A decades old proposal to upgrade Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve to a national park is getting new life.
The monument's superintendent, Dan Buckley, is proposing the upgrade and says he's briefed Idaho's congressional delegation. The move would ultimately require congressional approval.
Idaho is the only state in the West without a national park entirely within its borders.
Tourism officials say upgrading Craters of the Moon could pay big dividends, raising its visibility and hopefully drawing more tourists. Many tourists, foreigners in particular, plan vacations around visiting national parks.
Buckley tells the Idaho Statesman he'd like to change the name but keep the management structure the same. He says he wouldn't use the move to see a bigger budget.