> occurred since the last glacial retreat about 10,000 years ago, with
> the most significant events beginning about 7,000 years before
> present. It was during the last 10,000 years that Lake Otero dried up,
> precipitating the gypsum that was mobilized at some later date to form
> the present-day dune fields.]{.underline}
>
> [When the dominant wind from the southwest blows across the
> Pleistocene Lake Otero shoreline, finer silts and clays are blown
> away, a process called deflation, leaving the crystals exposed. Such
> weathering breaks the crystals down to the size of sand grains which
> can be moved by the dominant wind. Sand can only be moved by strong,
> steady winds. The air must be moving at least 15 miles per hour to be
> able to pick up sand grains. In the Tularosa basin, it is primarily
> between February and April that the winds are strong enough. These
> winds are called unidirectional winds because they always move in the
> same direction, from the southwest to the northeast. As the wind
> blows, it pushes the sand ahead of it, so individual dunes are slowly
> moving to the northeast. Even very strong winds can\'t lift the sand
> any higher than three feet above the ground. As the wind blows, it
> lifts small sand grains a few feet off the ground, and then drops
> them. When they hit the ground, they bump into other sand grains and
> cause them to jump up and be caught by the wind. It\'s almost as if
> the sand is playing leap-frog, jumping and bumping along. This kind of
> jumping movement is called saltation. How fast a sand dune moves
> depends on a number of things. The speed of the wind is a big factor.
> Wind that is blowing 45 miles per hour will move more sand than at 15
> miles per hour. The size of the dune is also important. Smaller dunes
> with less sand move much more quickly than large ones. The vegetation
> also plays an important role. The dunes get caught on the plants that
> grow in the basin, and that slows them down.]{.underline}
>
> [There are four types of dunes at White Sands National Monument. Most
> of the freely moving dunes at the monument are of the barchanoid type
> that develops a major slipface transverse to a single dominant wind
> direction. The dunes move in that direction which is from the
> southwest at White Sands. Another type of dune which has transverse
> affinities is the dome dune. Dome dunes, however, have no slipfaces
> most of the time. They have long been considered embryonic forms that
> evolve downwind into barchanoid types with slipfaces. In addition to
> freely moving dunes, White Sands also has many tracts of dunes
> partially anchored by vegetation. Parabolic dunes have an actively
> migrating central mass and long arm that extend upwind, as opposed to
> shorter arms of the barchan that extend downwind. Another unusual dune
> type at White Sands is the lunette dune, so named because of its shape
> when associated with small lakes. Lunette dunes form in the lee of
> lakes, and assume the shape of the shoreline. Most of the lunettes at
> White Sands appear to be older than the present active dune field, and
> have been somewhat reduced by weathering.]{.underline}
>
> [The interdunes at White Sands, like the dunes themselves, exist in
> great variety, with a wide range of sedimentary deposits at or just
> below the surface that have been laid down in this environment. The
> saturated ground water table is often within a few feet of the surface
> of the interdunes, and the range of salinities is quite large from
> place to place or season to season. This aspect of the interdunes
> environment, along with environments created by the dunes themselves,
> creates a wide variety of sub-environments. Much of the flora and
> fauna of the White Sands live in the interdune areas because they have
> moisture and vegetation, and are sheltered from the wind to a greater
> extent than on the open sands of the dunes. It is important to
> understand the way interdunes evolve at White Sands in order to better
> appreciate how the flora and fauna of White Sands have
> adjusted.]{.underline}
>
> [In summary, the geologic history of White Sands began around 250
> million years ago and has not ceased. At the monument there are
> dynamic on going geological processes of geomorphic changes and
> development. The formation and development of the dunes is as constant
> as the wind. More recently these unique terrestrial dunes have severed
> as a Mars analog for out of this world research.]{.underline}

ix. *be outstanding examples representing significant on-going
    ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development
    of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and
    communities of plants and animals;*

