L to R: Bob Defer, Executive Director of the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, and Congressman PearceWashington, DC – Congressman Pearce toured the Carlsbad Caverns National park Thursday to highlight the importance of public lands to New Mexico Tourism.

L to R: Bob Defer, Congressman Pearce, Carlsbad Caverns superintendent, and Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway"Tourism in New Mexico is unlike any other experience across the nation. Our rich heritage provides some of the most extraordinary sites for visitors to witness firsthand. The beauty and diverse ecosystems of the Second District is something we should all be working collectively to support and promote. Carlsbad Caverns is one of these sites. Not only does it provide a one of a kind experience for its visitors, it also supports the local communities economy."

"Right next to Carlsbad Caverns is the Guadalupe Ridge Trail, which was recognized by Secretary Zinke as a national recreational trail in May. These two sites are a cornerstone for tourism and visitation to this area. They support and help diversify the local economy and provide quality jobs to many of our neighbors. This area is a perfect example of how multi-use public lands can both support recreation and outdoor activity, while also aiding and assisting the counties that support them. Congress and the federal government must do everything it can to continue to promote policies that ensure this unique and strong relationship continues."
 
"The federal government, though, does have more work to do at the Caverns. I fear the National Park Service (NPS) are repeating past mistakes when it comes to the renovation and modernization of the secondary elevators. Visitation, according to NPS's own data, is highly dependent on functioning elevators to ferry guests to and from the caverns. The Caverns experienced lower than average attendance, both for the Park and national, when it was without elevators. The federal government has a responsibility to be good stewards and neighbors to New Mexico. Visitation driven by the caverns and the Guadalupe Ridge Trail are vital for the economic success of the Carlsbad community and Eddy County. My office will continue to work with NPS and the Department of the Interior to mitigate any visitation issues as the secondary elevators undergo renovations. However, it is essential the NPS learn from its past mistake and move as expediently as possible to renovate the secondary elevators."
 
"However, while these great Caverns are available to all, the inability to use the secondary elevator systems provides limited access to some tourists. It has been proven that when both elevator systems are not functionally running, surrounding communities are negatively effected. After waiting five years for the primary elevator system to be working, we cannot wait another five years for the secondary elevator system to be fixed, as well. This is a matter which must be resolved as soon as possible. Carlsbad and other surrounding communities deserve our best and I will continue to ensure that these elevators are fixed in a timely manner."