[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[August 26, 1992]
[Page 1433]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Marsh-Billings National Historical Park 
Establishment Act
August 26, 1992

    Today I am pleased to sign into law S. 2079, the ``Marsh-Billings 
National Historical Park Establishment Act.''
    S. 2079 will establish the Marsh-Billings National Historical Park 
in Vermont with the purpose of interpreting the history of conservation. 
This site includes the boyhood home of George Perkins Marsh. In 1864 
Marsh published the first book on conservation, called Man and Nature. 
He warned that not providing for the proper protection of forest cover 
would lead to the pollution of streams and rivers, the loss of soil, 
wildlife, and plants, and the ability to farm the land.
    The Marsh home was later purchased by Frederick Billings, an 
attorney and railroad magnate who began a scientific farm on this site, 
and reforested the land. It has been owned for the last 60 years by 
Laurance and Mary Rockefeller.
    This National Historical Park will include the mansion and 550 acres 
of hillside that were replanted by Frederick Billings. The legislation 
will also provide for cooperation with the historic Frederick Billings 
Farm and Museum, and allow the National Park Service to interpret for 
the public the beginnings and the evolution of the conservation 
movement.
    Conservation principles, first articulated by Marsh and practiced by 
Billings, have also been primary themes of my Administration. Just as 
Frederick Billings replanted trees over a century ago on the 550 acres 
of hillside, my Administration has set a goal to plant one billion trees 
per year across America.
    Since 1989, I have proposed an America the Beautiful initiative 
which has doubled funding for national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, 
and other public lands, and tripled funding to States for outdoor 
recreation. Nearly 20 national park units and 60 wildlife refuges have 
either been created or significantly expanded. In total, over 1.5 
million acres have been made available for the use and enjoyment of 
present and future generations.
    The Nation owes a debt of gratitude to Laurance and Mary 
Rockefeller, who are donating their home as the first national park in 
Vermont. I salute the Rockefeller family's long-standing support for the 
protection of America's natural and cultural wonders and their close 
relationship with the National Park System. They have provided 
substantial support to the Virgin Islands National Park and Grand Teton 
National Park in Wyoming. All Americans will benefit from their 
generosity.
    I welcome the Marsh-Billings National Historical Park as the next 
worthy addition to the National Park System.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
August 26, 1992.

                    Note: S. 2079, approved August 26, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-350.