> \_\_X\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am proposing
>
> Reason: Reason: [Since the White Sands dune field came into existence
> only after the end of the last glaciation, 10.000 years ago, it
> provides an opportunity to study organisms in a natural selection
> regime of recent origin. A number of endemic white animals have been
> identified in the white dunes. At least 12 species are permanently
> white, and another three are variable, paling against a white
> substrate. These species include arthropods, amphibians, lizards and
> rodents. A major starting point for speciation is the separation of
> populations by a geographic barrier that prevents continuing gene
> flow. No such barrier separates the white dunes from adjacent dark
> colored soils. Thus the White Sands ecotone provides a readily
> accessible site for biologists to study possible in progress
> speciation in the absence of a physical barrier to gene flow. This is
> a subject of considerable current interest owing to the introduction
> of powerful molecular techniques into the field of evolutionary
> biology for phylogenetic analysis.]{.underline}
>
> [The lizards of White Sands are particularly striking with respect to
> dorsal coloration. All three species have light populations in the
> heart of the dunes and dark populations outside the dune habitat, with
> the variably colored animals on region of transition at the margin of
> the dunes. Molecular data reveal different histories for the three
> species. The bleached earless lizard is lighter in color and better
> substrate-matched than either the Cowles prairie lizard or the little
> striped whiptail. Furthermore, this corresponds exactly to observed
> levels of gene flow; there is more gene flow between dark soil and
> white sand populations for the Cowles prairie lizard and the little
> striped whiptail than for the bleached earless lizard. This suggests
> that the degree of genetic isolation of dune populations may be very
> important in determining the outcome of natural selection.
> Interestingly, there has been recent or current gene flow between
> dramatically different color morphs in two of the three species
> indicating that natural selection can generate phenotypic diversity
> despite ongoing interaction between populations. This suggests the
> operation of extremely strong natural selection at the White Sands
> ecotone which supports the model of ecological speciation. A number of
> different mate-choice experiments were conducted to see if White Sands
> females preferred to mate with light males or dark males. In fact,
> light females did have a preference for light males. Furthermore,
> there are a number of morphological differences between White Sand and
> dark soil populations of *H. maculata*. White Sand populations are
> unique in the shape of their bodies, their heads and their feet. These
> morphological differences could be further specializations to the
> sandy environment. Again, these results do not necessarily mean that
> White Sands bleached earless lizards should be considered a new
> species, but the extensive differences between dune and non-dune
> populations suggest that natural selection at White Sands could lead
> to reproductive isolation. The ecological research done at White Sands
> reinforces the idea that ecotones are especially important in
> generating biological diversity and should be priorities for
> conservation.]{.underline}
>
> [The geological development of isolated desert features, such as dune
> systems and dry lakebeds, provide unique habitats that subsequently
> harbor unique organisms. These endemic organisms are not only of
> interest for conservation purposes, but are potentially important
> indicators charting the course of environmental changes leading to
> desertification. One such endemic organism that may provide
> significant clues to past environments is the monotypic spider genus
> *Saltonia*. This genus *Saltonia* is apparently restricted to
> salt-crust habitats of dry or intermittent lakes and rivers. This
> extreme habitat restriction allows for the testing of a hypothesis
> suggesting that paleoriver drainages played an important role in the
> current distribution of *Saltonia incerta* and should thus be
> reflected in the biogeographic history of the group. This assumes that
> the spiders were dispersed from one salt lake to the next through
> riverine corridors connecting these lakes during the Pleistocene, and
> that there is currently little or no gene flow between the now
> isolated populations. Previously known from only two localities, it
> has now been found at several salt flats in southern California and
> northern México, and a species new to science exists at White Sands
> National Monument.]{.underline}
>
> [Once again we see a rich potential for biological research at the
> White sands, since work has hardly begun on the cataloging of
> invertebrate species, organisms that are particularly valuable to
> basic ecological and evolutionary research, as well as for instructing
> conservation policy.]{.underline}

x.  *contain the most important and significant natural habitats for
    in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those
    containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from
    the point of view of science or conservation.*

> \_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_ This criterion applies to the property I am
> proposing
>
> Reason: [White Sands National Monument lies in the northern portion of
> the Chihuahuan Desert, which covers a portion of the United States and
> Mexico. At White Sands National Monument species of animals occur that
> can be found no where else in the world. The white sand habitat
> supports many of the Chihuahuan Desert species in addition to 12 white
> animal species, including two]{.underline} [rodents,
> three]{.underline} [lizards, one amphibian, four insect, and two
> arachnids species which have permanently changed their color to match
> the white gypsum dunes.]{.underline}
>
> [White Sands National Monument provides excellent habitat diversity
> for a wide range of avian species; habitats include desert plains,
> playa lakes, water corridors, cottonwood groves, uplands and a gypsum
> dune field. Because the monument is surrounded by military land, it is
> free from urbanization and its remoteness allows it to be an excellent
> sanctuary for wildlife. Lake Lucero and surrounding grass and shrub
> land provide important habitat for migrating birds and wintering
> waterfowl in the Central Flyway. The large diversity of birds found in
> the monument may be attributed to its location on the central flyway,
> the presence of Lake Lucero and the monument's proximity to the Rio
> Grande River. The 2006 seasonal inventory of birds in riparian
> habitats found that White Sands had three obligate riparian species
> and 12 riparian dependent species.]{.underline}
>
> [World Wildlife Fund designated the Chihuahuan Desert as one of 19
> priority landscapes in the world. It is considered one of the most
> biologically significant deserts. The Chihuahuan Desert landscape and
> ecology are rapidly changing as a result of land use by an ever
> increasing human population. The desert\'s habitats, plants and
> animals are rapidly vanishing, and a water crisis threatens the
> survival of wildlife as well as people. The Chihuahuan Desert is one
> of the most biologically rich and diverse deserts in the world,
> rivaled only by the Namib-Karoo of southern Africa and the Great Sandy
> Desert of Australia. It stretches nearly 250,000 square miles from the
> Mexican plateau into southeast Arizona, across New Mexico and West
> Texas. It is framed by the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Madre
> system.]{.underline}
>
> [According to the Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition, the
> Chihuahuan Desert is the most biologically diverse desert in the
> Western Hemisphere and one of the most diverse arid regions in the
> world. The eastern boundary of the Chihuahuan Desert is one of the
> oldest and richest centers of plant evolution on the North American
> continent.]{.underline}
>
> [The Nature Conservancy considers the Chihuahuan Desert a center of
> cactus diversity, many of which can be found nowhere else on Earth,
> with more than 400 species. In addition, the region supports a
> tremendous variety of bats, migratory birds and endemic aquatic
> species.]{.underline}
>
> [The Center for Biological Diversity is deeply committed to protecting
> desert wilderness in North America. They focus their desert programs
> on the protection of endangered species and imperiled watersheds, as
> well as high-value ecological areas urgently threatened by urban
> sprawl. The Chihuahuan Desert\'s diverse habitats provide the
> kaleidoscope of textures and colors that shape its unique landscapes.
> Mule deer, pronghorn and kit fox roam the vast grasslands of the
> northern desert. In the desert scrub, roadrunners scurry after earless
> lizards while golden eagles search among the agave and creosote for
> blacktailed jackrabbits. Forests of yucca and agave create images of
> unearthly beauty. Overall the magnificent landscape is threatened by
> unsustainable land use by an ever increasing human population, water
> misuse and mismanagement, overgrazing by cattle and goats, and a
> general lack of knowledge regarding the desert\'s ecological
> importance.]{.underline}
>
> [In summary, White Sands National Monument preserves 144,000 acres of
> truly unique habitat within the Chihuahuan Desert in addition to
> several species found no where else in the world. The monument
> provides important habitat for three obligate riparian bird species
> and 12 riparian dependent species alone. Overall the monument and the
> Chihuahuan Desert it occupies are considered to be highly significant
> by several renowned conservation groups.]{.underline}

