PINNACLES park bill 12/31/12 9a.m. PMD

THE PINNACLES NATIONAL MONUMENT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE UNITED STATES SENATE FOR INCLUSION INTO THE NATIONAL PARKS SYSTEM. THE CHANGE WOULD RAISE THE PROFILE OF THE AREA, AS WELL AS PROMOTE TOURISM.   THE LAND WAS RECOGNIZED BY PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT IN 1908, WHEN HE DESIGNATED IT AS A NATIONAL MONUMENT.     THE TRANSITION TO STATE PARK STATUS HAS ALREADY BEEN APPROVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.  THE BILL MUST NOW BE SIGNED INTO LAW BY PRESIDENT OBAMA.