06.23.03

Cantwell Recognizes Award-Winning Photographers

Four Photographers Recognized in National Contest

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) congratulated Tana Beus of Bellingham, Washington, today as the grand prize winner of the National Park Service’s 2004 "Experience Your America" photo contest. This year, Washington state photographers earned four of the top awards in the contest and two of their images were taken in the majestic parks within Washington State.

"Washington state citizens are very fortunate to live in such beautiful natural surroundings," said Cantwell. "Unfortunately, our 385 national parks are in trouble and are in need of more funding. I hope these award winning photographs will highlight the beauty of our national treasures and help boost their funding."

Beus's breathtaking photo of North Cascades National Park will be featured on the 2004 National Parks Pass. The $50 Pass allows one year of unlimited entry into all National Parks that charge entrance fees. Beus's winning photo was one of nearly 8,000 entries submitted in the third annual contest.

The Washington state winners include:

Grand Prize-Tana Beus, Bellingham, WA Picture of: North Cascades National Park, WA

1st Place-Royce Conrad, Shoreline, WA Picture of: Olympic National Park, WA

3rd Place-Dale Anderson, Shoreline, WA Picture of: Death Valley National Park, CA

Honorable Mention-John K. Clark, Richland, WA Picture of: Canyonlands National Park, UT

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