**3.b. Proposed statement of outstanding universal value**

Based on the criteria you have selected just above, provide a brief
**Proposed Statement of Outstanding Universal Value** summarizing and
making clear why you think the property merits inscription on the World
Heritage List. If adopted by the World Heritage Committee, the statement
"will be the key reference for the future effective protection and
management of the property."

*Explanation: This statement should clearly explain the
**internationally** significant values embodied by the property, **not**
its **national** prominence.*

*"**Outstanding Universal Value**" **is formally defined as "...
cultural and/or natural significance which is so exceptional as to
transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present
and future generations of all humanity. As such, the permanent
protection of this heritage is of the highest importance to the
international community as a whole."***

[The geology and biology at White Sands National Monument is
internationally unique. The monument in southern New Mexico preserves
the world's largest gypsum sand dune field, covering 275 square miles of
the Chihuahuan Desert. The Chihuahuan Desert in itself is one of most
biologically rich and diverse deserts in the world. White Sands is also
significant for scientific research, one of the key elements for which
it was established. Of particular interest to science is the evolution
of animal species at the monument and the geology as a Mars
analog.]{.underline}

[Unlike the common lake and seashore quartz sand dunes, gypsum dunes
made up of wind blown crystals of calcium sulfate are rare. Gypsum
usually dissolves in rain water or snow melt and is carried away in
streams and rivers. The monument is located in a basin where the gypsum
has collected for thousands of years. Smaller gypsum dune fields are
found in Texas and Utah. Mexico has a similar but smaller, and seriously
disturbed, gypsum dune field. Australia also has gypsum deposits, some
of which occur in the form of dunes, but these are available for
commercial exploitation.]{.underline}

[White Sands is an internationally significant place for studying
evolution and the search for new species. The stark white gypsum dunes
are geologically recent, having been formed since the end of the last
glaciation. This provides an opportunity to study organisms in a
recently changing natural selection regime. A number of endemic white
animals have been identified in the white gypsum dune field. At least
six species are permanently white, and another three are variable but
turn white on a white substrate. Included species are arthropods,
lizards, amphibian, and rodents. No geographic barrier separates the
white dunes from adjacent dark colored soils. Therefore, any local
adaptation to White Sands is due to natural selection rather than
historical isolation. This is provocative because it challenges many of
the assumptions of current speciation theory.]{.underline}

[Many desert features, such as dune systems and dry lakes, provide a
unique habitat type found nowhere else in the world, and subsequently
harbor organisms also found nowhere else in the world. These endemic
organisms are not only of interest for conservation purposes, but are
potentially important indicators of environmental changes which have
occurred throughout history in this region. One such endemic organism
that may provide significant clues to past environments is the monotypic
spider genus Saltonia. This species is apparently restricted to
salt-crust habitats of dry or intermittent lakes and rivers. Previously
known from only two localities, it has now been found at several salt
flats in southern California and northern México, and a species new to
science exists at White Sands National Monument.]{.underline}

[Terrestrial desert sites provide excellent and affordable environments
in which to carry out scientific research relevant to the exploration of
the Moon and Mars. White Sands is one of the few sites internationally
where Mars analog research is being conducted, other sites include
Ellesmere Island, Canadian High Arctic and Rio Tinto, Spain. Extensive
sulfate deposits have been discovered recently at multiple locations on
the surface of on Mars. White Sands also has the common mineral gypsum,
a hydrous form of calcium sulfate (CaSO~4~·2H~2~O), rarely found in the
form of sand. The extent and purity of this deposit is sufficient to
make it a highly unusual, if not a unique geological formation. White
Sands is significant for understanding the geologic history at Eagle
Crater on Mars. It is now assumed that water was once present in Eagle
Crater due to the presence of sedimentary structures like ripple cross
stratification, along with salts and minerals that form through water
evaporation. Sedimentary structures and minerals formed by surface and
groundwater at White Sands may resemble those on Mars. Any similarities
in the features between the two sites will help in understanding the
paleoenvironmental conditions during the formation of sedimentary rocks
in Eagle Crater on Mars.]{.underline}

[Data from Mars Exploration Rovers and instruments in orbit indicate a
more active recent hydrologic cycle than previously recognized. Complex
water and rock interactions appear to be driven by eolian weathering,
winter frost and ice accumulation and summer melt-water discharge on
modern Mars. White Sands National Monument is a critical site to study
these types of processes and to test hypotheses regarding formation and
alteration of Martian regolith. The following processes are poorly
understood and need to be scientifically addressed: 1) formation and
transformation of sulfate-rich deposits in lakes and playas from
closed-drainage basins, 2) erosion of evaporitic crusts and eolian grain
transportation at sites of gypsum dune formation, 3) early diagenesis in
gypsum dunes under arid and semi-arid climate condition, and 4) local
and regional influences of volcanism on sulfur cycles.]{.underline}

