Monument staff presented a variety of educational sessions focusing on the Arid Lands Ecology Reserve's unique natural and cultural resources. Cultural Resources Manager Jenna Gaston explained the history and spiritual connection that Native Americans hold with the Rattlesnake Hills. Lead Planner Dan Haas brought students up-to-date on the planning process for the future management of the Monument. Wildlife Biologist Heidi Newsome gave an overview of the many indigenous species of plants and animals that reside on the Monument or stop by on their seasonal migrations. Natural Resource Specialist Dave Smith highlighted the efforts of the Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation plan set in place to restore the damage done by the ?24 Command? wildfire of 2000. Feedback from students was extremely positive and indicated a deeper understanding of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's mission to conserve and protect the fragile habitats set aside for future generations.

View this report with photographs at: http://hanfordreach.fws.gov/documents/press/KCE%202004.pdf