[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 868 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                     February 12, 2008.
Whereas Congressman William Kent of California recognized the transcendent 
        beauty and national significance of the coastal redwood trees and he set 
        aside his private land for future generations;
Whereas Congressman Kent donated his lands to be known as Muir Woods in the 
        State of California as the first National monument, presenting them to 
        the United States Government as a gift to the people of the United 
        States;
Whereas Muir Woods provides a keystone for conservation stewardship and a rich 
        natural laboratory to explore the philosophy of its namesake, the 
        admired conservation activist John Muir;
Whereas Muir Woods was recognized 100 years ago to be ``of extraordinary 
        scientific interest and importance because of the primeval character of 
        the forest and the character, age and size of the trees'';
Whereas the Kent donation made it possible for President Theodore Roosevelt to 
        exercise one of the Nation's most unique preservation tools, the 
        Antiquities Act, by declaring Muir Woods National Monument for the 
        American people;
Whereas Muir Woods National Monument is preserved today through the dedicated 
        staff and volunteers of the National Park Service;
Whereas on May 19, 1945 international delegates to the historic Charter 
        Convention of the United Nations met in the beauty and peace of Muir 
        Wood's Cathedral Grove to open the convention and honor the memory of 
        the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt; and
Whereas in 1972 Muir Woods National Monument became part of the Golden Gate 
        National Recreation Area and today attracts up to a million visitors 
        annually: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes the foresight of President Roosevelt in using the 
        Antiquities Act in declaring Muir Woods National Monument;
            (2) recognizes the 100 years of careful preservation of America's 
        Coastal Redwood forest within Muir Woods National Monument; and
            (3) recognizes the natural and historical importance of the Muir 
        Woods National Monument in the State of California and to the Nation.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.