[Images from the Mars rover Opportunity, show patterns of cracks across
the surface of boulders and outcrops. Some of these cracks are
associated with long, thin fins that protrude from the surface. Such
features look very similar to cracks and fins that form on the
sulfate-rich sands at White Sands National Monument. The cracks at White
Sands only form and grow in damp sand, especially during the wet months
of the winter. The fins are formed when water seeps into cracks in the
sand, carrying minerals with it. The water evaporates away, leaving
behind those minerals which are exposed as the wind blows sand away.
Windblown material sticks to the exposed fin, making it larger and
stronger. If the cracks and fins seen by the Opportunity rover on Mars
are formed in the same way as the features at White Sands, it would
provide evidence for water at the surface of Mars away from the polar
ice caps. Life does not persist in the absence of liquid water on earth,
so astrobiologists are interested in finding the existence of water on
the surface and subsurface of Mars.]{.underline}

[The internationally significant values of White Sands National Monument
are found in its geology and biology. The monument preserves the world's
largest gypsum sand dune field and a unique portion of the Chihuahuan
Desert in itself is one of most biologically rich and diverse deserts in
the world. White Sands is also significant for its potential for
scientific research on evolution of animal species and the paleontology
of Mars.]{.underline}

**Natural property**

*For example, a natural World Heritage Site may be a unique existence of
a type of habitat or ecosystem. It may comprise assemblages of
threatened endemic species, exceptional ecosystems, outstanding natural
landscapes or other natural phenomena.*

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**3.c. Comparison of proposed property to similar or related properties
(including state of preservation of similar properties)**

Please provide a statement explaining how the property being proposed
compares with all other similar or related properties anywhere in the
world, whether already on the World Heritage List or not.

*Explanation:* *Examples of questions that may be useful to consider
include whether the proposed property is part of a series or sequence of
similar sites belonging to the same cultural grouping and/or the same
period of history. Also, are there features that distinguish it from
other sites and suggest that it should be regarded as **more**,
**equally** or **jointly** worthy than they are? What is it that makes
this property intrinsically better than others and qualifies it for the
World Heritage List? For example, does it have more features, species or
habitats than a similar site? Is the property larger or better preserved
or more complete or less changed by later developments?*

*It will be especially helpful if specific reference can be made to a
study placing the property in a global context. The absence of
comparative information may indicate that the property is either truly
exceptional (a difficult case to prove) or that it lacks international
importance. If the results of the comparative review reveal that
multiple sites possess roughly comparable merit and may possess
international significance as a group, you may wish to recommend that
more than one site be proposed, as a serial nomination or as a joint
nomination by the United States and another country.*

*Also please make note of any major works that evaluate the property in
comparison to similar properties anywhere else in the world.*

[White Sands National Monument in southern New Mexico preserves the
world's largest area of snow-white gypsum sand dunes covering 275 square
miles of the Chihuahuan desert. Unlike the common lake and seashore
quartz sand dunes, gypsum dunes - made up of wind-blown crystals of
calcium sulfate are rare. Smaller gypsum dune fields are found in Texas
and Utah. Mexico has a similar but smaller, and seriously disturbed,
gypsum dune field. Australia also has gypsum deposits, some of which
occur in the form of dunes, but these are available for commercial
exploitation.]{.underline}

[The dunes of the White Sands National Monument are wind carried
deposits swept from the ancient dry lakebed of the Tularosa Basin. These
eolian deposits are exceptional not only in their extent, but in being
almost entirely of gypsum sand. Since gypsum is soluble, such deposits
do not usually accumulate, but at White Sands there are no streams or
rivers to carry it away.]{.underline}

[The unusual geology of the monument makes it an exceptional place to
conduct geologic research. Project on hydrology, sulfates, dune movement
and White Sands as a Mars analog are under way. It is also home to an
assemblage of unique plant and animal species. Twelve animal species,
including two rodent, three lizard, one amphibian, four insect, and two
arachnids have permanently changed their color to more closely match the
light substrate of the dunes. Thus the gypsum dune field, much like
isolated island environments, offers opportunities for biological
research in such fields as physiological adaptation and
evolution.]{.underline}

[The singular environment of the dunes is embedded in the larger
environment of the Chihuahuan Desert, designated by the World Wildlife
Fund as one of 19 priority landscapes in the planet. It is considered
one of the most biologically significant deserts in the world, rivaled
only by the Namib-Karoo of southern Africa and the Great Sandy Desert of
Australia. The protection of the Chihuahuan Desert at White Sands is
also a priority for the Center of Biological Diversity. The
awe-inspiring scenery of the dunes coupled with these unique natural
features makes it a very popular destination for eco-tourists from
around the world.]{.underline}

[The uniqueness of the White Sands National Monument is exemplified by
comparison with other regions where gypsum deposits are found. The
Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas lies at the foot of the
escarpment of the Guadalupe Mountains. Winds whip across the surrounding
salt flats and pick up crystals of gypsum. When the breezes hit the mile
high wall of the mountains, they deflect upward and dump their load to
form a dune field approximately three miles long and a mile wide. Plant
life stabilizes much of the five thousand acres of white sand. The dunes
of the jettisoned sand that rise from the desert floor are similar,
though much smaller in extent, to those of the White Sands National
Monument in neighboring New Mexico.]{.underline}

[Knoll, Utah, has gypsum sand dunes located on the eastern margin of the
Great Salt Lake Desert. A large proportion of the Salt Lake Desert is
used by the military; Hill Air Force Base to the north and the Wendover
Gunnery Range to the south. The gunnery range has used the area for
weapons testing over the past 40 years. A portion of the dunes are
accessible along Interstate 80. Here gypsum crystals form in the top
layer of the moist salty clay that forms the desert floor. As the clay
dries, the crystals are blown by the wind into dunes. The sand is formed
around mineral particles and fecal material. The oolitic sand is a
concretion, not composed of grains. Unlike the gypsum of the White Sands
Monument and Guadalupe Park, the gypsum here is not protected; it can be
collected and removed by the public.]{.underline}

[Bolsón de Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila, México, is a naturally closed 425
square mile intermountain basin. Gypsum salts blown from evaporating
lakebeds form a 1,977 acre dune field. Active dunes up to 30 feet high
encroach upon streams, posos or pools, older dunes and the surrounding
plains. The gypsum was mined for decades by the Proyeso Company.
Consequently the pure gypsum dunes of Cuatro Ciénegas were on the verge
of disappearing - today, only approximately 15% of the original dunes
remain. In November 2000, with The Nature Conservancy\'s support,
Prelature Noreste purchased Rancho Pozas Azules (Ranch of the Blue
Pools), a 7,000 acre ranch harboring more than 130 of the valley\'s 450
desert springs. The acquisition of Rancho Pozas Azules marked the first
ever conservation easement in the state of Coahuila and the largest
private land conservation purchase in Mexico\'s history. It is now owned
and managed by Prelature Noreste as a nature preserve. Currently, the
partners are working to protect two properties north of Rancho Pozas
Azules, which include significant numbers of pools.]{.underline}

[Besides the mining operations, livestock grazing and agriculture have
had a serious impact on the land. The availability of ground water has
lured many farmers to the valley, even though the heavily saline water
is of poor quality. Water has been over-exploited and several species of
fresh water fish have become extinct.]{.underline}

[Gypsum deposits in Australia fall into three classes, salt lakes or
playas, coastal basins and sequences in ancient sedimentary rock. The
largest reserves of gypsum are those associated with coastal basins and
sedimentary deposits, but the majority of the mined gypsum deposits in
Western Australia are associated with salt lakes. An episode of high
lake levels prior to the last maximum glaciation has been identified at
many localities in eastern Australia. Similar events have been
recognized at playa lakes in central Australia, where gypsum dunes along
playa margins formed during one or more episodes of high groundwater
discharge, with a large influx of calcium sulphate. Millions of tons of
gypsum are mined and shipped in Australia each year. The agricultural
use of gypsum alone comprises some 20 to 25% of Australian\'s
consumption.]{.underline}

[Australia does have a number of National Parks, though the gypsum dune
environment does not appear to receive the same level of protection that
is given at White Sands National Monument or Guadalupe National Park.
For example, Innes National Park is located within the Innes
Environmental Region is described as an undulating plain with dunes,
salt lakes and coastal cliffs. At the time the park was proclaimed, the
major gypsum lakes were excluded from dedication on the basis that they
contained mineral resources that should remain available for
mining.]{.underline}

[One can see from the brief survey above that the gypsum dunes at White
Sands National Monument are exceptional. The monument preserves the
world's largest gypsum dune field. These dunes are protected; the
removal of sand and the disturbance of plant and animal species are
prohibited. Only the smaller dune field at Guadalupe Mountains is
preserved to the same degree.]{.underline}

**3.d. Integrity and/or Authenticity**

*Explanation: As with a site's international significance, the clear
intent of this requirement is that a World Heritage Site's authenticity
or integrity must rise to a superlative level. Thus, for example, it is
quite important to understand that reconstructions of historic
structures or sites or largely restored ecosystems will usually be
disqualified from inscription in the World Heritage List.*

**Natural property**

Are there intrusions by non-native animals or plants and are there any
human activities that could compromise the property's condition?

YES: \_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [White Sands does not have intrusions by human activities other
than controlled access for tourists and scientists, primarily because
the entire monument is fenced and surrounded by secured military lands.
Prior to being fenced in 1996, the monument had a population of African
Oryx. These exotic animals have been removed. The monument has a number
of non-native plant species including Russian thistle, African rue and
Tamarisk. The Tamarisk presently holds the highest threat to White
Sands. It is highly adapted to arid climates. It thrives in very saline
and nutrient-poor soil. During the spring Tamarisk can grow as much as
one foot per month. It spreads readily by seed and by root, trunk, and
branch sprouts. Tamarisk can usually out-compete native plants for
water. A single, large tamarisk can transpire up to 300 gallons of water
per day. In many areas where watercourses are small or intermittent and
tamarisk has taken hold, it can severely limit the available water, or
even dry up a water source. Tamarisk can grow in salty soil because it
can eliminate excess salt from the tips of its leaves. When the leaves
are shed, this salt increases the salinity of the soil, further reducing
the ability of native plants to compete. Because of its ability to
spread, its hardiness, its high water consumption, and its tendency to
increase the salinity of the soil around it, the tamarisk has often
completely displaced native plants in wetland areas. The high ground
water table in the monument allows Tamarisk to grow virtually any
where.]{.underline}

If efforts are being made to conserve or restore a site or ecosystem,
what is their nature and are scientifically directed measures being
used? If the site comprises a unique ecosystem or habitat values, is the
area proposed of sufficient size and configuration to contain as
complete a representation of an ecosystem or habitat as is practicable
or reasonable?

Nature of conservation or restoration measures: [The]{.underline}
[park]{.underline} [employs a biologist, and with the help of the
Chihuahuan Desert Exotic Plant Management Team, the tamarisk is being
removed from White Sands. In the fall of 2006 the federal agencies
within the Tularosa Basin met at White Sands National Monument to
explore ways to cooperatively treat exotic plants including Tamarisk.
Holloman Air Force Base located to the east of the monument completed
aerial spraying for Tamarisk. Tamarisk growth within the park is not
increasing. The ecosystem is suitably intact to support the monuments
species and their habitats.]{.underline}

Proposed area is sufficient:

YES: \_\_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [The monument is comprised of 143,733 acres of dunes with shrub
and grasslands, approximately 5,000 acres contain Tamarisk.]{.underline}

**4. STATE OF PRESERVATION AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE PROPERTY**

**4.a. Present state of preservation of the property**

**Natural property**

What is the present state of conservation of the property (including its
physical condition and conservation measures in place)?

[White Sands is conserved through its protections as a National
Monument. There is no mining, agriculture, ranching, public hunting or
public off road driving. The monument is only accessible from an eight
mile loop road and three trails. Tourists may hike in any direction but
the vast majority does not walk more than a mile from the access
road.]{.underline}

Are there data on species trends or the integrity of ecosystems and are
there any on-going or planned interventions to restore natural
conditions (e.g., to restore altered topography or manage invasive
species and/or restore native ones)?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_

Comment: [Data on species trends and the integrity of the ecosystem are
not yet available. In 1999, the National Park Service launched the
Natural Resource Challenge, a five year program designed to strengthen
natural resource management in the nation\'s national parks. The single
biggest undertaking of the Challenge was to expand ongoing park
inventory and monitoring efforts into an ambitious comprehensive
nationwide program. The Service wide Inventory and Monitoring (I&M)
program was introduced to 270 parks identified as having significant
natural resources. Under this program, parks have been organized into 32
networks to conduct long-term vital signs monitoring. Each network links
parks that share geographic and natural resource characteristics,
allowing for improved efficiency and the sharing of staff and
resources.]{.underline}

[The Service-wide goals for vital signs monitoring in the National Park
Service are:]{.underline}

-   [Determine status and trends in selected indicators of the condition
    of park ecosystems to allow managers to make better informed
    decisions and to work more effectively with other agencies and
    individuals for the benefit of park resources.]{.underline}

-   [Provide early warning of abnormal conditions and impairment of
    selected resources to help develop effective mitigation measures and
    reduce costs of management.]{.underline}

-   [Provide data to better understand the dynamic nature and condition
    of park ecosystems and to provide reference points for comparisons
    with other, altered environments.]{.underline}

-   [Provide data to meet certain legal and congressional mandates
    related to natural resource protection and visitor
    enjoyment.]{.underline}

-   [Provide a means of measuring progress towards performance
    goals.]{.underline}

[The intent of the NPS monitoring program is to track a subset of valued
resources and indicators of overall ecosystem condition, known as
\"vital signs.\" The vital signs for White Sands National Monument have
been identified but most are not yet monitored, with the exception of
depth to ground water.]{.underline}

**4b. Factors affecting the property**

If there are known factors likely to affect or threaten the outstanding
universal values of the property or there any difficulties that may be
encountered in addressing such problems through measures taken, or
proposed to be taken, please use the following is a checklist to help in
identifying factors.

***(i) Development Pressures (e.g., encroachment, modification,
agriculture, mining)***

Are there development pressures affecting the property? Or major changes
in traditional land use? Or demographic shifts, especially in sites
still in the hands of the descendants of their creators, or, for
example, traditional ethnic communities.

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_X\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [The National Monument is entirely surrounded by federal lands.
There are no major changes in traditional land use and no encroachments
by developers or local communities.]{.underline}

***(ii) Environmental pressures (e.g., pollution, climat change,
desertification)***

Are there major sources of environmental deterioration currently
affecting the property?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [The monument does receive air pollutants from cities to the
west, along with El Paso and Juarez, Mexico to the south. However, there
is no evidence that these pollutants are affecting the ecosystem.
Studies were initiated in 2003 to assess the impacts of atmospheric
nitrogen deposition and climate change on Chihuahuan Desert ecosystems.
Ozone is not currently a significant concern for vegetation in
Chihuahuan Desert park units. At White Sands, an ozone injury risk
assessment had a low risk rating for vegetation. The affects of climate
change are undetermined.]{.underline}

***(iii) Natural disasters and risk preparedness (earthquakes, floods,
fires, etc.)***

Are natural disasters likely to present a foreseeable threat to the
property? If so, are there available background data (e.g., for a
property in a seismic zone, give details of past seismic activity, or
the precise location of the property in relation to the seismic zone,
etc.)

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_

Comment: [Rarely are there issues with public access. The summer of
2006, was the wettest in 112 years, causing a partial closure of the
monument due to standing water on roads and in picnic areas. However,
visitors were still accommodated. Natural disasters are not anticipated.
The monument is not in an active earthquake zone. Most of New Mexico\'s
historical seismicity has been concentrated over 100 miles to
the]{.underline} [northwest, in the Rio Grande Valley between Socorro
and Albuquerque. About half of the earthquakes of intensity VI or
greater (Modified Mercalli intensity) that occurred in the State between
1868 and 1973 were centered in this region. Surprisingly, with the
exception of the Socorro Seismic Anomaly, no discernable trend is
apparent for the Rio Grande rift, a major flaw in the earth\'s crust
that bisects the state north to south and along which the Rio Grande
flows. Fire is not an issue for the park. Seldom are bush fires started
by lightning or human carelessness, they are not sustained by the
vegetation.]{.underline}

Are there contingency plans for dealing with disasters, whether by
physical protection measures or staff training?

YES: \_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [the monument has written Standards Operation procedures for
Weather Emergency and Emergency Medical Services. Monument Law
Enforcement Officers are trained emergency medical technicians. The
monument also has memorandums of understanding for emergency services
with the Otero County Sheriffs Department and Otero County fire
department at Alamogordo West.]{.underline}

***(iv) Visitor/tourism pressures***

If the property is open to visitors, is there an established or
estimated \"carrying capacity\" of the property? Can it absorb or
mitigate the current or an increased number of visitors without
significant adverse effects?

YES: \_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [In 1997, visitation reached a high of 643,386 and has since
dropped to 441,747 in 2006. For the most part visitation is spread
throughout the year with a few exceptional days. The park experiences
significant visitation by the local community on holidays like Easter
and the day after Thanksgiving. Easter visitation reached 7,231 in 2006.
On these exceptional days, the monument has had traffic congestion at
the entrance station. The monument has redesigned the entrance station
and roadway and will begin construction in 2007 to remedy the occasional
traffic congestion.]{.underline}

***(v) Other***

Are there any other risks or threats that could jeopardize the
property's Outstanding Universal Values?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_

Comment: [There are no foreseeable risks or threats.]{.underline}

**5. PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT**

**5.a. Ownership**

Provide the name(s) and addresses of all owners:

[United States of America, Department of the Interior, National Park
Service.]{.underline}

[White Sands National Monument is located at 19955 Highway 70 West,
Alamogordo, NM 88310.]{.underline}

If any of these owners are corporations or other nongovernmental
entities, identify which are public and which private. Identify any
traditional or customary owners.

Public organization
owners:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Private organization
owners:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Traditional or customary
owners:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

If there are any other authorities with legal responsibility for
managing the property, provide their names and addresses:

[None]{.underline}
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

For properties having multiple owners, is there any representative body
or agent which speaks for all owners? If so, does that representative
body or agent have authority to act on behalf of all the owners? If so,
provide the name and address of that representative body or agent:

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Are there any restrictions on public access to the property?

*Explanation: Public access is not required for inclusion in the World
Heritage List. Policies in effect should be explained, however. )*

YES: \_\_\_[X\_]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [The monument has public access, a visitor center, concession,
hiking trails, picnic areas and restroom facilities. However, the
monument is surrounded by Department of Defense land which provides a
large measure of protection from trespass. The west and north sides of
the monument can be accessed after obtaining an escort or authorized
military egress.]{.underline}\_

**5.b. Protective designations**

What are the principal existing (and pending) legal measures of
protection that apply to the property?

*Explanation: List, [but do not attach]{.underline} copies of, all
relevant known or proposed legal, regulatory, contractual, planning,
institutional and/or traditional measures that affect the status of the
property: e.g., national park, wildlife refuge, historic monument,
zoning, easements, covenants, deed restrictions, State and local
historic preservation ordinances and regulations, and the like.*

List of measures: [United States Federal Law, Executive Orders and
National Park Service Policy and Directors Orders]{.underline}

Give the title and date of legal instruments and briefly summarize their
main provisions. Provide the year of designation and the legislative
act(s) under which the status is provided.

Titles, dates, and brief summaries of legal instruments: [including but
not limited to]{.underline}

-   [In 1916, Congress established the National Park Service with the
    National Park Service Organic act, 16 USC 1.]{.underline}

-   [General Authorities Act of 1970 Act to clarify the authorities
    applicable to the National Park Service. Congress further reaffirms,
    declares, and directs that the promotion and regulation of the
    various areas of the National Park System]{.underline}

-   [Section 118 of the 1963 Clean Air Act (42 USC 7401 et. Seq.)
    requires the National Park Service to meet all federal, state, and
    local air pollution standards.]{.underline}

-   [National Park Service policies require protection of water quality
    consistent with the Clean Water Act of 1977.]{.underline}

-   [The Endangered Species Act (1973 50 CFR Part 17) requires an
    examination of impacts on all federally-listed threatened or
    endangered species.]{.underline}

-   [National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA 1969 40 CFR Parts
    1500 - 1508) requires assessment of cumulative impacts in the
    decision-making process for federal projects.]{.underline}

-   [Executive Order 11988 for Floodplain Management]{.underline}

-   [Executive Order 11990 for Protection of Wetlands]{.underline}

-   [Executive Order 13112 for Invasive Species Management]{.underline}

-   [The Management Policies: U.S. Department of the Interior National
    Park Service 2006 and Directors Orders for detailed written guidance
    to help managers make day-to-day decisions]{.underline}

Are the protections in perpetuity or are there potential gaps in the
protection?

YES: \_\_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [Protection is in perpetuity]{.underline}\_\_\_

Are there any traditional ways in which custom safeguards the property?

YES: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_X\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**5.c. Means of implementing protective measures**

Will the owner(s) be responsible for ensuring that the nominated
property will be protected in perpetuity, whether by traditional and/or
statutory agencies? If no, identify who will be responsible.

YES: \_\_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Responsible entity other than the owner:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

What is the adequacy of resources available for this purpose? Please
briefly explain your reasoning.

[The proposed site is a National Monument within the United States of
America, funds for management and protection should be available in
perpetuity.]{.underline}

**5.d. Existing plans related to municipality and region in which the
proposed property is located (e.g., regional or local plan, conservation
plan, tourism development plan)**

*Explanation: List, [but do not attach]{.underline}, plans of which you
are aware that have been officially adopted or are currently under
development by governmental or other agencies that you believe directly
influence the way the property is developed, conserved, used or visited.
Include the dates and agencies responsible for their preparation and
describe their general nature, including whether they have the force of
law. It is recognized that this information may be difficult to compile
and that it may be difficult to decide what to include, but the
information will be very useful in determining how well the property is
protected.*

[There are no municipal or other agency plans that directly influence
the National Monument. The Monument routinely is consulted and comments
on National Environmental Policy (NEPA) documents from external
sources.]{.underline}

**5.e. Property management plan or other management system**

Is there a formal management plan or other management system for the
property? If yes, when was it last updated? If not, is one in
preparation and when will it be completed? (*It is not necessary to
provide copies, but a summary can be included if one is available.)*

YES: \_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment: [2007-2011 Strategic Plan]{.underline}

> [White Sands National Monument Master Plan]{.underline}
>
> [White Sands National Monument Business Plan]{.underline}
>
> [Core Operations Analysis]{.underline}

Is this management plan or other management system being effectively
implemented?

YES: \_\_\_[X]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_ NO: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Comment:\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**6. MONITORING**

*Because monitoring the condition of a property is not essential to a
decision as to whether a property meets the basic qualifications for
nomination to the World Heritage List, no information about the
property's monitoring program is being requested at this time. If the
property is subsequently added to the U.S. Tentative List, a set of key
indicators for assessing the property's condition, the arrangements for
monitoring it, and information on the results of past monitoring
exercises will be required to complete the l nomination of the property
for inscription on the World Heritage List,.*

**7. DOCUMENTATION**

**7.a Photographs, slides, and other audiovisual materials**

If recent images (prints, slides and/or, where possible, electronically
formatted images, videos and aerial photographs) are available that give
a good general picture of the property, please provide a few photographs
and/or slides. If available, film/video, or electronic images may also
be provided. They should give a good general picture of the property and
illustrate the qualities/features that you believe justify the
nomination of the property to the World Heritage List. (Ten views or so
should be adequate for all but the most complicated properties.)

Please label the images you supply and provide a separate list of them
here, including the photographer's name. Please do not include any
copyrighted images or other images to which you do not possess the
rights or do not have permission.

Images being supplied and names of their authors:

1.  [Landscape by Diane White]{.underline}

2.  [Landscape by Diane White]{.underline}

3.  [Cottonwood tree engulfed by sand by Diane White]{.underline}

4.  [Sunset in Dunes by John Creager]{.underline}

5.  [Child on Dune by John Creager]{.underline}

6.  [Moon rise over Dunes by John Creager]{.underline}

7.  [Storm over National Monument by John Creager]{.underline}

8.  [Public tour of Lake Lucero by John Creager]{.underline}

9.  [Selenite Crystals on shore line by John Creager]{.underline}

10. [Public tour of gypsum pedestal by John Creager]{.underline}

11. [White Faced Ibis by David Bustos]{.underline}

12. [American Avocet by David Bustos]{.underline}

13. [Tamarisk pedestals in the dunes by David Bustos]{.underline}

14. [Over view of white sand dunes by David Bustos]{.underline}

15. [Bleached Earless Lizard by David Prival]{.underline}

**8. CONTACT INFORMATION**

**8a. Preparer/Responsible Party for Contact:**

**Name:** [Diane
White]{.underline}**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Title:** [Resource Program
Manager]{.underline}\_\_\_\_**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Address:** [White Sands National Monument, PO Box 1086,]{.underline}
**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**City, State/Territory, Zip Code:** [Holloman AFB, NM
88330]{.underline}**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Telephone:** [505-679-2599
x223]{.underline}\_**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Cellular phone:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Preferred Days/Hours for Contact:** [Monday-Friday 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM,
Mountain Time]{.underline}

**Fax:** [505-479-4333]{.underline}
**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**E-mail and/or website:**
[diane]{.underline}**\_**[white@nps.gov]{.underline}\_**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**8.b. Responsible Official or Local Institution/Agency**

If different from the preparer above, provide the same information for
the agency, museum, institution, community or manager locally
responsible for the management of the property. In the case of public
property, identify both the responsible official and the agency. If the
normal reporting institution is a national agency, please also provide
that contact information.

**Name:** [Cliff
Spencer\_]{.underline}**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Title:**
[Superintendent]{.underline}\_**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Address:** [White Sands National Monument, PO Box
1086]{.underline}\_**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**City, State/Territory, Zip Code:** [Holloman AFB, NM
88330]{.underline}\_\_\_**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Telephone:** [505-679-2599
x210]{.underline}\_\_**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Cellular phone:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Fax:** [505-479-4333]{.underline}
\_**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**E-mail and/or website:**
[cliff]{.underline}\_[spencer@nps.gov]{.underline}**\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**9. Signatures of All Owners of Private Properties or Authorizing
Officials for Public Properties:**

**Explanation: No property will be included in the U.S. World Heritage
Tentative List without the written concurrence of all its property
owners. This is because U.S. law expressly forbids nomination of such
sites. In addition, at the time of nomination, property owners must
pledge to the legal protection or the development of legal protection of
the property in perpetuity.**

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Signature**

Cliff Spencer

**Typed or Printed Name**

\_Superintendent\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**Title**

**March 8, 2007**

**Date**

(Please attach as many additional signature pages as may be necessary.)